Volume 29; Issue 6 December 2008-January 2009
25th International We’re Goin’ to Memphis! Blues Challenge In case you have been out of touch, tive jazz, Allie we held a great competition to deter- kept bringing it mine who we would sponsor at the back to the 25th IBC in Memphis. The competi- Blues. Then tion was held at the Capitol City Ho- Jimmy Pailer tel (formerly the Clarion) at Auburn and Lew Fra- February 4-7, 2009 Blvd. and Fulton Ave. on Sunday, tis took the Memphis, TN. October 19th. stage. Jimmy and Lew have been playing together quite a while, and Blues The competition their exceptional If you don’t know started with the stage presence single/duo cate- showed it. The last Blues, you don’t gory, and I was solo/duo contestant know nothin’. late. I walked in was Steve Foster, to hear Yasa- who showed us a Unknown, but of- taka performing some incredible gui- whole new side of his ten quoted by tar work. He was work. Steve is very very intent on his creative and is defi- BB King task, and obviously nitely an audience
INSIDE THIS knew a thing or two favorite. Whew! Glad I wasn’t a ISSUE: about the blues. He judge for this top talent. was followed by
Willie’s Wise Words 3 Saul Kaye, doing After the his own composi- break, the tions for the per- band com- Daniel Castro 4 spective of a Jewish slave. I really petition be- enjoyed gan with the Membership Party 45 his per- Matty T formance, Band lead- but I won- ing off. Matty is a popular home San Francisco 6 Blues Festival dered band what just Memphis west of Road Trip 8 would us, and think of that! Next up, Allie Marcel he has showed us that a standup bass is a a solid Mississippi Blues 10 at the Torch! solo blues instrument. While his group. partner was performing more innova- Next came the Cold Truth, and the
dance floor filled up as Isis belted
1 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 2 We’re Goin’ to Memphis! continued out the pression. on Beale Street, and you can also tunes. support our A World of Travel This was As we waited for the judges Treasures is handling the accom- a really results we know they had a modations, so you don’t even high- problem. It seems that two need to worry about the details. Just pack your bags and go. energy bands had exactly the same Great Food, Historic Sun Studio, band. top final scores. They finally Gibson Guitar Factory, Stax Re- made their determinations, and cord Museum, Rock & Soul Mu- Stevenson Proffitt followed the results were: seum, Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, BBQ Ribs, and Good Single/duo People all await you! 1. Pailer and Fratis 2. Steve Foster The package cost is $799.00 per 3. Saul Kaye person (dbl hotel occupancy.) and Bands includes air, hotel and transfers, with an interesting set that I 1. The Aces and a hotel with 2 double beds and breakfast. If you are inter- personally couldn’t call blues, 2. Used Blues with Gary Men- ested in joining us, hurry and call but I had to admire the talent on doza Linda at 1-800-626-1771, or e- the stage. 3. Stevenson Proffitt mail Aworldoftraveltreas- Cynthia [email protected] Huddleston The Used Blues Band will and the be the opening band for Juke Joint Ed Early at Jokers fol- our Member lowed, and Party on De- the dance floor crowded again. cember Sunday Cynthia is a blues singer to be December 14th. watched. When Gary Mendoza Please look for upcoming events show casing our winning acts!!
