What’s on Tap for December’s General Membership Meeting …

,

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder Street, Portland
Wednesday, December 7 – 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00 (NOTE: THIS WILL INCREASE TO $5.00 IN JANUARY 2017)
Opening Acoustic Set – David Brothers
Second Electric Set – The Pining Hearts

It’s December everybody, which means this is one of the most important membership meetings of the year as we will be holding the election to determine who will hold the officer positions for your Cascade Blues Association’s Board of Directors. Make sure that you bring your current membership card to receive a ballot to cast your choices.

Aside from this once-a-year occurrence, we’re still going to have a night filled with friends and music, and we’ll be offering two sets featuring acts that we are sure to both entertain you and surprise you. And yet there is something else that is truly special about this month. It is the CBA’s 30th anniversary, noting the month that the original founders filed papers with the State creating the organization as a non-profit business promoting, supporting, and preserving the blues and blues-related music. Thanks to all of you for helping keep the CBA alive for all these years.

David Brothers press photoOpening the meeting will be a set by David Brothers, a critically acclaimed entertainer and composer, who combines urban folk and blues to create a sound distinctively his own. Playing his original material, David mixes the influences of John Coltrane, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Django Reinhart, and John Fahey in his technique, style, and approach. He first began performing professionally as a teenager in Fort Worth, Texas, inspired by the likes of Leon Rouche (Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys) and Dave Milsap (Delbert McClinton’s band). Following his move to Portland, Brothers was the recipient of the Cascade Blues Association’s Christopher Mesi Memorial Scholarship. Brothers has performed with many of the Pacific Northwest’s most elite musicians and has released several solo and group albums over the years that have earned praise by critics, DJs and fans.

Joining David Brothers for his set will be bassist Rob Busey, who has worked over the years with acts like the Ken DeRouchie Band, Al Perez, and The Newport Symphony. He has also performed with Miss America Katie Harman, Tommy Tutone, Judy Collins, The Vancouver Symphony and The Oregon Chambers Players. Busey’s rock solid bass work will surely enhance Brothers exquisite guitar playing.

For the second set of the night we welcome a newer act in the area, The Pining Hearts. They are a psych-rock band out of Portland, OR and Austin, TX featuring Kivett Bednar from Land of the Living and more recently Rae Gordon & The Backseat Drivers alongside Eddie Steele from the progressive funk band Entendre Entendre. The pair started jamming in late 2015, and The Pining Hearts officially became a band in March of 2016. The group has appeared at the Alberta Street Pub and Twilight Cafe to sold-out crowds. The originals coming out of the group are rhythmic and upbeat, but in the same breath have a dark surf vibe that leaves you thinking of the ocean at night. Yet you also know that with Bednar’s background there will be a deep bluey approach as well. The group is currently working on a new EP that is scheduled for release in early.

We’ll do our regular give-aways, announcements and winner-take-all CD raffle throughout the night, and before everything is over we’ll let you know who your new officers will be for 2017. Please join us in the very exciting night. It is always so much better when we have so many friends and blues fans with us every month.

Just This One – Local Blues Legend Paul deLay Returns to Portland in a New Musical Play

Wayne Harrel

Ten years after his untimely death, the much-loved and dearly-missed Paul deLay returns to Portland when playwright Wayne Harrel presents a concert reading of a new musical featuring dozens of deLay’s songs and the story of his redemptive rise from addiction to adulation.

Just This One premieres Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, with a full cast of top local blues performers, including LaRhonda Steele, Lisa Mann, Saeeda Wright, Hank Shreve, and Dave Fleschner, and starring international blues singer Sugaray Rayford.

The event is a co-production with Northwest Theatre Workshop, with additional support from the Cascade Blues Association and United By Music, North America.

Paul deLay (1952-2007) was born and raised in Milwaukie, Oregon. He was a tremendous musician of unfocused potential, until a 1990 drug bust changed his life – for good. Then his harmonica, singing and songwriting prowess soared to national and international acclaim, despite serving time at Sheridan Penitentiary or, as Paul said, “My 41-month federally funded artist’s retreat.”

deLay was a founding member of Portland’s renowned blues scene and his songs are treasured for their poignantly humorous lyrics and jazzed-up, cliché-free melodies. Jerry Portnoy, harmonica player for Eric Clapton, says, “His songwriting is phenomenal – absolutely some of the best stuff I ever heard. He moved me.”

Portland playwright Wayne Harrel agrees. The two-time Oregon Book Award nominee is a longtime fan of deLay’s music and admires its lyrical transparency. The loneliness, the substance abuse, the joy of true love — deLay lays it out with a wink and a tear:

“It’s like she’s Lucy holding the football / and I’m like poor ol’ Charlie Brown. / Not hard to figure out / what’s goin’ down.”

“When I first heard that lyric,” says Harrel, “the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I thought, ‘This is a show!’” Since then, he’s woven deLay’s best songs into a night’s concert that captures the breadth of Paul’s amazing journey from addiction to adulation.

