ISSUE 144 The Publication of The Linn County Blues Society JUNE 2006 BLUESMORE 2006 will feature Blues of Roomful of Blues, Nora Jean Bruso, The Ellis Kell Band, at Brucemore on August 5th
Roomful of Blues female sellers in Pocono’s 13 “Standing Room Only” year history along with She- Alligator Records mika Copeland and KoKo Taylor. The second highest After more than 35 years of seller of any artist to appear jumpin’ and swingin’ through at the 2003 Chicago Blues nearly 50 band members, Festival. this Rhode Island collective “After one song, you’ll is more like a Houseful of realize this is the real deal Blues than a Roomful. With Blues. Bruso is a vocalist who eight originals and six classic has the drama inside of her covers, “Standing Room Only” is a pulsating and allows it to come out in each word she joy that captures the energy of the band’s live sings.” —Art Tipaldi, Blues Revue Magazine performances. The material optimizes the vocal power of The Ellis Kell Band singer Mark DuFresne and the guitar work and “Ellis Kell Band & Friends - 2000” songwriting of leader Chris Vachon, whose four compositions are highlights. The band’s Celebrating 15 years together in 2005, the trademark horns remain a driving force, the band continues to perform at shows, festivals signature of Roomful’s Blues. There’s no way and concerts. They have opened shows and you can stay in your seat with grooves like this. shared the stage with...B.B. King, Jimmy The Boston Herald Rogers, Robert Cray, Delbert McClinton, Jimmie Vaughan, Nora Jean Bruso Etta James, Johnny Winter, “Going Back to Mississippi” Junior Wells, Bo Diddley, Saffire, Severn Records Charlie Musselwhite, Albert Collins, Lonnie Mack to name a Recently named one of the ten few. From the Quad Cities, the great women in Chicago Blues band has appeared at Missis- by Chicago’s Museum of Science sippi Valley Blues Festivals. and Industry, Nora Jean’s first re- lease was one of the top three Stay tuned...Great Blues is coming!
©2006—Linn County Blues Society Iowa Blues Challenge winner Juke Joint Sinners of Quad Cities
The Linn County Blues Society is a non-profit Press Release from Iowa Blues Challenge Two Alligator artists receive organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and perpetuation of Blues music in Blues Music awards Eastern Iowa, as well as to provide charitable Congratulations to Juke Joint Sinners, contributions to other community organizations. winners of the 2006 Iowa Blues Chal- On May 11th, The Blues Foundation LCBS is an Affiliated Organization in The Blues lenge held Friday, May 19th at the announced the recipients of the 2006 Foundation’s international network. The BLUESPAPER is a monthly publication of LCBS. Hilton Garden Inn. This Quad Cities Blues Music Awards (formerly the W.C. Website: www.lcbs.org band received $500 cash plus $1,200 Handy Awards). Two Alligator recording Bluesline: 319/399-5105. travel expenses to Memphis as our artists received honors: The Leaders—Officers: local representative at the Interna- • Marcia Ball was named the Pinetop President...... Dave Points tional Blues Challenge. Perkins Piano Player of the Year and Vice President...... Vacant Des Moines band Big Mike and • Mavis Staples won for Soul/Blues- Secretary...... Michelle Points Holdin’ on Tight placed second, earn- Female Artist of the Year. Treasurer...... Susan Dergo ing them $400 cash. The Blues Music Awards ceremony and Directors at Large: Both of these bands also receive 8 concert were held May 11th in Memphis, Bob DeForest, Bill Meeks, Bob Dorr hours of studio time as well as several TN at the Cook Convention Center. Chairs: paid gigs including the Mississippi Education...... Vacant Valley Blues Fest and Nitefall On The Albert Cummings returning Entertainment...... Gary Gibson River in Des Moines. to Cocktails July 13 