So what does this mean? It means and the Used Blues Band took we need to go to over the stage, the joint was Memphis to cheer really on our entrants to jumpin’. the International The Mill Blues Competition Creek – and go we will! Blues Here is your oppor- gave us a tunity to take a trip taste of with like minded SBS members and country blues, then The Aces see Beale Street followed and brought down the with all the clubs curtain on the competition, but open, live blues not before they left a great im- music pouring out
2 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 3 Willie’s Wise Words
Greetings Sacramento Blues several spots on the Board of Program, the benefits, the lo- Society (SBS) mem- Directors, so bring cal clubs, the festivals and the bers & blues fans! them to this show! wonderful blues musicians in Where has the time our area. Also, thanks to eve- gone? It has been a fun two ryone that has contributed to years and I think the “Rear View Mirror” articles After serving as your we’ve made some in the weekly SacBlues News President for the past wonderful progress emails. Keep them coming! I two years, it’s time with not only the con- will continue to keep you in- for me to step back tinuation of the BITS formed about the blues scene and return to being program under the on a weekly basis. the “Goodwill Ambas- direction of Cynthia sador” again and just Jaynes, but also the We will be celebrating the 30th have some good old partnerships with the anniversary of The Sacra- “blues fun”. I’m really Jazz Jubilee in 2008 mento Blues Society in 2009, looking forward to traveling and the Northern California so keep up the good work back to Memphis this coming Blues Festival the past two people - upward & onward! February with our “Sacramento years! contingent” to support the en- th As always, “Save me a seat”, tries in the 25 Annual Interna- I would like to thank everyone Willie Brown – President tional Blues Challenge. We are connected with the Sacra- very proud to have Lew Fratis mento Blues & Jimmy Pailer representing Society for us in the “solo/duo” category helping in and The Aces as our “band” “Keeping The entry! Keep an eye out for a Blues Alive” few “Showcase, Fundraiser & around our Send-Off to Memphis” shows area. We ex- with performances by these perienced a wonderful blues acts in the near couple of future. bumps along the way, but To round out the year, we will it’s always re- be holding our annual warding and “Membership Show” on Decem- gratifying ber 14 featuring Bay Area musi- when every- cian Ed Earley (Elvin Bishop thing comes sideman & Blues Cruiser) and together. his blues band. Also on this year’s bill will be Gary Men- Thank you for doza & The Used Blues Band your continued (the runner-up [actually tied for support of the first] during the recent Sacramento SacBlues Challenge). This Blues Society, show is free to all of our mem- the Blues In bers in good standing. We will The Schools be collecting your ballots to fill 3 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 4 Daniel Castro is all over Northern California By Jeff Sullenger
As an avid with some of the best tradi- neck that was custom made for blues fan and tional blues ever written. him. a guy always Many people have covered on the look Albert King’s, ‘I’ll Play the The band members are all fabu- out for a good Blues for You’, and lous talents as well. Long time show I have Daniel’s version is abso- bassist Glade Rasmussin is an found that lutely the best you will ever accomplished musician and you Northern Cali- hear. His guitar work is so get to hear what a difference a fornia has an smooth it puts you in a good bass man can make. I’ve abundance of trance. His blues version seen too many bands where the great bands of ‘Walking the Dog’ by bass dude was just there to pro- to fill the bill. Rufus Thomas is classic vide a little beat. Not the case Now, I am not Daniel Castro and stuff also, making you won- with Glade who gets to show- one to pro- a local fan der why you haven’t heard it case his own talent. Drummer fess having a favorite but I cer- like this before. At every per- T. Moran has also been around tainly don’t mind recommending formance he plays most of the for the long haul with Daniel and what I feel is one of the best great stuff you expect but has their musical connection is obvi- acts around and that is the also throws in different cuts to ous as he supports the cause as Daniel Castro Band. I have make each show unique. A well as having opportunities to been following Daniel and his couple weeks ago Daniel had throw out a hot solo set. On band around for the last few driven up to Santa Rosa to see keyboards is Bill Hancock, an months and have found every Sonny Landreth play and the amazing guy that pours his all performance to be fun, exciting next night he was playing into his playing. Sometimes I and well worth the drive to wher- “Congo Square’ at Lou’s like think the ivories are going to ever he’s playing. I’ve seen him there was no tomorrow. Then catch on fire as Bill runs up and lately at the Torch Club in Sac- he throws in Little Milton’s, down the boards. Besides being ramento, a couple times at Con- ‘That’s What Love Will Make a great talent and a nice fit for stable Jack’s in Newcastle and You Do” and I was again the band, Bill has his own stage at Lou’s Pier 47 Blues Club in blown away by his raw blues presence and you can tell he San Francisco. talent. I love it when Daniel having fun on the ride. throws in songs I’ve never If, like me, you enjoy exciting heard him play, and of course I So if you want to have a real blues bands and hot guitar sling- keep showing up to hear what good time and see some solid ers then you won’t want to miss he may throw in next. blues done the right way, check Daniel Castro. Daniel is an in- Northern California club listings credible talent on the axe and As a guitar player myself, I’m and get your butt to a Daniel puts his all into everything he always interested in artist’s Castro show. You won’t regret plays. He is the kind of musi- axe choices. On show nights, it, guaranteed! cian that takes charge from the Daniel, like many blues greats, first song of the first set and is usually playing a telecaster. “Keep your eyes and ears open, never lets up, rolling through When I talked to Daniel about the Blues are alive in Northern one cut after the other in spell- his guitars he said it was sim- California”. binding fashion. Daniel keeps it ple, he just likes how a tele- alive at all times, interacting with caster feels and sounds. His **Daniel plays locally at the his band and the audience. He favorite guitar is his trusty tele- Torch Club, Constable Jack’s plays hot original tunes mixed caster body with a Delaney and Po’ Boyz Sports Bar & Grille** 4 Ed Early Blues Band Gary Mendosa and The Used Blues Band
Gary Mendosa and the Used Blues Band will open for Ed Early. Gary and the band tied for first place in the raw scores for winning band to rep- Ed Early, long-time sideman for Elvin Bishop, resent SBS to compete in the International Blues will bring his super blues band to our members in Competition in Memphis in 2009. Don’t miss this December. Don’t miss Ed’s blues vocals and great blues group. wailing trombone. And
Support our IBC Challenge winners. Pailer and Fratis (Duo) and The Aces (Band) will present their shows for the International Blues Competition. Proceeds from shows will assist in expenses for the groups to travel to Memphis to represent us. International Blues Competition.
