2016 International Blues Challenge Overview

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Greg Johnson, CBA President

Well, the 2016 International Blues Challenge is now in the books. When you consider the previous few years, the weather decided to cooperate with us for once. As the East Coast was being hammered with torrential winter storms before the event, for a change, the temperatures in Memphis were mild rather than freezing. And the only rain during the week came twice, late at night when everyone had pretty much already gone back to the places where they were staying.

Events began on Tuesday night with several venues hosting participants from twelve countries beyond the United States taking part. As your Portland area representatives as volunteers, I worked as the venue host at Club 152 while Cherie Robbins held the same duty at Pig On Beale. It was a chance for these acts who traveled from all corners of the world to have an extra chance to play.

Speaking of the acts, not only were thirteen countries total represented, but a total of 121 bands,  94 solo/duo groups and 42 youth acts took part in the event. All were already winners of their own regional competitions.

The Northwest had a strong showing, starting out Wednesday morning before the competition even began as representatives from the four regional blues societies participating this year were showcased at a day-long performance at Club 152. The perfect location as The Blues Foundation’s merchandise store, band CD sales, and will call for passes pick up were on the second floor, meaning that everybody who went up that way were treated to music from the Northwest. And many of those folks decided to stay and listen all day.

The Northwest was represented by acts from not only the Cascade Blues Association (Sister Mercy – band; Rogue Rage Duo – solo/duo; Justus Reece – youth), but also the Washington Blues Society (James Howard Band; Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons – solo/duo), South Sound Blues Association (King Kom Beau – band; Doug Skoog & Brian Fiest – solo/duo; Emerald City Blues Band – youth) and the White Rock Blues Society (Arsen Shomakhov Band; Jesse Roper – solo/duo).

Cherie and I worked together during the week in Club 152 for the quarter-and-semi-finals, Wednesday through Friday. We did not have any of the Northwest acts perform in our venue, but she had the opportunity to catch a little bit of our CBA acts.

Rogue Rage Duo unfortunately did not advance to the semi-finals, but speaking with both Harpo and Dan they were pleased with their performance and felt strongly that they might have moved forward. Regardless, they said they made some great contacts and friends and will most likely see extra gigs their way coming up.

SisterMercy IBC at the Tin Roof - photo courtesy of Sister MercySister Mercy played their first night on a big stage at the Tin Roof. Talking with the venue coordinator from that room he told me that they were his favorite act in the quarterfinals in his room. He said the crowd ate up their vocal harmonies and choreographed dance moves. Even the judges were said to be dancing along with the band and they advanced to the semi-finals on Friday night at Blues City Café on a much smaller stage, but in front of a crowd that packed to the seams. This would be their final performance in the competition. But it is a feat to be proud of as of the thousands of acts that compete to get to Memphis, only 250 or so make it, and that number is cut in a third for Friday, and only eight bands and eight solo/duo acts make it to the finals. And they surely caught the attention of many people in the blues industry who can advance their careers ahead.

Justus Reece was able to take part in the youth showcase, playing at Silky O’Sullivan’s. He and his father traveled to Nashville before Memphis and he was able to sight-see a number of historical music places in both cities. His father, Geoffrey Reece, commented about how much good music they heard and how incredibly talented the kids participating in the youth showcase were. He also said that Justus is already trying to figure out a way to come back to the IBC.

Friday morning Cherie and I attended the Keeping the Blues Alive Award luncheon, where I was one of fifteen recipients of the honor this year. It was an amazing feeling to be recognized, but having Cherie with me made me especially proud as was having her working the event all week with me. I wouldn’t have dreamed of being there with anyone else. It was also a treat to be introduced by Jay Sieleman and to have so many friends in the room, including Karen Lovely, Hawkeye Greg Johnson and Cherie Robbins with KBA award - photo by Cinda WatermanHerman and Dick & Cinda Waterman who asked to sit with us at our table. Thank you for being there.

On Saturday, we were at the finals in The Orpheum Theater where I was working as one of the stage managers. Everybody has their own opinion of who should have or should not have made the finals, but I have to say I was impressed with a lot of the acts on that stage and happy to see personal friends Ori Naftaly, Dave Muskett, and Micah Kesselring among them. I felt that the overall winning act, The Delgado Brothers was definitely the right choice. They were by far the best act on that stage that day. But as anybody who has been a part of the IBC for any amount of time knows, it can all be different on any given day, depending on who your judges are and their feelings about the music presented. But again, I always point out to those who state music is not a competition. True, but how else can you bring so many quality acts to one location with so many industry people looking for new acts in the genre?

It was truly a great feeling to see one of the Northwest acts, Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, win the solo/duo competition. From my first time watching them I felt that they were bringing something new to the event, though their music is very traditional in its format of string and jug band music, the true root of original blues. They were fresh and a change of pace that the judges and audience ate up and deservingly so. Congratulations to Ben & Joe and the Washington Blues Society.