Membership...... Kevin Cutsforth Rounding out the competition were Merchandise...... Andy Dergo Parliamentarian...... Bill Meeks The Soul Searchers, earning $300 Angie Dahl of Cocktails & Company Program...... Bob DeForest cash. e-mails: “We are having Albert Cum- Public Relations...... Interested? The Iowa Blues Challenge features mings back on July 13th. He just came Webmaster...... Evan Vulich one of the finest prize packages, for a out with his new CD! It will be a GREAT The BLUESPAPER folks: contest of this kind, in the country. Blues Show!!!” Editor...... Chris Weinbrenner Over $5,000 in prizes have been The BLUESPAPER will feature Albert and Photographers...... See bylines each issue awarded to the top bands, Staff Writers...... See bylines each issue his new CD in our July issue. Printing...... :...... Superior Press Included was cash, travel expenses, Distribution...... Andy Dergo & Bill Meeks recording time, as well as spots in the P P P P Membership: Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in To learn more about The Linn County Blues Soci- Davenport, IA; the Nightfall on the ety or to join, see the membership form on the LCBS website. Your membership includes: River in Des Moines, IA; 2007 Simply • Discount admissions to many local Blues the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA; Blues The Cedar Rapids activities Under the Trees in Fort Dodge, IA and Blues Scene Says... • Monthly LCBS BLUESPAPER the International Blues Challenge in • Voting rights in the LCBS Memphis, TN. Contact Information: The 2006 Iowa Blues Challenge has Deadline for news, band or club live entertainment been proudly sponsored by Central listing, or advertising: 2nd Monday of month. Send to Chris Weinbrenner, PO Box 407, Williamsburg IA Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley 52361, phone/fax: 319/668-8113; Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues [email protected] or web: www.lcbs.org Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcast- ing/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior’s Moving? Send new address to LCBS, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2672 so you won’t miss a Motel, SR Audio, Cityview, Artscene single issue of your BLUESPAPER. and Rieman Music. Check out www.cibs.org for more information.
2/The BLUESPAPER/June 2006 Sugarcane Collins releases new CD “Way Down the River”
Sugarcane Collins has just released a brand new in the form of “Way Down the River”, a masterpiece independently produced Blues/Roots album, “Way Down album from Australian Bluesman Sugarcane Collins. the River” in the USA. Here’s what some reviewers are Everything about this album is remarkable. —From James saying about the CD. Walker’s upcoming (June 8th) review for Blueswax. • “This album is a must have for acoustic Blues lovers who yearn for a trip through the Delta. These are all original • “If you didn’t know better, listening to his new disc, compositions and they are classic. I enjoyed this album you’d swear that Sugarcane Collins was raised on Blues immensely and you will too.” —Pat Kreeft, Atlanta Blues music in the Deep South of the USA. Blessed with a husky, Society soulful voice and a deft stroke on guitar, Collins pays • When cultures collided on the North American conti- tribute to the great acoustic Bluesmen of the 20’s and 30’s. nent, the first truly “American” music was born, the Blues. Collins wrote all the tunes and they are a powerful From these shores this music and its story spread around commentary on the music of that time.” —Frp, Graham the world influencing generations of musicians and fans. Clarke’s review for Blues Bytes. The most recent proof of the Blues’ global impact comes For more information, www.sugarcollins.com
‘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/June 2006/3 There’s Spring in the air...
