Ramblings On My Mind: March

ramblings201306BNGreg Johnson / Cascade Blues Association President

I want to reflect on a little more personal take this month as my trip to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge was a true life event that I will never forget. A couple years back I was approached by my very close friend Jenn Ocken about assisting her in putting together a book about the International Blues Challenge featuring her photography. I told her to count me in. The original idea was to have me write the lead in pieces for the various chapters of the book (i.e. explaining what the event was, the background of The Blues Foundation and the growth that it has seen over the past decade or so). This was to be accompanied by a series of quotes to go along with her photos that I would obtain from people who had performed, attended or volunteered during the nearly week-long event over the years. But those quick quotes began taking on a life of their own, with full-blown accounts from many people relating their experiences and what the event has done or meant for each of them.

Blues on Beale Street book coverAfter two years of gathering and compiling everything that went into the book, we were able to have it published and released during this last IBC in January. And when we were able to physically hold the book in our hands for the first time, it was quite an emotional scene. We did it! We had released our first book together titled Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs Of The International Blues Challenge.  

Response to the book was sensational, moving a great number of copies from the table we set up in Club 152 and by Jenn and her fabulous team of Jordan Hefler and Jessica Losee selling the book club to club during the night. Jenn appeared on local radio station KWAM and both of us sat in with Vinny Marini’s Music on the Couch internet radio show.

Without doubt the highlight of our week took place Thursday, January 22, as we held a special VIP book signing and release party at The Silly Goose Lounge, about a block off Beale Street from BB King’s and Blues City Cafe. We did not know exactly what kind of turn-out we would receive, but it exceeded anything we could have dreamed of as many friends, family and musicians showed up to give us their congratulations and support. Jenn had hired Jonn Del Toro Richardson and Sean Carney to perform, but it ended up being so much more, as friends Teeny Tucker, Lionel Young, Karen Lovely, Brandon Santini, Hawkeye Herman, Micah Kesselring and Michael Frank all sat in with Jonn and Sean. And there were so many other musicians who came out to share the day with us, too, including Ben Rice, Lucy Hammond, Paula Harris, Randy Oxford and Michele Seidman amongst them. From all of the photos taken during the party, it was quite obvious just how proud and grateful that Jenn and I were for all of the positive feedback and showing of love for the project and ourselves. There was an abundance of smiles and tears from the both of us.

As part of our pre-sales push, Jenn had created a program called “Buy a Book, Give a Book.” This was aimed at Greg Johnson Jenn Ocken with book - photo by Kelly Thorntonhaving donations obtained so we could place a copy of the book into the hands of every young musician who was participating in this year’s Youth Showcase during the IBC. Almost all the funds to date have been covered by donations and we gave books to 103 blues kids that week.

Our next step now is to push Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs Of The International Blues Challenge onto a national level. Sending out press releases and continuing with radio interviews to keep the book fresh in peoples’ minds. We’re working on having Jenn come out to the Waterfront Blues Festival this summer, so people in Portland will have a chance to meet both of us and are able to pick up a copy of the book we can each personally sign for you. In the meantime, I will have copies available as each shipment lasts that I am having Jenn send directly to me from Baton Rouge as needed. These have all been signed by Jenn and I will personally inscribe them for you as well. Let me know if you would like to pick up a copy.

You can also order the book directly from Jenn at documentingBlues.com/store/ and we are now available on Amazon.com. Just look up the title, Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs Of The International Blues Challenge. We hope that you seek out the book. We’re quite proud of it and we believe that you will enjoy Jenn’s extraordinary photos and the stories that go along telling what goes on behind the scenes, onstage and everywhere else at the IBC. Because you know, everybody who goes to Memphis for the IBC will come home with their own stories to tell.

New Music To Note: March 2015

Here’s a list of new music received at the CBA office or purchased personally this past month that should be noted:

Brandon Santini – Live & Extended! (VizzTone)
Doug MacLeod – Exactly Like This (Reference Recordings)
Ghost Town Blues Band – Hard Road to Hoe (Self Produced)
Jeff Jensen – Morose Elephant (Self Produced)
Lauren Sheehan & Zoe Carpenter – Tillamook Burn (Self Produced)
Matt Isbell – Once There Was A Cigar Box (Self Produced)
Micah Kesselring – Log Cabin Live: In Washington EP (Self Produced)
Steve Bailey and The Blue Flames – New Way Of Workin’ (Self Produced)
The Get Ahead – Volcano (Self Produced)
Tracey Fordice and the 8 Balls – Promotional EP (Self Produced)
Trond Olsen Band – Mercy (Toneland)

