Steve Kerin’s Joy CD Release Party

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Last fall, Steve Kerin went back home to visit his friends and family in Lafayette, Louisiana. While there, he gathered a few of his friends and laid down the tracks that make up his latest CD titled Joy. Though he has already celebrated its release with shows down South, it is now time to throw a little party in his current home town of Portland. Joy is filled with various musical visions behind the mind of Steve Kerin and the dozen numbers on the disc are all well-crafted and a delight to hear. Here’s your chance to catch the songs performed live by Steve and a few of his friends, plus the opportunity to pick up a copy of your own. The CD release party will be held at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) on Sunday, May 19th. This will be an early show, starting at 7:00 pm. Ticket price is $12.00, but as a CBA co-sponsored event, members can obtain a $1.00 discount at the door by showing the current membership card.

Steve Kerin

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Joy
Song Isle Publishing

 Since first moving up to the Portland area from Louisiana just a few short years ago, Steve Kerin has captured the listening audience here with his stunning work on the piano and has earned himself two Muddy Awards as keyboardist. Well versed in the styles of New Orleans masters like James Booker, Dr John and Professor Longhair, Steve is quite the accomplished crafter of his own material as well. Having showcased his talents with several bands in Portland, including Atomic Gumbo, Berthaline, Franco & The Stingers and Kolvane as well as others, Steve returned to his native Lafayette, Louisiana to put together his new CD, Joy.

The album features almost entirely Louisiana-based musicians, such as Jerry LeJeune on drums, Pat Breaux on accordion and Michael Juan Nunez on guitar, providing that truly authentic flavor of the Bayou and Crescent City. Portland guitarist Bob Shoemaker also makes an appearance throwing down some fine slide guitar. And Steve himself did the work of a one-man army of studio sidemen having played not only piano, but also guitar, bass, organ, triangle, accordion, ukulele and various strings and percussion.

Like the music of Louisiana, Joy takes on a variety of different sounds. They come across very chameleon-like with their interpretation with Steve rolling through several approaches that can cross-over to genres like Cajun, country, folk, rock, funk and blues. All done in spectacular fashion, the twelve selections are all Steve Kerin originals.

There is much to like here. I love the sassiness in “Everything Is Temporary,” uh-huh, yeah right! The deep down bluesy sound on the piano on “Bonnie And Clyde.” How much that “Greg’s Song” sounds like it could’ve been pulled right off from a Robbie Robertson recording. The beauty of “Joy” and “Blueberry Way.” The funkiness on “Cards.” The interplay of piano and slide guitar on “Yesterday,” that comes across to me as very John Lennon-like in its lyrics and approach. And closing with the acoustics of ukulele, fiddle, accordion and percussion on “Waikiki Yacht Club” weaving into the dialing of a radio focusing into the Lafayette station and segueing into an incredibly played piano solo that leaves a nice gentle flavor in your mind that makes you want to turn around and play the whole disc all over again.

Steve Kerin has a definite winning release with Joy. An amalgamation of fun sounds that befits the title.

Total Time: 50:47

One To The Bottle / Bonnie And Clyde / Joy / Everything Is Temporary / Yesterday / Going To Louisiana / Greg’s Song / Walking Down The Road / Cards / Blueberry Way / I Aint’s Complaining / Waikiki Yacht Club

The New Iberians

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New Iberians CD cover Pingaddamidy

New Iberians CD cover PingaddamidyPingaddamidy!
Argess Records

Portland’s favorite purveyors of good-time Cajun and zydeco are back at it again with a brand new release, Pingaddamidy!, that proves that a band does not have to hail from Louisiana to do this music right. The New Iberians have been showcasing their local blend of blues and zydeco for a number of years and are always the life of any dance party.

Pingaddamidy! was recorded at Falcon Studios under the ever keen direction of Terry Robb and Dennis Carter. These guys know how to capture the true essence and talent of the performers they work with, and with The New Iberians it’d be hard to miss with such stellar players on hand. Evan Shlaes is front and center on every track with his cool hand accordion and vocals, enhanced by Claes Almroth’s harmonica and Paul Bassette’s rubboard providing a truly authentic sound.

