Clint Morgan

Scofflaw
Lost Cause Records

Clint Morgan CD coverClint Morgan’s sophomore disc, Scofflaw, follows a theme that portrays the lives of society’s downtrodden, outcast, and outright bad guys. These are people with often very little remorse, living on the edge, and given the option would probably do things the same way all over again. How else would you explain titles such as “I Love Robbing Banks” or “Bad Man Blues”?

Morgan is a prolific piano player as well as a songwriter. He has been an instructor and performer at the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshops in Clarksdale, Mississippi and he plays a blues and boogie-styled piano. Yet his stories on Scofflaw take a route through blues, alt-country, and even a little gospel. His vocal delivery is sometimes reminiscent of Johnny Cash or Tom Waits — almost deadpan, but often with humorous and sometimes vivid descriptions.

The cast on Scofflaw is also an astonishing group. Guest vocalists include both Grammy winner Maria Muldaur and Blues Music Award winner Diunna Greenleaf. The musicians backing Morgan on the album is superb. The session players’ credentials read like a who’s who of some of the biggest names going that they’ve worked with, from Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakum, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, kd Lang, Vince Gill, and more.

But, this collection of stories reflects those from the wrong side of the tracks. And Morgan’s sense of phrasing in his lyrics depict the characters into believable figures. In “I Got A Gun,” a man feels he’s become so empowered that when somebody calls him scrawny butt, he reacts by shooting him in the gut. Or the fast-paced run in “A Sackful of Cash” where he states that Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so, but I bet that Jesus is pretty mad seeing how I turned out this bad. Of course he has this running through his mind since he’s running from the law with a sackful of cash and a body in the trunk. Or the judge giving a sentence of five years so that maybe he’ll learn the lessons he’s been taught in “Eastham Farm.” Even the cover songs Morgan includes are based on reckless abandon such as Bessie Smith’s “Send To the ‘Lecrtic Chair” or Johnny O’Keefe’s “Wild One.”

Well, maybe there is a bit of remorse in the thoughts of the protagonists by the time Scofflaw reaches towards the end, as the songs begin to speak directly to the Lord seeking redemption in numbers like “Softly And Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling,” “I Remembered You “ and Muldaur’s “I Done Made It Up In My Mind.” And the inclusion of “This Little Light Of Mine” opening and closing the album also may show that there is a hope of salvation that these bad men may be wishing for after all is said and done.

Scofflaw is truly a prime example of Americana at its best. Deeply rooted in folklore and legend, bringing images from the old west and the depression years up into modern times. The characters are timeless and this is an album that will continue to grow on you with each subsequent listen. Each number is like watching its own movie. Spectacular story-telling done right.

Total Time: 1:15:42

This Little Light Of Mine (Intro) / Waco / Wild One / I Got A Gun / I Don’t Know Where To Turn / Eastham Farm / DB Cooper Blues / I Love Robbing Banks / Bad Man Blues / Thief In the Night / Wanted Man / The Face In The Mirror / A Sackful Of Cash / Send Me To The ‘Lectric Chair / Softly And Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling / I Remembered You / I Done Made It Up In My Mind / This Little Light Of Mine (Outro) / I Got A Gun (Alternate Take)

Ivas John

Good Days A Comin/
Right Side Up Records

Ivas John CD coverWhen you start to listen to Ivas John’s Good Days A Comin’, it’s like a warm summer day sitting on your back porch with a pitcher of fresh-made lemonade and slabs of meat slowly grilling on the barbecue. You’re transported to a day meant for lazing in the sun with good friends, as Ivas provides feel good music on his guitar played just for you. That’s exactly how it feels.

Ivas John grew up in Chicago and fell in love with the blues as he was exposed to some of the city’s best. Over time he put together his own band, building a reputation with his high-powered electric blues throughout Illinois and SE Missouri. He released four albums under that style, and has also worked in band led by regional heroes Rip Lee Pryor and Martin Albritton (formerly with Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows). But his latest release, Good Days A Comin’, is a departure from that electric band direction, and delves deep into acoustic folk, bluegrass and country blues arrangements. It is rich in Americana roots music. Sharp and clean, with extraordinary story-telling, mostly original compositions of his own, a few co-written with his father and a cover here and there from people like Merle Travis, Tom Paxton.