Altered Five Blues Band

Cryin’ Mercy
Self Produced

9135936Milwaukee-based blues and R&B band Altered Five Blues Band recently took home The Blues Foundation’s recognition for Best Self-Produced CD at the 105 International Blues Challenge for their disc Cryin’ Mercy. This original music is handed to you through the strong vocals of Jeff “JT” Taylor, the terrific guitar playing of Jeff Schroedl, fat-sounding keyboard work by Raymond Tevich, and snap-it-on-home rhythms from bassist Mark Solveson and drummer Scott Schroedl. Cryin’ Mercy was produced by the extraordinary Tom Hambridge (who hasn’t this guy produced the past few years?).

This is a band that should clearly satisfy just about all blues lovers, no matter what definition they have on the genre. The band comes out punching with the opening track “Demon Woman,” with a sizzling guitar taking command alongside a pulsing organ. On “Find My Wings” they have also found their soul. It is a R&B number that again showcases Schroedl’s nice and smooth guitar action. “I’m In Deep” has a bit of a jumping West Coast guitar groove going on.

Two favorites on this disc full of great songs have go to be “Counterfeit Lover” with its story of how he bought all the lines and sweet talk from his lover, only to have her leave with another; and “Urgent Care” where our hero has taken so much abuse from his partner, from being bruised and burned, a knife in the back, pain in the neck and crawling under his skin, that he is now in need of emergent relief.

This is contemporary blues that shows its roots in fatback soul. Deep and refreshing sounds that will make you want to dance and make you smile. Isn’t that exactly what good music should do? It’s moving and highly enjoyable. Good blues music done right. Nothing more needs to be said.

Total Time: 43:31

Demon Woman / I’m In Deep / Find My Wings / Stay Out Of My Business / Counterfeit Lover / I Got You / Who’s Your Lover? / Move House / Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry / Urgent Care / Back Button

Steve Bailey and The Blue Flames

New Way Of Workin’
Self Produced

Steve Bailey CD coverThere’s something that is just pleasing when it comes to blues done in the traditional format. No need for gimmicks or high-faluting gadgets to capture the true essence of the music. Seattle blues icon Steve Bailey has been thrilling Northwest audiences with his straight ahead blues approach for many years and along with his band, The Blue Flames, he has released a terrific new recording titled New Way Of Workin’. And despite the title, this is the same proven true method of music that Bailey is known for.

The album contains eleven tracks, eight are originals, and with the other three being tight covers of Brook Benton, Willie Dixon and Lowell Fulson. Sharp guitar work, roof-raising harmonica and true to the point rhythm prevail throughout this exceptional disc. This is definitely a veteran crew of musicians that have cut their teeth with some of the finest musicians on the West Coast. And musical tastes abound here with classic Texas and Chicago patterns done in the band’s own Northwest style, with the album closing with a little basic New Orleans rhumba feel on “Louisiana Woman.”

Damn fine blues that sounds like the way that those classical artists from the 50s/60s cultivated and refined the music. Steve Bailey And The Blue Flames take us back to those past masters and bring them right back front and center today.

Total Time: 39:10

Who / What’s The Use / Kiddeo / Big Man Plays The Blues / You’ll Be Mine / Said You’re Leavin’ Me / Braggin’ ‘Bout My Baby / Honey Hush / New Way Of Workin’ / I’m Back In Town / Louisiana Woman

Joe McMurrian

Live At The Aztec Theater
Self Produced

Joe McMurrian CD coverLive At the Aztec Theater was released in tandem with Joe McMurrian’s latest studio recording Old Blood last fall. It is a spectacular documentation of McMurrian’s amazing dexterity on guitar and banjo, his songwriting, and the command he has when performing. Taking his influences from the musicians who created the original blues, he brings the music up to date and completely transforms it into his own modern readings while never losing the effect the masters intended or the feel of the emotions behind what the blues are supposed to be about.

Selections on Live At the Aztec Theater cover a lot of McMurrian’s background as well as his newer work from the Old Blood release. There are offerings of his brilliant self-written compositions that are intense and deeply crafted in their lyrics and the instrumentation that flows from his mind. He is innovative in his music, perhaps one of the most creative songwriters in the blues and acoustic music today. It is jaw-dropping how powerful his playing comes across and the crowd at this performance eats up every moment of one song after another that mesmerizes and keeps drawing you into his realm of greatness.