These are songs that are meant to be danced to and if you can make it through the opening track “Are You Ready?” without feeling the urge to move around, you might want to check your pulse. It’s just natural to want to get up and shake it with The New Iberians. The feeling holds throughout the nine selections on the disc, all originals written by Evan Shlaes, with themes about barbecue, holding Sundays close to his heart as the day his baby and he get to spend together, and gathering for a second line with mention of some of Louisiana’s most favored musicians leading the way.

For those with a passion for all things Louisiana-based, zydeco or just plain fun, Pingaddamidy! will keep you happy with much repeated plays for sure. Oh yeah, if you’re trying to figure out how to pronounce the title, it is Creole slang for “Pink God Almighty.”

Total time: 35:53

Are You Ready? / The Barbecue Song / Mercy / Soul Creole / Port Soleil / Pingaddamidy! / Sweet Sunday / Place In The Sun / Second Line

Lauren Sheehan

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The Light Still Burns
Wilson River Records

This new CD by Lauren Sheehan is the companion piece to a book written by John Thomas titled, “Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary & Gibson’s ‘Banner’ Guitars of World War II.” Gibson Guitars have stated in the past that during the War production of their instruments had ceased. But in reality some 9000 guitars were made under the Banner label during those years, which is in fact manufactured by Gibson. The real story behind these creations, though, was that with many American men sent overseas to fight, the production was handled mostly by a group of women in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and many with no previous experience in building guitars.

Portland-based roots musician Lauren Sheehan was invited to come back to New Haven, Connecticut and to record an album using these classic guitars. She found herself surrounded by the instruments and the dozen tracks found on The Light Still Burns were all recorded with a different guitar on each number.

The song selections include many traditional Americana songs such as “Old Folk At Home,” “America The Beautiful” and “When Johnny comes Marching Home.” Songs that were probably well-known by the makers and players of these instruments. There are also a handful of period pieces that were originally recorded during this time frame, such as “I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate” and “In The Sweet Bye And Bye/Keep On The Sunny Side.” Many of her interpretations of the songs were influenced by artists who Lauren has had connections with over the years like John Jackson and Cephas & Wiggins. “C Medley” is a collection of songs by Etta Baker and Lauren does a remarkable job at recreating the famed guitarist’s work. The disc also includes a newer track written by Gillian Welch called “Hard Times.”

Overall, the sound quality of these guitars is amazing. Lauren’s playing is impeccable and her voice suits the numbers especially well. The Light Still Burns is a nice reflection of music from our country’s past that still can bear meaning. The story of the Kalamazoo Gals is also exceptional and this album will keep the sound and legend of their work alive.

Total Time: 37:28

I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate / Precious Lord / Old Folks At Home / Bearcat Blues / C Medley / In The Sweet Bye And Bye – Keep On The Sunny Side / Soldier’s Joy / When Johnny Comes Marching Home – Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya / America The Beautiful / Home On The Range / Hard Times / My Baby’s So Sweet

The Jim Mesi Band

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Jim Mesi Band CD coverI’m Ready
Self Produced

 The Jim Mesi Band is back with their first new recording after several years and it is definitely a winner on all counts. I’m Ready is packed full of song selections, many that the band has showcased for a number of years, with rocking numbers next to soul and blues, all featuring superb instrumentation from the band.

Jim Mesi is a legend on the West Coast for his guitar tone and phrasing. His solos are highly imaginative and interesting every time out. Even if a song may be a tried and true standard that you’ve heard a hundred times before, Mesi can lay down a guitar pattern that will make you turn your head and note that it is something new that works perfectly. And he does just that multiple times on I’m Ready.