Aside from John’s adept solo guitar picking and soothing vocals that highlight the album throughout, he also employs side musicians in a totally acoustic format, using fiddle, mandolin, upright bass, drums and dobro.

The album opens with the sprightly pace of “Goin’ Back to Arkansas” which encompasses a nice jug band old-timey feel. “Things Ain’t Been The Same” is a mournful tune about lost love and heartbreak. Tom Paxton’s “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” takes a personal reflection of just where life may be taking him as he travels down the road and the people he meets. John retells Merle Travis’ “Dark As a Dungeon,” filled with emotion befitting the tale of coal miners seeking better working conditions. There’s a nice ragtime flair to “Payday Boogie.” And the album closes with John’s spectacularly beautiful solo instrumental of “Sunday Morning Blues.”

If you like the blend of the early works of Ry Cooder and JJ Cale, the joyfulness of Keb’ Mo’ or the impact behind Doug MacLeod’s story songs, then Ivas John will fall right into your idea of guitar playing songwriters. He may have cut his teeth with the electrified sound of the city’s blues, but John has found a true niche with his acoustic delivery. Rootsy and full of heart.

Total Time: 42:19

Goin’ Back To Arkansas / Here I Am / Roll Mississippi / Dark As A Dungeon / Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound / Greenville Trestle High / All Along / Things Ain’t Been The Same / Keep Your Train Movin’ / Payday Boogie / Wrong Road Again / Sunday Morning Blues

Joanne Broh Band

Wicked Cool
Double Y Records

Joanne Broh Band CD coverThe Joanne Broh Band’s latest album, Wicked Cool, has already reaped some mighty fine accolades. Recently receiving the Rainy Day Blues Society’s 2016 Rooster Award for best blues album, the disc is filled with the bluesy arrangements and vocals you’ve come to expect from one of the most beloved artists from the Eugene area.

Joanne’s voice fills many layers befitting the material. Most of the albums’ compositions are original numbers created by Broh, bassist Jim Badalich, and guitarist Jerry Zybach. There are a couple tracks from Zybach that stretch back to 2002 (“Two Way Street”) and 2003 (“Sad Ol’ Heart”). The band is rounded out with drummer Dan E. Miller and keyboardist Gus Russell.

There are also some hefty guests lending a hand to the selections as well, with harmonica players Mitch Kashmar and Hank Shreve, trumpeters  Dana Heitman (The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies) and Dave Bender (The Flying Instruments of Karma, Emerald City Jazz Kings), and  saxophonists Sean Flannery (formerly with The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies) and Linda Kanter. Portland’s Joe McCarthy’s produced the horn arrangements for the track “(Swing ‘Er) Like Josephine Baker.”

Plenty of emotions spin through Wicked Cool. From the funky beats of “Bad Boy,” the tender heartfelt vocals on “Sad Ol’ Heart,” the biting guitar interludes on “Getting’ Old” and “Let’s Work It Out,” the loneliness within love lost in “Smokin’ Again,” to the closing “Reap What You Sow” with its R&B piano paced flavor. Overall, the album is a well-crafted sampling by a strong group of musicians with a truly remarkable lead vocalist that takes you on a musical journey that is not only cool, it’s Wicked Cool!