It does not matter what McMurrian is performing on stage. It all comes across from deep within his heart. These are songs that matter. Whether covering traditional blues masterworks like Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor,” Son House’s “Preaching Blues,” Blind Willie McTell’s “Broke Down Engine Blues” or the inspirational gospel classic “I’ll Fly Away,” McMurrian performs each with a perfect delivery. His own compositions set the bar on this album, though. He recreates his own material from Old Blood in magnificent fashion and lets us see that his own numbers are every bit as vital as those who have inspired him to play the blues to begin with. Songs like “Snow Mountain Blues” and “Lost In The Country” may be new, but they fall right in line with what this music should sound like, and does in the more than capable hands of Joe McMurrian.

Live At The Aztec Theater is a must have recording for anybody who loves acoustic music, blues, Americana, folk or whatever, it does not matter. This is one that will capture your heart and will be a favorite for years to come. Place him in a live setting and let Joe McMurrian take you into a world of wonder and awe. It has that effect.

Total Time: 72:35

Preaching Blues / Over The Hill / Down To The River Crying / Lost In The Country / Blue Meadow / Sugar Babe / Drop Down Mama / God Moves On The Water / Old Blue / Hard Time Killing Floor / I’ll Fly Away / Get Away From My Window / Snow Mountain Blues / Broke Down Engine Blues / Catfish And Whiskey / You’ve Got To Move / Standing On Highway 61

Jeff Jensen

Morose Elephant
Self Produced

Jeff Jensen CD coverIn another recent review that I wrote I mentioned that there must be something in the air in Memphis that brings out the best in soul in every musician that decides to call the city home. There is no question with the opening track, “Make It Through,” on Jeff Jensen’s latest disc, Morose Elephant, that he has found a bit of that soul. The number is a groover with crisp guitar lines and flavorful Wurlitzer care of Victor Wainwright, and it just drips pure Memphis.

Morose Elephant was recorded at the famed Ardent Studios in Memphis and Jensen brings back pals bassist Bill Ruffino and drummers Robinson Bridgeforth and James Cunningham to provide that superlative rhythm that helps his music move in all the right paths, while Chris Stephenson handles the keys on most of the tracks. There are plenty of guest artists included, too. Aside from Wainwright appearing on four tracks, you’ll also find vocal goddess Reba Russell, harp blasters Gary Allegretto and Eric Hughes, horn men Kirk Smothers and Marc Franklin, and the effervescent Anne Harris from the Otis Taylor Band on fiddle.

But Memphis is not a soul town alone. Nor is it just a blues town. Jensen takes the very best of his musical schooling and puts them to work here. It is a musical workout that strikes to the heart on every song and expands into a wealth of directions within his music. Jensen continues to develop into a masterful musician and songwriter. There are plenty of highlights on Morose Elephant.

“Going Home” is a traditional song of faith that when placed with the right vocalist can come across as a true testimony. Jensen does this song right. You can feel his passion as he lets us know he’s going home to meet his lord.

The pairing between Jensen and Wainwright really shines through with the latter whiplashing piano rolls that echo to the finest boogie players in history, sharp guitar and trade off vocals on the Memphis Minnie classic “What’s The Matter With The Mill.” Definitely a high point on this album that’s going to have you jumping in excitement.

The song is followed by the somewhat somber Appalachian mood on “Ash And Bone,” a beautiful track that has haunting softness to it that is enhanced by Anne Harris’ fiddle playing and Reba Russell tender vocals.

Jensen may harken back to his original West Coast roots with the instrumental number “Elephant Blue” that has a bit of surf feel to it, while Chris Stephenson provides some monster organ playing and Cunningham and Ruffino dish out a bit of jazzy rhythm. This song takes you on a musical journey, clefting at one sound after another for a uniquely original plateful of guitar goodness.

The “extra track” at the end of the album finds Jensen in an acoustic mode with Gary Allegretto accompanying him on harmonica on “Empty Bottles.” It’s a really nice way to end a superb recording.

Since his days in Southern California and the short time he was in Portland, Jeff Jensen has seen significant growth as a musician living in Memphis. Morose Elephant continues to see the progress and it’s definitely on a fast pace for Jensen, whose live performances match his talent as a songwriter. Another winning disc from Jeff Jensen.