5 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 6
By Jan Kelley - Photos by Bob Cosman
This event has been held jumpin’ & jivin’ to get the now for 36 years, hosting show goin’. Traditional everybody who is anybody blues man Elmore James on the blues scene – Jr., coming straight out of Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, B.B. Chicago, played some King, Charlie Musselwhite, great old blues with the Etta James, Albert Collins, Cadillac Zack Band, fol- Marcia Ball, Taj Mahal, lowed by new rising star Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bon- Ruthie Foster. Ruthie nie Raitt, Robert Cray – definitely deserves a lis- just tenin’ to; she is one of the Barbara Lynn to name a few. This week-end was no excep- sweetest yet tion to stellar perform- most powerful ances by a top line of female blues blues artists. singers around. Mi- Friday at Noon at the chael Burks Justin Herman Plaza on stepped up & the Embarcadero was the delivered traditional free concert, Jack Casady some of his this powerhouse blues and then year a tribute to John Lee Barbara Lynn Hooker, featuring members wowed us with of the family Zakiya some great vocals. Hooker and Archie Lee Hot Tuna, made Hooker. John Lee Jr. was up of the vener- touring able Jack Casady Europe and Jorma and Kaukonen, foun- unable ders of the original Jorma Kaukonen to at- Hot Tuna and for- tend. Other performers that merly Jefferson Airplane, brought nostalgia to day were the ‘Coast to many ‘baby boomers’, playing and singing in Coast Blues Band’ with their unique style that incorporates jazz, Deacon Jones, Rich Kirch, blues, blue- Ron Perry, Lizz Fisher and grass and folk Bryant Mills. Special guests influences. included Kathi McDonald, The final act Ron Thompson and Juce. on Saturday Michael Burks Tickets and shirts for the fes- was the Delta tival could be purchased at a tent located nearby. Groove All Star Blues Saturday we saw our own Delta Wires, represen- Revue con- tatives to this past IBC contest in Memphis, sisting of Kid Ramos 6 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 7
Continued
Elvin Bishop, always a crowd favorite, the Mannish our faves. The new Boys and Mike Zito. The Rick Estrin and the Mannish Boys have become Nightcats were up universally praised as one of next, w/Kid Andersen the most exciting blues pro- stepping in for Little jects to hit the scene in Charlie Baty, who went years. The current lineup Finis Tasby on to another phase of features Richard “Big Foot” Innes on drums, his career a few months ago. This pair- Ronnie James Weber or Curtis Salgado Tom Leavey on bass (RJW ing of Rick & Kid this time), Kid Ramos and seems to be a fine match, with Kid playing off Franck “Paris Slim” Gold- Rick’s lyrics to produce wasser on guitar, Randy a more visual act than Chortkoff blowing harp and before. Old Blues man lending vocals, front-man David “Honeyboy” Ed- Finis Tasby handling the vo- wards took the stage cals and very special guests, next and captured many Kirk “Eli” Fletcher, loaded hearts; he is such a with zeal and fluidity on guitar sweetie and still quite Rick Estrin and resurrected soul and Denise LaSalle an enjoyable performer. blues Chicago The Curtis Salgado Band legend, Bobby was the highlight of the day for many, blowin’ Jones bringing everyone away with his down the house fantastic harp & vocals with his intensely and one of the best bands rich B.B.-esque today. Curtis is a humble vocals. Then we man and deeply grateful were startled out to all who have supported of our mellow him through his illness, reverie by the Kid Anderson which he expresses each screamin’ guitar time he performs. Denise work of Mike Zito, who is an excellent guitarist LaSalle is still goin’ strong, delivering a pow- but seemed out of place with the blues we’d been Buckwheat Zydeco listenin’ to. Nevertheless, we left the beautiful erful set, and then Buck- grounds looking forward to the next day. wheat Zydeco got us all shakin’ our booties. Johnny Winter The Gospel Humming- closed the festival birds opened on Sun- with a bang, con- day, which is always a stantly shifting be- good Sunday opening tween simple coun- act, but those of us from try blues in the vein the Sacramento area of Robert Johnson, said we still think the to all-out electric David Honeyboy W.D. Gospel Singers are Johnny Winters slide guitar blues- Edwards rock. 7 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 8 Road Trip By Liz