New Orleans Bluesman Bryan Lee to perform at Mahoney’s He has released three more since 1996, his latest being entitled “Bare Wire.” His By Ric Holmquest, LCBS Staff Writer earlier CDs have gained national atten- tion and reviews including “Five Stars” World renowned New Orleans Bluesman from Blues Access (July 1998) and great Bryan Lee will perform at Mahoney’s Irish reviews from Blues Revue and Living Pub, 1602 E Avenue NE, Sunday, June 25, Blues. from 6-10 PM. Dubbed the Blind Blues The Tornadoes bring classic electric Blues, Daddy, Bryan Lee’s recent Justin Time swing, jump and contemporary rockin’ Records release is “Live and Dangerous.” Blues through guitar, harmonica, bass Bryan Lee can tell you stories about New and drums, plus the searing vocals of Jac- Orleans. A Bourbon Street Blues fixture for queline Krain. Their repertoire includes many years, Lee has been entertaining songs by such artists as Muddy Waters, Blues music fans around the world from the fans a rare opportunity to experience the talents of a true Blues music icon. Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Otis Rush, stage of the French Quarters legendary Old Freddie King, Louis Jordan, B.B. King, Little Absinthe House Bar. His strong guitar style There is never a cover at Mahoney’s Irish Pub. Charlie & the Nightcats, and the Fabu- and husky voice set the tone for his power- lous Thunderbirds, coupled with tunes by ful Blues music message, and often times Bonnie Raitt, Kelley Hunt, and Susan Te- his Fender Telecaster “do the talkin’.” Blues ‘n BBQ in Swisher deschi. Bryan Lee lost his sight at the young age Band members have been playing to- of eight and has never let that get in his Swisher American Legion gether since 1997, although their musi- way. A cut off the new “Live and Danger- Saturday, June 10, 6:00 till Midnight cal experience goes back much further. ous” recording sums it up with “Don’t take Featured bands: They bring experiences from playing the my Blindness for Weakness.” Lee’s early 6:00-8:00 PM: Gary Gibson Group Blues on the West Coast, in the Midwest, musical inspirations came from listening to 8:00-10:00 PM: The Tornadoes with and all around. Gifted vocalist Krain the likes of Elmore James, Albert King and Jacqueline Krain joined the guys in 2005 bringing a new Albert Collins. This is some powerful Blues! 10:00-Midnight: Bryce Janey sound and driving Energy. Many compare his hard guitar chomps with Food • Beer • Soda on grounds Kenny Wayne Sheppard, unaware that Lee No coolers • No pets • Rain or shine Gary Gibson is considered by many to was a mentor to the young guitar slinger Sponsored by Swisher Men’s Club be one of the premier Electric Blues Gui- when Kenny Wayne was a teenager. $8.00 admission tarists in the Midwest today. Gibson got Born in Two Rivers, WI, Lee chose to make About the bands: his first guitar and played his first gig when New Orleans his home in the early 80’s and he was 13 and hasn’t put it down for 42 never lost sight of his Midwest upbringing Bryce Janey began his career at age 13 years. Gary has played with Riff Raff, nor his Chicago Blues influences. He has a in a Blues trio called “The Janeys”—his Floyd Jones, Essence, Fat Chance, Lustere reputation of always surrounding himself mother on drums and his father, BillyLee King, The Runaways, Jim Schwall, Har- with a virtual Who’s Who of New Orleans on guitar. The Janey’s played regionally monica Slim and the Works, Coleman Blues musicians on his recordings and with and nationally from Chicago to Los An- Harris, Hawkeye Herman, and Sarah his live performances. His current Blues Power geles. Between 1991 and 1993 they per- Greene. He has also shared the stage Band lineup features John Perkins on the formed with over 50 national acts includ- with Bob Dorr’s Blue Band, The Buzz, drums, Brent Johnson on rhythm and lead ing Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Magic Dick and J. Geils, Tab Benoit, and guitars and former Chris Duarte bass-ist Ja- Traveler, KoKo Taylor, and Elvin Bishop E.C. Scott and Smoke to name a few. son Rasberry handling the bottom line. to name just a few. He and his bands have opened for Dick- To learn more about Bryan Lee visit braille After the Janey’s achieved some re- ey Betts, Chris Smither, Anthony Gomes, bluesdaddy.com. The Bryan Lee perfor- gional success, Bryce began a solo ca- The Kinsey Report, Lonnie Brooks, Larry mance at Mahoney’s Irish Pub gives music reer and released his first CD in 1995. Continued on page 5
4/The BLUESPAPER/June 2006 & the Blues are rollin’ in!