Total Time: 46:49

Make It Through / Get Along / Fall Apart / Going Home / Paper Walls / What’s The Matter With The Mill / Ash And Bone / Elephant Blue / Bad Bad Whiskey / I’ll Always Be In Love With You / Empty Bottles

Brandon Santini

Live & Extended!
VizzTone

Brandon Santini CD coverOh well, nothing new here, same old, same old. Of course when you’re talking about Brandon Santini performing live, that same old, same old is something worth noting. Santini is a stage master. His shows are always explosively sensational, and he knows how to grab hold of an audience with his charm, big teddy bear manner, razor sharp harmonica, and smooth voice that draws you in.

Santini’s latest release, Live & Extended!, is his third solo album, and was recorded live last July at Quebec City’s Festival D’ete De Quebec. It offers a great representation of Santini’s sizzling stage workouts. There are a number of tracks from his Blues Music Award nominated disc This Time Another Year, including the Charlie Musselwhite-penned title track from that disc, “What You Doing To Me,” and “Help Me With The Blues.” Other selections offer a fine history of blues harmonica as Santini covers artists like Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Walter Horton, Frank Frost, and Slim Harpo.

Over and over throughout this live disc, the band truly turns up the heat, with a pound it down rhythm from bassist Nick Hern and drummer Chad Wirl, while Timo Arthur turns out one hot lick after another on guitar. Add in Santini’s harp, and people, this band is cooking with grease! And when he sings to everybody, “Have A Good Time,” he means it and they certainly do. You will, too, if you check out Live & Extended! Brandon Santini keeps playing with the stars in mind, and he’s on the steady course to become one of them himself. From the Muddy Waters’ number “One More Mile” to Brandon’s closing plea of “Come On Everybody,” Santini is going to make you a believer of his stage mastery.

Total Time: 66:07

One More Mile / This Time Another Year / Elevate Me Mama /Evil Woman / Have A Good Time

/ Help Me With The Blues / Got Love If You Want It / No Matter What I Do / What You Doing To Me / My Backscratcher / I Wanna Boogie With You / Come On Everybody

Doug MacLeod

Exactly Like This
Reference Recordings

Doug MacLeod CD coverYou just have to love the wit and wisdom behind the songs and stories of Doug MacLeod. Often humorous, but often also thought provoking or beautifully romantic, there just may not be another storytelling bluesman out there today who can draw a listener completely into his words. Of course, this type of performer was fairly common back in the day, but MacLeod maintains that nearly lost aspect within his performances and recordings much to the delight of legions of fans.

The title, Exactly Like This, comes from something that MacLeod explains at every show: the song he is about to play is going to go “exactly like this” for this presentation because it will never be done exactly the same way any other time — no repetition here or any other time.

Exactly Like This is the follow-up release to his Blues Music Award winning disc There’s A Time, and like that last disc, he brings back sidemen Jimi Bott on drums and Denny Croy on bass, throwing keyboardist Mike Thompson into the mix as well. It’s a grouping that works, so why mess with success? And like that last release, Exactly Like This is a full package of great songcraft and extraordinary guitar work.

Doug MacLeod has the knack to describe a scene in a song that brings it all to vision and life. Take the song “Serious Doin’ Woman,” where he sings of waiting for a Greyhound Bus on a hot summer day in Georgia sitting in a diner eating a bowl of red beans and rice when that woman walks through the door wearing a cotton dress. Can it give a more vivid image in your mind? You’re right there with him and you’re completely snared into his tale. That’s exactly the type of master he is at storytelling.

Or he can steal your heart with a tender ballad such as “Heaven’s The Only Place.” He can play on words speaking of misunderstanding, miscommunication, mistakes, mistrust and that’s “Too Many Misses For Me” he explains. And he’s also well-known as a humorist that comes across in a song like “”Ain’t It Rough?” speaking about those audience members who you can never win over, including the woman with more make-up than five drag queens in West Hollywood asking if he plays loud . . . madame compared to your make-up, we’re mute.

It truly is hard to dislike Doug MacLeod, especially when he continues to release such entertaining music that makes you smile, no matter how many times you hear him play the songs. But remember, they’re going to go Exactly Like This . . . . exactly, and you’re going to want to do yourself a favor and pick up yet another stellar release from Doug MacLeod. Can I smell more Blues Music Award nominations coming up in 2016 for this one? I think so.