The band works like a well-timed engine. There are no misses or pings to be found. A true ensemble that feeds off one another musically to a tee. Ed Neumann’s keyboards are a great foil to Mesi’s guitar, blending naturally, while the rhythm section is solid with bassist Scott White and drummer Johnny Moore laying down the tempo masterfully. White and Neumann alternate throughout the disc on vocals and horn fills are provided by saxophonists Al Zion and Pete Moss.

The song offerings are terrific, with highlight covers including The Neville Brothers’ classic “Yellow Moon,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” John Hiatt’s “Feels Like Rain” and “Can I Change My Mind” best known by Tyrone Davis. There are also a handful of originals including a Mesi-written instrumental titled “Palm Trees” that offers nice mellow guitar work. Ed Neumann penned three of the songs with “Lonnie’s Song” and “My Monkey’s Move” both filled with humorous lyrics.

The most note-worthy track on the disc was actually recorded by Ed Neumann several years ago, without being released until now. Titled “Blues For Me,” the song is highlighted by the harmonica playing of the late Paul deLay, joining Mesi, his former guitarist from Brown Sugar and the original Paul deLay Band, for the first time on disc for many years. It is certainly a number that can bring back many memories.

I’m Ready is a welcome release by the Jim Mesi Band. It has been way too long between discs and it’s good to hear that sensational guitar playing once again, backed by a stellar band. Portland’s guitar hero is back and in a big way!

Total Time: 60:48

I’m Ready / Yellow Moon / Hootchie Coo / Change Gonna Come / Change My Mind / Unchain My Heart / Feels Like Rain / Lonnie’s Song / Fannie Mae / Blues For Me / My Monkey’s Move / C.O.D. / Palm Trees / Still Wanna Be Your Man / Changes

Chris Antonik

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Better For You
Self Produced

There is no shortage of great blues artists in Canada these days, but this new CD by guitarist Chris Antonik just may be one of the finest releases coming from The Great White North in many a year. Recorded in Toronto, Better For You is the sophomore release from Antonik, whose first disc garnered him a best new artist nomination at Canada’s Maple Blues Award. And as terrific as that debut album was, this one takes it even a step higher.

Antonik not only proves himself as a superb guitarist, he also makes his mark strongly as a songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote ten of the eleven songs, the lone exception a stellar take of Big Walter Horton’s “Have A Good Time.” The guitar runs throughout are ingenious and exciting, rich in tone and never overplayed. He also takes on more vocals with this release and comes across with true feeling behind his words. Some of the lyrics are based on personal experiences, while he claims others are just stories he has put together. But they run the gauntlet of love lost, being on the road and the desire to be back home with family.

The cast that Antonik has put together for Better For You is like a who’s who of fellow blues countrymen and women. MonkeyJunk’s Steve Marriner, guitarist Suzie Vinnick, The Fat Cat’s Josh Williams, pianist Julian Fauth and vocalist Shakura S’aida. Also on hand is The Tedeschi-Trucks Band’s Mike Mattison. They all help to make Antonik’s album a living and breathing masterpiece.

Two discs behind him in his short career so far and both are prime examples that Chris Antonik is a blues star rising. Make note of this artist and take a listen to Better For You; he is pretty convincing of his talent.

Total Time: 48:53

Long Way To Go / Turn To Shine / Come From A Good Place / Broken Man / Have A Good Time / Shake Me Down / Better For You / Nothing I Can Do / Tell Me What You Need / So Tired / I’ll Help You Through

Cassie Taylor

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Out Of My Mind
Yellow Dog Records

In the opening two-part “Ol’ Mama Dean,” Cassie Taylor tells the story of an abused woman who finally takes measures into her own hands and kills her partner. It is the extreme and she knows she will have to pay for her crime, but alas she now has freedom for her pain. It is an example of the detailed story-telling that Taylor has developed in her young life. But though she may be only 26 years old, she has already seen and worked the musical circuit for more than a decade, first accompanying her father, Otis Taylor, in his band as a vocalist and bassist, and several years on her own and touring with fellow young female artists Dani Wilde and Samantha Fish.