Time: 38:37

Wicked Cool / Getting’ Old Blues / (Shake “Er) Like Josephine Baker / Smokin’ Again / Two way Street / Let’s Work On It / Sad Ol’ Heart / Bad Boy / Reap What You Sow

Walter “Wolfman” Washington Brings New Orleans To Portland: 6/10

Walter “Wolfman” Washington has been a major player in the New Orleans music community for several decades. His musical expressions cover a wide spectrum of the blues, R&B, jazz, and some serious funk. Starting his career playing with a number of the Crescent City’s top performers, including a partnership with vocalist Johnny Adams and with his own band The Roadmasters since the early 1980s, Washington brings his intricate and intimate guitar work and soulful vocals to the forefront every time he steps on to a stage. There is a little Bobby “Blue” Bland, a little Kenny Burrell, a little George Benson, a little church, and a lot of New Orleans charm and experience in a Walter “Wolfman” Washington performance.  And in this day and age of musicians imitating the past or trying to recreate it, Washington stands out as a musician steeped in the history but completely contemporary.  Few musical acts, if any, do what he does. He is real, authentic, and unique.

Walter “Wolfman” Washington returns to Portland on Friday, June 10 for a 9:00 pm show at The Star Theater, 13 NW 6th. This is a 21 & over show with tickets on sale through Ticketweb.com for $15.00 advance.

The Lake Theater & Café Welcome Acoustic Guitar Summit – 6/13

The Acoustic Guitar Summit consists of three of the country’s best fingerstyle guitarists, Grammy winners Doug Smith and Mark Hanson, along with Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee and Cascade Bluesterry_robAssociation Muddy Award Hall of Fame recipient Terry Robb. The three have performed together over the years to rave reviews and have been heard on television, major films, and NPR. Their music is a mixture of classic, gypsy jazz, folk, Hawaiian slack key, and blues woven together into intricately crafted fingerpicking masterpieces.

These three amazing artists will be performing at the Acoustic Guitar Summit in The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street, in Lake Oswego, on Monday, June 13 at 7:00pm. Admission is $20.00 for general admission and $100.00 for a limited number of VIP tables that seat four people closest to the stage. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Laketheatercafe.com.

Orphan Jon and The Abandoned Two Oregon Shows – 6/16 & 6/18

Orphan Jon and the Abandoned - photo by Sandy KrupnikCalifornia’s Orphan Jon and The Abandoned is an American roots and blues band, with a wide variety of originals and covers. When you see them live they bring an energy and passion that you will experience both musically and visually. They are a band that totally captures the essence of what the blues is all about: hard work, rough life, grinding days, moving souls, touching hearts, and heartfelt love, and everyday living through their music.

In his body language, lyrics and vocals, frontman “Orphan Jon” English can be moving, emotional, heartfelt, and intense at one point, then soothing, soulful, lustful, and desiring at another. The Abandoned is completed by the harmonious and rhythmic guitar work of Bruce Krupnik, the steady uplifting bass drive of Will Anderson, and the captivating dynamics of drummer Tanner Byrom

“A must see, a must hear band that is turning heads everywhere they perform”- Al Factorman, Los Angeles blues historian

Orphan Jon and The Abandoned will be appearing in Portland at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, on Thursday, June 16 for a 9:00 pm show. Admission is $10.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so show your current membership card and receive a $1.00 discount at the door.

On Saturday, June 18, the band will be at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld, Oregon. Show time is 7:00 pm. Admission is $10.00.

Bruce Katz Band Makes Rare Trip To Oregon: 6/17 & 6/19

Bruce Katz is a four-time nominee for the Blues Music Award’s “Pinetop Perkins” Piano Player of the Year. But while the blues is a very important part of his music, Katz involves more musical angles and influences to occupy a space where blues, “soul-jazz,” jam-band rock, and all aspects of Americana music collide into a unique style. Equally comfortable playing Hammond B-3 organ or piano, he leads the Bruce Katz Band, has been a member of Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, the Gregg Allman Band, and has worked regularly with artists like Delbert McClinton, Duke Robillard, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, and John Hammond.

Currently touring as a trio with Chris Vitarello on guitar and Ralph Rosen on drums, the Bruce Katz Band will be heading to Oregon in June for two dates.

On Friday, June 17, Bruce Katz will be appearing at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, Portland, for a 9:00 pm show. This show is co-sponsored by the Cascade Blues Association, so members can receive a $1.00 discount at the door by showing their current membership card.