Blues ‘n BBQ in Swisher Mississippi Valley Blues • Sunday BlueSKool Continued from page 4 2:30 - Dave Fest Moore McCray, Savoy Brown with Kim Simmons, June 30th- 3:45 - Kevin “BF” and at Chicago’s House of Blues for the July 2nd Burt Radiators. LeClaire Park 5:00 - David Gary has performed the regional festi- Davenport Berntson (free val circuit playing the Mississippi Valley harmonicas and Blues Festival, Mid Mississippi Muddy Wa- • Friday, June 30th lessons for all the kids.) ters Blues Festival, Snake River Blues Fes- Bandshell tival, Court Avenue Blues Festival, Hero 5:00 Iowa Blues Challenge Street Festival, the Bix Beiderbecke Me- • Sunday, July 2nd Winner Bandshell morial Street Festival, headlined at the 7:00 Popa Chubby 2:00 Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band Sigourney Blues Festival in 1999, Rock Is- 8:30 Doris Pierre Memorial Outstand- 4:00 The Eric Steckel Band land Fest, Bar-B-Q Roundup, and the ing Volunteer Awards Stevens Point Festival. 6:00 Kelley Hunt 9:00 Ronnie Baker Brooks 7:30 Presentation of RiverRoad Gary’s first album titled “Gary Gibson 11:00 Mavis Staples Group,” released in 1997, features 11 orig- Lifetime Achievement Award inal songs covering a wide range of mod- • Saturday, July 1st to James Cotton ern Blues. He produced his first live al- 8:00 Guitar Shorty Bandshell 10:00 Delbert McClinton bum in 2004, and has contributed to six 2:00 The Rockin’ Jake Band other albums for various artists. 4:00 James “Super Chikan” Johnson Single day passes: $15/3-day $35 Gary competed twice in the Iowa Blues 6:00 Walter “Wolfman” Washington For information call Blues Society of- Challenge winning in two different regions 8:00 Sonny Landreth fice at 563-322-05837 or e-mail to of the competition, and supported Blues 10:00 Dirty Dozen Brass Band [email protected] education by performing in Quad City area schools for the Mississippi Valley Blues Clifford Antone of Antone’s nightclub fame dies May 24th Society’s Blues in the Schools program. Gary Gibson can be heard on Iowa Club owner, promoter and Blues historian Clifford Antone died May 24th of an ap- Publis Radio at KUNI’s “Down Around the parent heart attack in Austin, TX, the town he helped transform into “The Live Music Cap- Corner,” on National Public Radio’s “Beale itol of the World” since opening the first Antone’s nightclub on the now famous 6th Street. Street Caravan,” KCCK’s Da Blues and, of In the late 1970’s, when many of the world’s greatest Blues musicians were barely course, in area and regional clubs. He is hanging on, Clifford gave Muddy Waters, Albert King, Eddie Taylor, Hubert Sumlin and also the Entertainment Chair with the Linn many more a musical home, an audience to play to, and treated them like the County Blues Society and has spear- royalty that they were. headed the Backporch Blues Jam for kids Some of them, such as James Cotton and Pinetop Perkins, subsequently moved to at the BLUESMORE Festival in 2005. the Texas capitol. 30 years and two locations later Antone’s had spawned and/or furthered the careers of a vast array of musical talent including Marcia Ball, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, WC Clark, Doug Sahm, Jimmie Join the Linn County Blues Society Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan and a host of others. in keeping the Blues alive in Eastern I can think of few people in the world who have done more for Blues Music in the last 30 years than Clifford Antone, and on top of all that he was one of the sweetest guys Iowa! Renew your membership and I’ve ever met. It is a sad day in American history to be sure. God bless you Clifford, go ask a friend to join! on and join your friends at that last late night jam session. He may have had to sell the club a few years back, but Clifford Antone was one guy who never sold out.