And congratulations to all the musicians, fans, volunteers, Blues Foundation staff, and Beale Street Merchants. Everybody in Memphis was a winner this week for one of the very best IBCs ever. It really is one of the grandest events, not only in the blues world, but the music world itself; it’s the future of the blues seen today.

Benny Turner

When She’s Gone
Nola Blue, Inc.

Benny Turner CD coverThis is an exceptional album that leaves me shaking my head. Why isn’t Benny Turner more renown? After all, he is the brother of the late blues legend Freddie King. He worked with Chicago bluesman Mighty Joe Young and was also the band leader for New Orleans’ Blues Queen Marva Wright. But that is not why I question his status. When you consider that six of the ten tracks on his fourth album, When She’s Gone, were originally released back in 1997 on his album Blue And Not So Blue, which received extreme acclaim regionally, but went pretty much unnoticed around the rest of the world, it just plain leaves me stumped. This man possesses some mighty soulful vocal cords and has a delivery to a song that just oozes bluesy and soulful perfection. The remaining four tracks are covers that hit just as sure as the older material.

One must take note that the majority of the numbers on this disc do not even include guitar. Yes, Turner is a guitarist himself, but he foregoes the instrument on most selections here, preferring his own work on bass as a lead instead. But when a guitar is included, notably on two songs, he has chosen former Muddy Waters’ guitarist Bob Margolin to fill the spot. And fill it he does. Beautifully and bluesy! You might also note that filling a rhythm guitar role on the tune “Because Of You” is one Dr. John. Yes, that Dr. John who originally began his career as a guitar player before taking up the piano.

Some of the other familiar names found helping Turner out are his former employer Marva Wright as the two trade their voices on “Pity On This Lovesick Fool.” This track alone would’ve been worth the price of the disc, but there is so much more sounding just as awesome. There’s also folks like Davell Crawford, Herman Ernest III, Samuel Berfect and Jellybean Alexander on hand. And don’t miss out on the closing number “Black Night” where Turner teams up with another blues legend, Charles Brown for a six-and-a-minute reading of the classic done just right!

There are a few well-known covers included on When She’s Gone, but who cares? These songs, like Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider Baby,” Jimmy Rogers’ “That’s Alright,” even something like Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” that you just can’t imagine being done any better than the original, all come across with just the right flavor and soul that’ll make you say out loud, “Ahhh yes!!!”

I guess it goes without saying, I really like this album a lot. Recommended? Big time yes!! Check it out!

Total Time: 49:36

I Can’t Leave / Pity On This Lovesick Fool / Because Of You / Ain’t No Sunshine / So Deep / If I Can’t Have You / Have You Ever Been So Lonesome / Reconsider Baby / That’s Alright / Black Night

Ramblings On My Mind: March 2016

ramblings201306BNGreg Johnson / CBA President

March is a month that is extremely abundant with special events happening. There is no way possible to try to  make everything going on. Well, you could actually say the same thing almost every month with the number of local musicians out there every night at various venues. We live in a city that has far more blues music going on than most places in the country. We’re very fortunate that way. But this month there are two events happening that have meaning to me more than just a festival, jam or touring musician. They involve friends and organizations that I have been involved with myself for events myself.

The first without needing any reason that I highly recommend is A Life For Lynn. This benefit for Dave & Lynn Kahl is a massive all-star laden event to assist the pair in their day to day lives as they face the continued struggle of Lynn’s multiple sclerosis. I have been fortunate enough to work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society organizing three Blues For MS concerts. It is one of the events that I have been the most honored to have been involved with. I even mentioned it in my Keeping The Blues Alive Award speech in Memphis as something that I was most proud. The past two events I made a point of Dave Kahl being included, once as a performer and the second time to relate to the audience what it means to live with MS daily and how the MS Society helps.

Even if this was the only reason to attend A Life For Lynn it would be enough. But to me it is more personal. Dave and I have exchanged times of loss and questioning between ourselves and helped each other through. At a time when I questioned my value in what I was doing with the CBA and the blues community in general several years back and I thinking of walking away, it was Dave who convinced me otherwise. He told me what I was doing was valuable and that so many people appreciated it. Without his words I would have never continued. And it works both ways. With the death of Paul deLay Dave too questioned whether he desired to continue playing music. This concerned me because he offers way more than just a performer. He is an advocate and a voice of reason in the music community in Portland. I was contacted by Steve Clarke telling me that his wife Fiona Boyes was looking to move to Portland and if I knew of any bass players she might be able to hook up with. I saw this as a golden opportunity for Dave and though he was not sure if he wanted to do it, I convinced him to give it a shot. As everybody knows it developed into a regular position with Fiona with her band at the time and whenever she returns to town.