When you get a chance for a rain at 3 a.m., I road trip, grab it. When you They covered every- stopped to stand hear of a band playing some- thing from Chuck on the edge of the where and you think “that Berry to Stevie Ray continent. As I lis- sounds cool” find a friend and and the Grateful tened to the surf hit the road. DO IT! You just Dead. The original pounding its end- never know what jewel you’ll material from their less song, I got to find. cd, “Burnin’ Country thinking about all Rock and Roll Band” the conflict in the We headed out of town later had the dance floor world. The fighting than anticipated but it worked. hopping. When War- and dying, people Traffic just flowed and we flew ren did a slow, losing their homes down the road. Hit Highway 1 sweet version of and jobs, children about 8pm and made it to Gua- “You Don’t Know sick and hungry, I lala just as the first set was fir- Me” it just stopped couldn’t help but ing up. If you haven’t ever me in my tracks. think of a quote heard Fire & Wheels you’re in Paris shook every- from an unknown for a ride! Down and dirty thing up with “Nadine” and that author from 1692 that I have blues, some soulful southern big hollow body Gibson Arch Top held in my heart for years. rock, tear it up rock & roll and of his. They ended the night with “You are a child of the uni- oh! I almost forgot, Elvis! Yes, “Standing on Shaky Ground” and verse, no less than the trees Elvis stepped up for some heartfelt yo- and the stars; you have a right a rousing Kansas deling that had to be here. And whether or City. everyone hollerin’ not it is clear to you, no doubt for more! the universe is unfolding, as it Dave Channel should. Therefore be at peace fronts the band on The party was with your God, whatever you bass with a good happening at conceive him to be, and what- steady bottom and Bones Road- ever your labors and aspira- his soft, gravelly house – BBQ, tions, in the noisy confusion of voice, with Warren Brew and Blues, life keep peace with your soul. Dorrell on guitar and in Gualala on the With all its sham, drudgery, a sweet, pure voice north coast. As and broken dreams, it is still a that makes the girls the rain pounded beautiful world. Be careful. cry. Leigh Lenita the coast you Strive to be happy.” keeps everyone on couldn’t tell if it beat with the first down stroke was the wind rattling the windows So, like I started out with, and this night had Paris Clay- or the band. I found myself some when you get a chance for a ton smokin’ hot on lead guitar fine young twenty something and little road trip, grab it. Go on, (in for regular Steve Wahl). You tore the floor up all night long. A it’s okay to get out of your box. know it’s a good, tight band, full bar, hot food, fun loving staff Try it; you’ll like it. Honest. I when just as a song was start- and some very creative costumes did. ing up, all four made the slight- made this Halloween night est adjustment to the rhythm at memorable. Photos of Dave and Paris from the same time, like one hand on Vj’s files. the slide. Walking back through the pouring
8 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 9 Welcome New Band Members
And the Vintage Overtones Live Burning Blues for hire
Contact at Contact at 916-451-1075 916-475-2566 allie@allies alley.net Or
[email protected] www.alliesalley.net.