Total Time: 55:36

Rock It Till The Cows Come Home / Too Many Misses For Me / Find Your Right Mind / Ain’t It Rough? / Vanetta / Serious Doin’ Woman / Ridge Runner / New Morning Road / Raylene / Heaven’s The Only Place / You Got It Good (And That Ain’t Bad)

March Bandstand

Lisa Mann

March is going to be a busy month! It starts out Sunday, March 1, at Trails End Saloon with a benefit for my cousin, Aly, who’s still battling brain cancer. The last benefit helped the family get through several months of bills, but now it’s time to throw a big party and help them get through the next few months.

Then I’ll be out of town for the rest of the month. Ben Rice was kind enough to ask me to join him at Bonita Blues Fest in Florida, the first weekend of March. I had a gig scheduled at Tigardville Station, but Rae Gordon stepped forward and will be leading my troops into battle. That’s Saturday March 7–we’re calling it the No Mann’s Band, be sure to come out and support Rae and my bandmates.

Then the second week of March I’ll be in the Northeast doing a series of shows with vocalist/harp player Diane Blue, as well as guitar goddess Lydia Warren. We’ll be doing shows in Springfield, MA, Laconia, NH, Woonsocket, RI, and Newburyport, MA. If you have any pals in that region, let ’em know.

The third week of March, I join my husband, Allen, in NJ and NY to visit family (and eat bagels!) And then as soon as we come back, (10 lbs. heavier,) the band and I are packing the van and heading out for a mini-tour: Friday, March, 27, we’ll be at Sapolil Cellars in Walla Walla; Saturday, March, 28, we play the Couer D’Alene Blues Fest; and Monday, March, 30, we play in Boise at the Sapphire Room. Then the first week of April we head to San Fran, Santa Cruz, Sacramento, Guinda, and Upper Lake, California.

For details on all of these shows, please visit www.lisamannmusic.com. Thanks everyone for your support, and for joining the Blues Foundation to vote for me, (as well as Jimi Bott and Curtis Salgado,) in the Blues Music Awards. Keep heading out and supporting live music!

Lisa Mann

Tracey Fordice and the 8-Balls

Hello CBA Members, and those of you not currently a member but who should become a member.

This year has started out with a BANG for us. We traveled to Memphis and participated in the International Blues Challenge, representing the Ashland Blues Society. The trip proved to be a great one for many reasons. The amount of talent on Beale Street during the event is unbelievable, and we were only able to sample a small part of it, but what we experienced was incredible! The city of Memphis is full of rich musical history and much more, and we did find time to visit some of the historical sites, e.g., The National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel (which we visited during the celebration on Martin Luther King Day), The Museum of American Soul Music at Stax Records, Graceland, and of course. Sun Studio. Walking on the streets of Memphis is truly an experience worth doing.

Although we did not advance beyond the quarterfinals in the IBC, we played our hearts out for two nights at The Rum Boogie Café and made many new friends from all over the country and around the world. This year the Pacific Northwest talent was also featured in a showcase at Club 152, so we performed there, along with all of the acts from Oregon and Washington. All in all, the experience was very positive and we enjoyed the opportunity to represent the Pacific Northwest in this great event.

Meanwhile, our CD project was placed on the back burner during all this bluesing and schmoozing, but since we have returned, the recording activity has gotten back into full swing. We are finishing tracks and adding some icing on the cake, thanks to some other local talent that will be putting their musical textures on our original material. We will be performing some of the new material at this month’s monthly membership meeting.

Our weekly Hot Jam at The Lehrer on Tuesdays has been going great, and the amount of musical talent that continues to show up regularly has been overwhelming. In the weeks to come we are stretching our show boundaries beyond the Portland Metro area and performing in venues throughout Oregon in Albany, Lincoln City, and Silverton, as well as in Vancouver, WA. We hope to see you out on the town!

Blues to you,
Tracey Fordice and the 8-Balls

James Clem

Hi friends,

Here is information on a very special event for me. On Saturday, March 28, I will be having a CD Release Party at Fleur De Lis Bakery & Cafe in the Hollywood District of NE Portland. The show starts at 7:30 pm and I am happy to say that Mary Flower will be sharing the bill with me. I am releasing two CD’s at once (a crazy idea in retrospect) and Mary played on several tracks. We even do a couple of vocal duets. One CD is a guitar oriented album with a mix of acoustic blues and Americana and the other is a swing/blues based ukulele recording. Both have a full acoustic band backing recorded live in the studio. An all analog recording by Ron Rogers. Musicians on the album include Ken West, Craig Snazelle, Johnnie Ward, Darka Dusty and more.