Imagine a scene without Dave Kahl. There would be no MyGigNet, there would be no voice in City Council meetings working to bring more attention to local musicians whether as a tourist attraction or the development of a music district. He may not have been around as a player to become Ty Curtis’ bassist either. He is a man of dreams with a huge heart open to everybody and he is always the first to offer his services to help a musician or a friend in need. Make it a point to return the favor and attend A Life For Lynn.

Another organization that I had a chance to work with not as directly as the MS Society was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Guitarist Thomas Quigley put together a couple benefit shows for the group and asked me if the CBA and myself would help out. The second of these took place at The Refectory with people like Kevin Selfe, Chad Rupp, Madman Sam, and guess who, Dave Kahl all taking part. It is such organizations that have made me that working to make these events happen is more than beneficial for many.

In March, at The Trails End Saloon there will be a concert to help raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphona Society and their work at finding a cure for this form of cancer, called Give Cancer The Boot. It is another all-star affair that crosses genres and even includes touring Texan musician Randy McAllister. But what makes it even more special to me is that the show was created by good friends Rick & Shelley Layton, and they asked my girlfriend Cherie Robbins to produce the event through her Cherie’s Blues Highway. Rick and Shelley mean a lot to us as when we were between homes waiting for our new apartment to become available, they put us up in their own home and have become very close friends. Shelley is running a marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which this concert is also about bringing awareness, too. Please make this event another destination of choice this coming month.

What it all boils down to is that way too often benefits and festivals are put together because of health issues or social needs like homelessness. Whether it is A Life For Lynn, Give Cancer The Boot, the Waterfront Blues Festival, the Winter Blues Festival, the Inner City Blues Festival, or any other such happening, it is almost always the music community that comes together to make a difference. It is true. Music does have the means to heal, in more ways than one. I wish that such events were not necessary, but until a cure for all such issues and illnesses can be found, thank God for such kind hearts as we have in our musicians. Please do your part and help by attending.

Minneapolis’s The 4onthefloor To Perform at Mississippi Studios: Feb. 2nd

4onthefloor - press photoThe 4onthefloor deliver stompin’ blues with an alarming intensity. 4onthefloor was born in the bottom of a bourbon bottle with the idea that it’s effing time to have some fun and make amazing music. Audiences immediately take to the infectious driving feel of not one, but four bass drums pulsing to the beat of the songs. The music is inspired by the gutsy stomp of the Delta Blues and the hoe-downs from America’s past and present. While 4onthefloor prides themselves on their original songs, they also love putting their signature stomp on covers from the likes of Wilco to Tom Jones. Their live show is known for keeping packed crowds intensely involved for an entire show with its call-and-response choruses and meaty guitar riffs. This makes 4onthefloor one of the most entertaining bands on the Midwest music scene today, and the world tomorrow.

In support of their third recording, All In, the band embarks on a West Coast tour that will be steaming through the Portland area on Tuesday, February 2, at Mississippi Studos, 3939 N Mississippi Avenue. This 9:00 pm show will be for those 21 & over only, with tickets available through TicketFly.com for $12.00 (advance and day of show).

Mark Hummel’s All Star Harmonica Blowout – Feb. 3rd

Celebrate Mark Hummel’s twenty-fifth anniversary of presenting sensational Blues Harmonica Blowouts when he returns to The Aladdin Theater on Wednesday, February 3 with what just may be one of his best line-ups ever. Joining the Blues Music Award winning Hummel will be amazing harp masters Curtis Salgado, Lazy Lester, Jason Ricci, Aki Kumar, and Big Jon Atkinson. Tremendous blowers like these need to be backed up with a heavy-hitting band, too. So Hummel has gathered guitarists Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty and rhythm section RW Grigsby (bass) and Wes Starr (drums). This band is worth the admission alone, but throw in the harmonica stars and you have a showcase you shouldn’t miss!

The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Avenue. Tickets are $32.50 advance and $35.00 day of show, available at The Aladdin box office or through TicketFly.com. Show time is 8:00 pm and minors under 21 are welcome with a parent or legal guardian.

Fiona Boyes Comes ‘Home’ To Visit Portland with Multiple Shows: Feb. 5th & 14th

Fiona Boyes - press photo by Brandy Kayzakian-RoweAustralian blues artist and former Portland resident Fiona Boyes returns for a couple weeks to her second home for a long awaited visit that will include multiple shows and various band lineups. A five-time Blues Music Award nominee (including being up for the Koko Taylor Award for traditional female artist this year), the 2003 International Blues Challenge solo/duo winner and on the heels of a new recording, Box & Dice that is receiving rave reviews from around the world, she is surely going to be welcomed back with big crowds every night. Touted as a master at both acoustic and electric guitars, she is often compared with the talents of Memphis Minnie, and deservedly so.