Cassie Taylor is a strong person and a strong songwriter. Her songs may often take on personal themes, but also like her father, she is not afraid to speak her mind or let her political stance show through. On her debut Yellow Dog Records release, Out Of My Mind, her lyrics are terrific and captivating. She also provides work on the piano, Hammond organ and theremin as well as her bass playing and singing.

Most of the songs feature just her in a trio format with drummer Larry Thompson and guitar whiz Steve Mignano, who has worked with people like Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Jean-Luc Ponty and his own fusion band Tribal Tech. It is Mignano’s interactions with Taylor on the disc that really make each of the songs speak out loud. Trumpet player John Gray also adds the right amount of flavoring on tracks like “New Orleans” and “Forgiveness.”

Taylor does not offer blues in your traditional 12-bar manner; instead bringing forth her own take on modern methods to the genre. She states that it is more a sign of the times and the music influences that she has been exposed to. Who knows whether Muddy Waters or Memphis Minnie would have had a different sound today if they had been exposed to the diversity of electronic music, punk rock or West African psychedelic rock. This is her version of the “blues as a continuum connecting the past and the present.”

There is plenty to enjoy on Out Of My Mind. She gives her boyfriend the very open hint to “put a ring on my finger” in “No Ring Blues.” The life-long commitments that lovers make in “Lay My Head On Your Pillow.” Her sensational vocals alongside acoustic guitar and trumpet on “Forgiveness.” And closing the disc with “Alone,” featuring Taylor on piano along with guitar interplay from Mignano. The song is beautifully done and the perfect track to close out a well put together album.

Cassie Taylor continues to grow as an artist and is destined to take the forefront; as if she has not already done just that already in her brief career working with younger musicians and holding a spot on The Blues Foundation’s board of directors. A mover and shaker in the newest of the blues’ generations, expect to see Cassie Taylor remain in the spotlight for many years to come.

Total Time: 49:51

Ol’ Mama Dean (Part 1) / Ol’ Mama Dean (Part 2) / Spare Some Love / Out Of My Mind (Intro) / Out Of My Mind / Lay My Head On Your Pillow / New Orleans / No Ring Blues / No No / Forgiveness / Gone And Dead / That’s My Man / Again

Anne Weiss

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Where Folk Gets The Blues
Self Produced

In a city like Portland that is filled with outstanding musicians of numerous genres, Anne Weiss stands tall when it comes to overall talent and songwriting. A tremendous vocalist, she is also a multi-instrumentalist who may take on a song behind a guitar, ukulele or piano at any given moment. And she is more than exceptional at all.

Where Folk Gets The Blues is a double CD that offers two musical directions from Anne’s repertoire. Disc one is comprised of phenomenal folk selections performed by Anne mostly in a solo setting. Crafty lyrics that are worthy of top shelf literature. These songs should leave no doubt that Anne Weiss is amongst the masters of today’s folk scene.

Disc two finds Anne in a bluesy setting. Alongside more samples of her lyrical magic on original numbers, she also takes on several well-known blues classics with magnificent results. She is joined by a handful of sensational musicians throughout the offerings, including world class local performers like Mary Flower and David Jacobs-Strain. Her take on Keb’ Mo’s “Perpetual Blues Machine” strikes perfectly and she also presents new, unique and original versions of Robert Johnson’s “Come On In My Kitchen” and “Love In Vain.” The lap slide work by Mary Flower on Tampa Red’s “It Hurts Me Too” truly makes the song sing. But beside the amazing covers, Anne’s original tracks are stand-outs here, such as “Looks Like Satin,” “Love Is The Dagger, “Hop In The Truck” and the beautiful “John Muir’s Brook.”

Some of the selections have previously appeared on earlier Anne Weiss CDs and there are several that were recorded live at the River Folk Festival. If you enjoy folk or blues you should find something that appeals to you on Where Folk Gets The Blues. An incredible release from an incredible artist. Anne Weiss proves that she can cross musical lines with over the top results. Where Folk Gets The Blues breathes with emotion and is a definite display of the talents of an artist who knows how to deliver music that is enjoyable and satisfying on all counts.