While the concert starts at 7:30 pm the cafe is offering a three course gourmet dinner at 6 pm prepared by master chef Craig Mistell. The meal includes appetizer, entree and dessert and the cost is $40 for the dinner, but that price includes the $10 cover charge for the show. Small plates will be available during the concert and they have a great beer and wine selection and a limited bar. Age 21 and over. The concert itself runs 7:30 to 10 pm with a $10 cover. Reservations for the dinner or concert are by email only (no phone reservations) to jennifer@fleurdelisbakery.com. Tickets are going fast so reserve early. Hope to see a lot of you out that evening. Should be a fun night.

Cheers,
James Clem
www.jamesclem.com

Soul Cookin’

Wednesday music at Blackwell’s, 1815 NE 41st Avenue, has been going for about four years now, with most covered by the combination of Lloyd Jones, Carlton Jackson, Dover Weinberg or Louis Pain, and David Kahl–also known as Soul Cookin’. It’s taken some work, but, thanks to the patience and commitment of owner Jan DeLorme, we’ve established a pretty consistent night of revelry and communion. Alas, however, there is some sad news–and some good news.

Drummer and vocalist extraordinaire, Carlton Jackson, is moving on. Carlton has brought a depth that encompasses more than just being a fantastic musician; his knowledge is diverse enough to qualify him as a Renaissance man and his influence will be certainly missed. A lot of the soul in Soul Cookin’ will go with him. We wish him nothing but the best, but we are graced to welcome a new preacher to the pulpit, another member to the congregation, and a sweet, sweet soul to share our musical communion.

Brian Foxworth, repeatedly described as a “force of nature”, now joins us. Brian is probably best known for his work with Curtis Salgado, but he’s been a key influence on too many notable bands to list. His drumming is impeccable and his voice is sweet as it gets. He is sure to take Wednesday nights into other directions, while holding to what has made them a delightful destination for many–just playing, in every sense of the word. Welcome to your new home, Brian. We are honored to have you.

While we’re at it, we’d like to acknowledge just a few of the people who have brought some measure of success to our little offering and who have made it something that we all look forward to every week. Of course, there’s the owner and staff of Blackwell’s. Musicians like Mitch Kashmar, Curtis Salgado, LaRhonda Steele, Arietta Ward, Dave Mathews, Randy Monroe, John Mazzocco, Les Hutchinson, and many more have helped to round things out. All of this, however, wouldn’t mean nearly as much without you, the audience. You make it all the more joyous. Thank you.

Blackwell’s is located in the heart of Hollywood, just across Sandy Blvd. from the Hollywood Theatre. They’ve got great food and drinks, a friendly staff, plenty of close parking, and convenient access to I-84. No cover ($5.00 minimum purchase). Music starts somewhere between 8:30 and 9:00 and runs until at least 11:30 pm.

Ben Rice & Lucy Hammond

Hey BluesBabies!

What an amazing time we had in Memphis for the 31st Annual International Blues Challenge! All the incredible Pacific Northwest blues artists truly showed Beale St. and beyond what a deep talent pool we have out here.

It was great to have the chance to attend the VIP party for Greg Johnson and Jenn Ocken’s Blues on Beale Street book release. So many IBC magic moments captured in its pages. Participating in the Pacific Northwest Showcase and the National Women In Blues Showcase was great. We had an absolute blast sharing the stage with CBA duo Pinsky & Newton. Having the opportunity to meet and make friends from all over the world and hear so much world class talent in one spot is what makes the IBC such a unique event.

Making it to the finals was surreal in the best possible way. Performing on the historic Orpheum Theater Stage truly is life altering. We’re so grateful for all the support we had along the way from so many of you back here at home. Thank you! It meant so much to feel like you were with us every step of the way.

Looking forward to a very busy festival season ahead. Glad to be joining many other great acts for the Winter Blues Festival to kick it off. Stay tuned to our website and social media sites for all our upcoming shows. See you soon!

Ben & Lucy 

Dean Mueller

Hello friends and blues fans! The Lake Theater & Cafe has kept me busy booking and promoting shows for Music Mondays. I have been fortunate enough to expand my horizons and be able to play with many of Monday nights’ excellent acts.