The BLUESPAPER/June 2006/5 Who’s Playing Where & When
CALENDAR Every Sunday: Checker's Tavern: BLUE SUNDAY, 8 PM (no cover) Every Sunday: Mahoney’s Irish Pub: Various artists (no cover) Membership Every Tuesday: Rumour’s Jam: T-Bone Giblin/Dan Johnson, 8-11 Every Wednesday: Fajita Factory CR: McMurrin & Johnson, 5-8 Discounts Save You$$$! Every Wednesday: Checker’s Tavern: Kevin B.F. Burt Solo, 6-9 Every Wednesday: Mahoney’s CR: D-Licious Vinyl w/Bob DeForest, 8-12 The following merchants have graciously offered discounts to Every Thursday: J.M. O'Malley's: T-Bone Giblin Jam Fest members of the Linn County Blues Society that flash their membership cards and the coupon below. MAY Mon. 29 Waubeek Bob Dorr & The Blue Band at FB & Co. • Save at...Dublin City Pub Summer Kick Off Blowout Get your discount drinks at Dublin City Pub. JUNE • Save at...Tic Toc Restaurant Fri.2 & 3 Coralville Gary Gibson Group at Confusions Cafe Buy one, get one 1/2 price, on any regular breakfast Sat. 3 Doozey’s The Tornadoes entre or sandwich Chappy’s Safari Sky Pilot • Save at...Genghis Grill Sun. 4 Mahoney’s Pub Public Property 10% off entire ticket anytime Wed. 7 Chappy’s Safari Merrill Millere, Troy Harper, Eric Douglas • Save at...Papa Juan’s The Firehouse The Hosers 10% discount on meals only Fri. 9 Kalona The Tornadoes at Tuscan Moon • Save at...Hamilton Mortgage 9 Chrome Horse All That $250 off closing costs (ask for Jessica) 9 Confusions Cafe Big Mo w/John Reasoner/Paul Cunliffe * * LCBS COUPON * * Sat. 10 Swisher Blues ‘n BBQ (see story on page 4) Keep your card & coupon in your wallet or purse & use it. Confusions Cafe Craig Erickson Chappy’s Safari McMurrin & Johnson Chrome Horse Grass Roots & The Buckinghams, 5 PM Sun. 11 Checkers Tavern Studebaker John & the Hawks Specializing in Mahoney’s Pub Stratospheerius RIBS, STEAK, PRIME RIB Wed.14 Chappy’s Safari TripleShot LOBSTER & CRAB The Firehouse The Firehouse 3 w/Gary Gibson Featuring our award winning Fri. 16 Confusions Cafe Easy Does It w/John Shultz/Bob Dunn BBQ pork ribs 16 Chrome Horse Bruner Brothers Seafood • 30 item salad bar Sat. 17 Confusions Cafe Kevin “B.F.” Burt Kids Menus • Specialty desserts Blend, CR John Shultz Organization w/Steve Grismore 90 Twixt Town Road • Marion & Paul Cunliffe 377-6386 Chappy’s Safari 4 Box O’Rocks LCBS meeting 1st Monday of month! Sun. 18 Mahoney’s Pub Starrunner See you at The Longbranch on July 10 (special date), Checkers Tavern Rev. Raven & Chain Smoking Altarboys 6:30 PM, for the LCBS July Meeting. Guests are welcome! Wed.21 Chappy’s Safari Dr. Z’s Experiment The Firehouse The Hosers Fri. 23 Cedar Basin Saints Dixieland Band at Basin Jazz Fest A very special THANK YOU to these businesses who have signed 23 Chrome Horse Sonic Holiday up to help us Keep the Blues Alive: Sat. 24 Confusions Cafe Gary Gibson ✬Chappy's Safari Lounge ✬Cedar Brewing Co. Chappy’s Safari Jeff Bruner ✬16th Avenue Music ✬Chrome Horse Williamsburg Sundown Lounge ✬J.M. O'Malleys ✬Mahoney’s Sun. 25 Mahoney’s Pub Bryan Lee ✬Muddy Waters ✬KCCK 88.3 Checkers Tavern Scarlett Runner ✬Longbranch ✬Checker’s Tavern Wed.28 Chappy’s Safari Berry (from St. Louis) ✬Dudley Bros. Company ✬Ron Schantz Construction The Firehouse The Firehouse 3 w/Gary Gibson ✬Ralston Foods ✬Home Town Restyling Fri. 30 Confusions Cafe Big & Easy w/John Shultz/John Heim ✬Watson’s Auto Body, Inc. ✬Dublin City Pub 30 Chrome Horse Black Velvet Elvis ✬CRST ✬Stars Guitars
6/The BLUESPAPER/June 2006