June 2015 - Page 3 of 3 - Cascade Blues Association Archive

Whiskey, Wine & Water
Self Produced

There is much to say about an artist who can transverse various genres and is still able to appeal to all the different directions that she’s taking. That is exactly what Stacy Jones does on her latest release Whiskey, Wine & Water. She has taken one step back from the blues focus of previous recordings and has her sights aimed a little more at alternate country and indie music, but it still has enough of the blues feeling holding it all together — kind of like Lucinda Williams, maybe. I certainly hear that in a track like ”Dreams” for example. But I hate to compare an artist doing their own thing with somebody else and I really like the path that Stacy is taking.

The blues is definitely evident in the first track, “Can’t Do Nothin’ Right.” Stacy rips into some vicious slide guitar here as Rick Bowen drives the pace on drums. Stacy remarks in the liner notes that she was with a group of people who she was seriously pissing off when she wrote this song and made everything better by claiming that couldn’t do anything right. It’s a jumping number that will get your blood pumping right away.

On “Momma” she is joined by guest Mark Riley for a bluesy Southern rock approach. Stacy’s voice soars alongside Riley’s slide work, who also appears on three other tracks. “Keep On Keepin’ On” holds a nice boogie pace with Stacy displaying more of her exceptional multi-instrumental talent as she works the harmonica. On the album she also plays piano, organ, various guitars, and even ukulele. I love the way that the title song, “Whiskey, Wine & Water,” rolls into an A Capella group sing-along accompanied by handclaps and foot-stomps midway through before breaking out with another harmonica burn leading to the climax of the number.

Alongside Stacy Jones’ own abundance of musical skills, she is joined by her long-time band members, the aforementioned Rick Bowen on drums and Tom Jones on bass, with support from Keith Sutton and Scott Denton on guitars and guest Jon Parry providing fiddle that offers a country feeling throughout.

Whiskey, Wine & Water is a terrific disc that should open more doors for Stacy with a pleasant blend of cross-over tracks. Four albums into her career and things are definitely looking upwards for this award-winning artist.

Total Time: 41:45

Can’t Do Nothin’ Right / You And Me, Tonight / Dreams / Hole In My Sole / Whiskey, Wine & Water / 4 Days More / To Be Loved / Momma / Keep On Keepin’ On / Lost Lovers Waltz / San Antonio / Waiting

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Still Water Vibes
Second Electric Set – Ted Vaughn Blues Band

It’s June already, and summer is about to kick off. It’s the start of festival time and that means there is going to be plethora of great music humming throughout our region. Make sure to start the summer months off correctly and attend the June Cascade Blues Association Membership Meeting. We’re going to have two fun and exciting sets of music that will certainly set the pace.

Opening the night will be an act we normally do not see in an acoustic setting, but, as they always do when playing an electric set, they’re sure to ignite the dance floor. Still Water Vibes, based in the Salem area, is one of the hottest up-and-coming bands in the region.

Blending their soulful sounds with a steady dose of blues influenced from a variety of musical stylings and musicians makes Still Water Vibes unique. Their original music echoes Jonny Lang, Joe Bonamassa, Anthony Gomes, and more, while their own take on cover material are influenced by those artists as well as Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and classic blues artists like Eric Clapton and BB King. Whether you are a true blues connoisseur or a fan of today’s modern music, Still Water Vibes won’t disappoint!

The band is made up of vocalist Nick Wixom, bassist Jarrod Venti, guitar slinger Brandon Logan, drummer Derek Jones and keyboard man Mike Windsor. A finalist in the 2014 Journey To Memphis, Still Water Vibes will be releasing their debut album the week before this meeting, so consider picking up a copy from the band at the meeting and taking it home with you.

The second act for the night also comes from Salem, proving that the Willamette Valley is indeed fertile ground for blues musicians. The Ted Vaughn Blues Band, fronted by harmonica ace and vocalist Ted Vaughn, is a group of blues pros with decades of recording and performing under their belts. They have all individually shared venues and stages with some of the top artists such as John Fogerty, Timothy B. Schmidt, Ted Nugent, Kenny Loggins, and blues icons Doug MacLeod and John Nemeth. The band has played at many of the largest and smallest blues festivals around the country, electrifying audiences.

Along with band leader Ted Vaughn, the band also includes Clay “Bone” King on guitar, Leon Forrest on keys. Ted Larson on bass and John King on drums. As mentioned, each member brings a wealth of experience making this band brimming with talent and is a must see act. As described by All Music Guide regarding the Ted Vaughn Band, “The music is tight, the sound is sharp . . . a blues persona all their own.” And The Corvallis Advocate adds, “Straight up blues rock for those that can’t get enough. These folks are quickly becoming THE Pacific Northwest band to watch.” Come to the CBA membership meeting and find out why!

It’s sure to be an exciting night of fantastic blues music, good friends, and a chance to win concert tickets, CDs, and more just by attending. Be sure you pick up your free drawing ticket as you enter the venue. Or, for a mere $1.00, take a flyer on a ticket to win the multi-CD package put together just for the meeting. Hope to see you all there — it’s the best way to kick off your summer blues activities.