March is no exception as I will be joining Grant Dermody and Henry Cooper for a night of groove-based acoustic blues the first Monday of the month. Later in the month I have the honor of once again bringing the Julie Amici Trio to the theater. This will feature the beautifully talented Julie Yanko on vocals and myself on the big dog. Rounding out the trio will be the ever so tasty Dan Gildea on guitar. Dan joined us for the holiday showcase at the theater and we are excited to be performing with him again on March 16. There will be lots of other great shows at the Lake Theater every Monday, so check out the calendar and be sure to make it down to one of the best listening rooms anywhere.

Best,
Dean Mueller

Bottleneck Blues Band Will Get You Up on the Floor and Dancing the Night Away

By Laurie Morrisey

PictureBottleneck Blues Band - promo photo those old-time dance contests. The ones where the dancers groove the night away and nearly pass out on the floor, but are having so much fun they won’t stop until they drop. Now you’ve just envisioned the dance floor at the end of the night after the dancers have danced to Bottleneck Blues Band.

The band covers the classics and performs originals that will make you want to dance the night away. Their Facebook pages describes it this way, “Imagine Albert Collins meets Jimi Hendrix jamming with the Allman Brother Band. Bottleneck Blues Band will pull you in, get you moving, and make you feel alive.”

The band

The four band members that form this phenomenon hail from all around the country—Indiana, New York, Michigan, and Oregon, but came together to form Bottleneck Blues Band five years ago. Noah Bell plays guitar and handles vocals; Seth Zowader plays keyboards; Devon Shazier mans the drum kit; and Ethan Bear rounds out the quartet on bass. “We just added Ethan this summer. Dave Cushman, our original bass player, had to leave the group due to life issues,” according to Noah. Dave and Noah started the band out of their love for the blues.

All the guys have been serious about being professional musicians from a young age. Noah bought a guitar at a garage sale at age five and had always wanted to play music for a living. Seth began playing keyboards as a child and Devon grew up playing in church. When not on stage, two of the guys still work in music industry. You can find Noah and Seth working at Portland Music Co. in Beaverton. Noah is the assistant manager and has been there for 15 years. Seth is the keyboard guru and has been employed there for five years.

Influences

“We are followers of the three Kings: BB, Albert, and Freddie. We also listen to a lot of Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters,” Noah said. Other influences are Clarence Gatemouth Brown, JJ Cale, Willie Dixon, Robert Cray, and Albert Collins. These artists have help shaped Bottleneck’s music—their sound. “Our music is red hot funky blues. The kind that make people dance.” And boy do they dance!

CD’s

Bottleneck Blues Band released their first CD (self-produced) in December 2014, Twenty First Century Blues. Most of the tracks were first-take recordings. “The delivery is authentic. There is no over-embellishment that you’re likely to find with a lot of newer acts these days, and because there is no over-playing you are treated to a steady pulse that is raw and natural. Everything flows nicely,” said Greg Johnson, CBA President. (See the February CBA BluesNotes for the complete CD review.)

They are currently writing their second CD. Noah says several of the tunes have made it into their set list.

Experience

With over 25 years of playing music, Noah has opened for a wide variety of top notch musicians from reggae’s Steel Pulse to the King of country music, Willie Nelson. He’s also opened for various members of the Grateful Dead, including Bill Kreutzmann, not to mention classic blues man Elvin Bishop. He also has a degree in guitar from Missouri State.  Seth trained at Berklee College of Music. “His masterful organ technique has thrilled spectators leaving them amazed at his sonic prowess.” Devon started playing the drums in church at a young age. His radical beats have amazed audiences across the US. Steve Rodriguez, owner of the Blue Diamond in Portland, OR, says “I can’t believe he keeps going the whole three hour set.” The newest member of the band is Ethan. The Oregon native has been playing the blues since he started performing live up and down the coast. “His vibe has taken the band to a new level of excitement. This kid has skills as he holds down the bottom like an old pro. He plays like he has something to prove and the people respond” Noah said.

Bottleneck has performed with several bands around the Pacific Northwest, including Sammy Eubanks, Robbie Laws, Kevin Selfe, Norman Sylvester, and Papa Dynamite.

In Closing

Noah has a philosophy about blues, “Blues is music of life, love and loss, happiness and sorrow, and everything that happens in between. All these emotions come to life, and the standard grooves live again while Bottleneck lights up the dance floor.” You have to experience it yourself.

For more information and upcoming shows, visit the Bottleneck Blues Band website at http://www.bottleneckbluesband.com