Then on Sunday, June 19, the band will be at The Birk for an early evening show starting at 4:00 pm. The Birk is located at 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld.

 

Guitar Hero Robben Ford Back In Portland: 6/17

Robben Ford - photo by George WellsRobben Ford has received six Grammy and one Blues Music Award nominations over his career and was named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of the 20th century by Musician Magazine. He has worked with the likes of Miles Davis, Bonnie Raitt, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Gregg Allman, John Scofield, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Tom Scott, as well as his brothers in the Charles Ford Band, among other legendary performers.

He has utilized a number of guitar stylings over his career, from jazz to rock, pop to blues, all of them unique and innovative in his hands. “I go for very big and very real guitar sounds, with no more than a little delay and reverb,” he explains. “I like a great guitar through a great amp, and from there I’m golden.” He discography has an amazing thirty-five discs under his own name and with others, with his most recent solo effort Into The Sun released in 2015.

Robben Ford’s stage shows are just as captivating as his recordings. He will be returning to Portland to play a show at The Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at albertarosetheatre.com for $35.00 advance and $37.00 day of show. This event is open to all ages, with minors permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Soulful Blues Vocalist Terry Evans Returns To Portland – 6/22

Mississippi bluesman Terry Evans has felt a calling to music his entire life. From singing in the church choir as a youngster to listening to secular music behind his parent’s back to catch the sounds of people like Elmore James, Little Walter, and BB King, he knew that was what he was destined to do. Over his lifetime he has worked with many of the top tier artists of our day, ranging from Maria Muldaur, John Fogerty, John Lee Hooker, Pops Staples, Boz Scaggs, and more. Along with partner Bobby King, the pair backed Ry Cooder for a handful of albums and tours. Lately, he has teamed with Dutch bluesman Hans Theessink along with fronting his own successful band and releasing several recordings.

Leading his own group is a natural for a born entertainer and soulful singer like Evans. Ry Cooder commented while working with him that Evans made a better front man than himself. To see him perform is to understand why. He is one of the most dynamic soul and blues singers performing today, writing and singing about all aspects of human emotion and creating a connection with his audience in the process.

Terry Evans will return to Portland after a long absence from playing in the city with his debut appearance at The Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Wednesday, June 22. Show time is 8:00 and the show is open to all ages, with minors okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available through albertarosetheatre.com for $10.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so use the passcode “CBA” when ordering tickets online to receive a $2.00 discount.

Portland/Nashville alt-country duo Samsel will open the show.

Vancouver Craft Beer & Winefest 6/10-6/12

The 4th annual Craft Beer & Winefest of Vancouver will run this year from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 at Esther Short Park and will feature on Sunday “Beers, Bloodys and Blues,” a full day of blues music. The lineup for Sunday begins at 12 noon with Missi & Mister Baker and then continues with the BobbyLee Experience at 1:15, The Beaver Boogie Band at 3:00, MojoBlasters at 4:30, and wraps up with the After Hours Band at 6:00.

Putting people before profits is not just a tagline for The Craft Beer & Winefest. This year, in an effort to raise 10,000 pounds of food for Share House, The Winefest will provide donation bins at the festival entrance. Every bag of unexpired, nonperishable food can be traded for three tasting tickets. A portion of ticket proceeds will also go to the Evergreen School District. As in the past, IQ Credit Union will sponsor dog bowls throughout the park, making the Winefest a very dog-friendly event.

Sunday will also offer a multitude of Bloody Mary recipes for your enjoyment, all provided by local suppliers using only local ingredients, so come over to Vancouver and imbibe in some heady brews and stellar libations along with some first-rate, soulful blues.

At $25 per person, general admission includes a commemorative glass, entrance, 10 tasting tickets and a weekend packed with live music. That’s a hard deal to beat.

And though the blues may take center stage on Sunday, the festival does take place on Friday and Saturday as well. Vancouver’s own country-rock, Americana and western swing band The Pearls headline Friday night and on Saturday the night will be capped by TLS Journey a Journey tribute band.