Hire an SBS member band
Andy Keane and Kinda Blue Equinox Blues Review Marta Gee Steve Hall [email protected] Stan Alves [email protected] 1-888-468-8663 916-275-4004 bluestevemu- Backyard Blues Band Mitch Kay & Groove Deluxe [email protected] 530-933-3831 Jeff Watson Band 916-217-1263 www.stevehallblues.com [email protected] 916-709-9696 info@jeffwatsonband O Street Jumps Strictly for Kicks Big Mo and the Dan 916 -944-7292 Jason Haxton Full Moon Band Johnny “Guitar” Knox with Cari 916-725-4889 916-283-4096 Maurice Huffman Dave Croall & the Soothers J.haxton@strictly for 530-680-6936 916-455-6349 Rick Donaldson Blues Band kicks.com [email protected] [email protected] Jay Beaumont 530-902-8600 The Aces Black Cat Bone Johnny O’ & the Blue F.O.s www.rickdonaldsonbluesband 707-490-8126 530-753-5265 916-390-7402 .com www.acesfan.com [email protected] Bluz Catz Rock of Ages The Cold Truth 916-769-7934 Kyle Rowland [email protected] Isis [email protected] 916-236-9204 408-835-4168 Bobby “Blue” Ray [email protected] Sacramento Blues Revue Myspace.com/coldtruthband Rick Von Geldern Brad Wilson Band Lee Bootz & [email protected] The Matty T Band [email protected] Southside Shuffle Matty Tayton [email protected] Soul Shakers 707-447-5515 Chris Martinez Dave Clark www.themattytband.com 916-300-3887 Linda Bracamonte [email protected] chrismartinezblues.com [email protected] The Used Blues Band Spotted Dog Rockin’ Blues Sean McGroarty Dead Man’s Alley Lisa Phenix Revue [email protected] 916-343-3587 916-719-6106 Greg Gantrell 916-204-9800 [email protected] Lisaphenix.com 916-332-5417 [email protected] Twice as Good Delta Wires Marshal Wilkerson & Smoked Paul Steward Prime Management Sugar Steve Foster Band 707-293-4937 510-601-9277 916-443-3392 916-276-9170 [email protected] [email protected] marshalwilkerson@ Stevefosterband hotmail.com @comcast.net Two Tone Steiny & the Cadillacs 916-765-5564 9 [email protected] Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 10
Mississippi Blues at the Torch Club By Linda McShane
Lil Dave Thompson came all the sound nicely but he was definitely way from MS to play the Torch the star. I thought he played Club. Not by choice it turned out some good blues that made danc- to be a Thursday night so atten- ing easy but some said he played dance was not what it could have too loud and too fast & the later been, I’m sad to say. Those of us set was introduced by him as “soul who attended paid a measly $6 to blues” & turned out to be some see the fingers of this accom- old standards. But hey, nothing plished musician dance across the wrong with “old standards” eh? All strings of his guitar. His bass in all I’d say it was a treat to see player and drummer added to the him play!
Welcome New Business Members
Please support SBS Business Members
313 Laurence Ave. Kansas City, Mo 64111
1-888-BLUESIN’
www.bluescruise.com
10 Volume 29; Issue 6 Page 11
Please Patronize the Businesses that Support your Blues Society
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Blues I n The Schools is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization PRESI DENT Cynthia Jaynes & Steve Gerdsen formed to preserve and promote blues – Willie Brown BI TS Benefits music as an art form. VI CE PRESI DENT Liz Walker – Kim DuVall Blue Notes Newsletter Editor The Sacramento Blues Society (SBS), Valeriejeanne Anderson SECRETARY founded 1979, is one of the oldest blues – Sally Katen Concessions/ Merchandise societies in California. The SBS has kept Cathy Dubets & Kim DuVall the blues tradition alive in the Sacra- TREASURER – Dennis Moffett Events mento area by promoting the local blues John Noxon music scene and bringing internationally PARLIAMENTARIAN Debbie Galik Fundraising and Grants renowned artists to the region. Debbie Galik MEMBERS AT LARGE SBS is an affiliate member of The Blues Cathy Dubets I nternational Blues Challenge Event Foundation. We provide educational Patty Furey Kim Duvall opportunities for young people with the Steve Gerdsen foundation’s “Blues In The Schools” Pro- Linda McShane Sacramento Jazz Festival gram, and other programs in partner- John Noxon Willie Brown & ships with area schools. Demouy Williams Charles Washington Membership The Sacramento Blues Society produces Linda McShane a newsletter, “Blue Notes” on a Bi- Northern California Monthly schedule (Six times a year) to Blues Festival our membership, and a weekly e-mail Willie Brown letter “SacBlues News” to keep members are held the 2nd Tuesday of each Public Relations posted on all Blues events in the commu- month, 7:00 PM at the SMUD Willie Brown nity. Building, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA. Webmaster Dave Baldwin Membership is $25.00 a year individual and $40.00 a year family. All SBS members in good standing are invited. 12