Total Time: 1:33:34

Mountain / Down To The Garden / Compass / Cherokee / The Good Fight / Quenching Ground / Walker’s Rag / Have Some Peace / Tomorrow’s Gate / Particles Of Rain / Day Of Celebration / Perpetual Blues Machine / Hop In the Truck / It Hurts Me Too / Come On In My Kitchen / Snowbound / Looks Like Satin / Too Long At The Fair / Walk Down The Road / The Ballad Of Mary Magdelene / Love In Vain / Love Is The Dagger / Shadow Of Doubt / John Muir’s Brook

What’s on Tap for April’s General Membership Meeting April 3

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Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland

Wednesday, April 3rd, 7:00 pm

Members always Free – Non-members $3.00

Opening Acoustic Set – Lucy Hammond’s NW Roots Uprising

Second Electric Set – Tracey Fordice & The 8-Balls

It’s the first of the month, so you should know by now where to be on that first Wednesday. The Melody Ballroom of course. You always want to make a point to join us for the Cascade Blues Association’s monthly membership meeting, where you’re sure to run into long-time friends and maybe make a few new ones, all while hearing two great sets of blues.

This month we’re going to open the acoustic set featuring a new project of the sensational vocalist Lucy Hammond’s titled “NW Roots Uprising.” With the assistance of co-producer Kevin Nettleingham at his award-winning studios, Nettleingham Audio, Lucy is bringing a diverse combination of songwriters and artists together to put together a collaboration CD. This will give fans a chance to hear new material from some of their favorite artists, while perhaps being exposed to somebody they may be altogether unfamiliar with in the process. The artists will get an opportunity to explore, experiment, work and create new material with one another in means they may choose to feature on their own individual projects. Funding for the project is fan-based through www.rockethub.com which is a win/win for both the musicians and the fans. It will provide production costs, requisite airplay print promotion and mini-tours while the backers receive creative rewards from the artists.

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2012 Blues Music Awards DVD/CD

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Blues Music Awards DVD cover

This year’s event was captured masterfully by AudioGraphics Masterworks in a beautiful video production and the sound was recreated by one of Memphis’ best studios, Ardent. The line-up is a virtual who’s who of the blues world, including people like Charlie Musselwhite, Tab Benoit, Joe Louis Walker, Tracy Nelson, David Maxwell, Billy Boy Arnold, Samantha Fish and so many more.

The DVD is broken down into two sections, one for Public Broadcast airings which feature acceptance speeches mixed within the performances and the second showcasing songs from those who were nominated and collaborations onstage of exceptional pairings. Highlights have to include the rousing take by Johnny Sansone on the song of the year, “The Lord Is Waiting The Devil Is Too,” Hadden Sayers and Ruthie Foster trading verses on “Back To The Blues,” Otis Clay’s soulful “Got To Get Back” with The Bo-Keys’ horns behind him, Daniele Schnebelin’s fierce and passionate vocals on Trampled Under Foot’s “Goodbye,” Tab Benoit’s “Medicine,” Victor Wainwright’s “Big Dog’s Running This Town,” Grady Champion on “Thank You For Giving Me The Blues,” J.P. Soars’ “Doggin’” and perhaps my personal favorite of the night, the acoustic duet of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks on “Back Where I Started.”

The Blues Music Awards is one of those events that every blues fan should make an effort to attend. Always a memorable occasion, sitting at tables with artists and enjoying great performances. There are 26 songs on the DVD (25 listed on the CD sleeve, but a track by David Maxwell was left off by mistake) covering more than two hours and 13 are included on the CD. This is merely a drop in the bucket for an event that lasted more than six hours altogether. Even if you did not have the opportunity to attend, this collection is well worth owning. Outstanding from start to finish.