Fiona Boyes first Portland area performance during her visit will take place on Friday, February 5 at Vie de Boheme (1530 SE 7th Ave.) for a 9:00 pm show with a band that will include Dave Kahl on bass, Lloyd Jones on guitar and Carlton Jackson on drums. Admission is $10.00. On Wednesday 10, Fiona will be the guest artist with Soul Cookin’ at Blackwell’s.  On Sunday 14, she will be joined by Jimi Bott on drums, Mitch Kashmar on harmonica and Dave Kahl on bass at Billy Blues (7115 NE Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver, WA) from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Then on Wednesday 17, Fiona will return to Blackwell’s where she will be filling in for Lloyd Jones to lead Soul Cookin’ for the night.

That’s four great chances to catch up with Fiona Boyes during her visit, but keep your eyes and ears open as there may be more yet to come!

Jeff Jensen Returns To Portland For Rare Performance: Feb. 12th

When guitarist Jeff Jensen moved from Portland to Memphis he really had no clue what he would find there. Teaming up with harmonica player Brandon Santini shortly after his arrival was the right move at the time as it propelled his career into a steady path to success. After playing with Santini for a couple years, Jensen decided it was time to reform his band and to look at creating solo work again. Now, following two highly successful recordings, with his latest, Morose Elephant, receiving airplay on over 400 radio stations, a tour that took him to ten countries and 27 states, and two nominations for the Blues Blast Sean Costello Rising Star Award, Jensen’s move back East was surely the right one.

Jeff Jensen will be returning to Portland for a night at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd Avenue on Friday, February 12 for a 9:00 pm show. Tickets are $10.00 and Cascade Blues Association members can receive a $1.00 discount at the door with their current membership card. Come out and welcome Jeff back to town, even if it is only for one night.

NW Women Rhythm & Blues Valentine’s Day Extravaganza – Feb. 14th

This Valentine’s Day, consider the Trails End Saloon as your holiday destination for an incredible evening with the NW Women Rhythm & Blues Valentine’s Day Extravaganza. This celebration includes many of Portland’s finest vocalists and musicians, featuring an all-star collection of talent with Sonny Hess, Lisa Mann, Vicki Stevens, Rae Gordon, Lady True Blue, Saeeda Wright, and Sarah Clarke. If this amazing group of ladies is not enough, they’re throwing into the mix drummer and vocalist Brian Foxworth. Definitely a winning combination for what will certainly be a highly enjoyable night.

It all happens on Sunday, February 14 starting at 6:00 pm at the Trails End Saloon, 1320 Main Street, Oregon City. Admission is only $12.00, but make your reservations now at 503-656-3031 as this is one event expected to fill the house!

Lisa Mann & Ben Rice Team Up For Performance At Jimmy Mak’s: Feb. 12th

Two of Portland’s hottest rising blues stars have been tag-teaming their way across the country in a number of shows to the excitement of many new fans. So it’s only fitting that they bring that excitement home to give their local fans a little taste.

Lisa Mann Blues Music Awards - photo by Greg JohnsonBlues Music Award winner and the recipient of the Blues Blast Sean Costello Rising Star Award Lisa Mann is paired with two-time International Blues Challenge finalist and the St Blues Guitar Award winner for best guitarist in the 2015 IBC solo/duo competition Ben Rice. That’s a killer combination and between the two of them would need a Ben Rice - photo by Scott Allenwheelbarrow to lug all of the Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards between them. Backing the two will be Lisa’s Really Good Band Michael Ballash on drums, Jason “JT” Thomas on guitar and Brian Harris on keys, with Dave Melyan handling a bit of drums as well. This will be a night filled with blues and soulful grooves.

Lisa Mann and Ben Rice will be making it all happen at Jimmy Mak’s, 221 NW 10th Avenue, on Friday, Fenruary 12 at 8:00 pm. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door and Cascade Blues Association members will receive a $2.00 discount when showing their current membership card for this co-sponsored event.

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Return To Alberta Rose Theatre: Feb. 18th

TommyCastro - press photo by Lewis MacDonaldOne of the West Coast’s most beloved bluesmen, Tommy Castro, has garnered a great deal of acclaim over his four decade career. With fourteen albums and numerous Blues Music Awards nominations and wins, including the coveted Band of the Year and BB King Entertainer of the Year, he has definitely sealed his name in blues history. His shows are exciting, and feature a crack outfit that has worked with him for a number of years, including bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardist Michael Emerson and drummer Bowen Brown making up The Painkillers. His latest album, Method To My Madness, continues his impressive string of high caliber recordings.

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers will return to Portland for a show at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Thursday, February 18 at 8:00 pm.  This show is open to all ages, with minors okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are $20.00 in advance through the venue’s website, AlbertaRoseTheatre.com or $25.00 at the door day of show.