Telling that story on stage are some of the region’s – and nation’s – best blues performers. Leading off is Texas native Sugaray Rayford. Portland Center Stage audiences experienced Sugaray in 2012’s It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, and the Cascade Blues Association voted his 2014 Waterfront Blues Festival performance the Blues Performance of the Year and his 2015 recording Southside won for Best National Recording. Sugaray has been nominated for multiple Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and now headlines blues festivals internationally.

Joining Sugaray are three outstanding local singers. Portland’s own Lisa Mann has topped Sugaray with two Blues Music Awards herself, and has won so many CBA Muddy Awards she’s now in their Hall of Fame. Her latest recording Hard Times, Bad Decisions is under consideration for a Grammy and was chosen as the Muddy recipient for Northwest Recording of the Year, and she tours regularly from Oregon to Florida. Lisa also played bass with Paul on occasion, back in the day.

LaRhonda Steele is Portland’s First Lady of the Blues. She’s the current CBA Female Vocalist of the Year, and DownBeat magazine recently featured her new album Rock Me Baby, which she created with Paul deLay’s favorite organist Louis Pain.

Saeeda Wright is a rising star on the Portland scene, now that she’s returned from touring with, and then honoring, Prince. A singer, songwriter, and speaker of great passion, Mama Sae always seeks to love, encourage, and inspire.

Backing this vocal combo is a powerhouse band led by Dave Fleschner, the hardest-working composer-arranger-performer-director in town. His album The Blues Cabaret was recently featured in a full concert performance with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and is the foundation of a new musical called Buried Fire. Dave’s a composition instructor at Clackamas Community College, music director for United By Music North America, toured with Curtis Salgado for years, and is a regular performer in multiple groups in Portland.

Joining Dave is self-proclaimed “harp nerd” Hank Shreve, the one dude Paul’s old band mates say can play like the master. Following this gig, Hank’s going to Memphis with his own CBA Muddy Award-winning band to compete in the International Blues Challenge.

Rounding out the band are Carlton Jackson on drums and Freddy Trujillo on bass.

This all-star cast will perform two dozen of deLay’s signature tunes, including “Worn Out Shoe,” “Chalk and Roll,” “Ocean of Tears,” “Remember Me,” and “I Win”. And they’ll share them as part of a dramatic story that unfolds during a single night’s concert at the fictional Muddy’s Bar and Grill in Portland, Oregon.

They’ll also be joined for a brief set by the amazing performers from United By Music North America, a performance-based program for musically talented people with development and intellectual challenges and delays. Pianist Dave Fleschner is also music director for UBM, and says its Halloween benefit performance with Bobby Rush at the Lakewood Theatre brought the house down.

Just This One was created with the full cooperation and support of the Paul deLay estate and the Paul deLay Band, including key members Peter Dammann, Louis Pain, Dan Fincher, and John Mazzocco.

The Saturday, January 21 concert performance at the Alberta Rose Theatre is presented as a celebration of a Portland original. Paul’s birthday is January 31 – he’d be 65 – and this marks the 10th anniversary of his death.

The public is welcome to this 7:30 pm performance, including minors when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available in advance for $20.00 -$35.00 at Albertarosetheatre.com. CBA members will receive a $2 discount by using the codeword “CBA” when pre-ordering, or by presenting their membership card at the door.

Thank You CBA Volunteers!

Thank You

Beginning this month in BluesNotes, the Cascade Blues Association will recognize the dedicated volunteers who stepped up during the previous month to assist at our events.

The CBA would like to extend a huge thank you to the following individuals who volunteered their time to help us out at this year’s Muddy Awards. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated:

Adam Carter
Carol Hamley
Cathy Merge-Martin
Rick Martin
Susan Johnson
Jon Pierce

2016 Muddy Awards — A Night To Remember

, ,

The Cascade Blues Association’s 28th Annual Muddy Awards was held on Wednesday, November 2 at The Melody Ballroom to once again another full house of fans and musicians. Honoring those acts, performers, venues, events, recordings and performances who helped raise the bar on the Northwest’s blues scene over the past year in twenty-two categories.

Dave Kahl - "Paul deLay" Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dave Kahl – “Paul deLay” Lifetime Achievement Award.

Three artists were big winners taking home two awards each: Andy Stokes for the “Curtis Salgado” Male Vocalist and the “Lloyd Jones” R&B Act; the Ben Rice Band taking both the Contemporary and Traditional Blues Act awards; and Dave Kahl for the Bass award and the biggest honor of the night, the “Paul deLay” Lifetime Achievement.

Dave Kahl’s award noted not only his career as a bass player with a multitude of acts including the Paul deLay Band, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers, and the Ty Curtis Band, but also due to his tireless work to bring together the music community, seeking recognition from the City and means to make finding and connecting outlets for musicians through such efforts as MyGigNet.com.

The Back What You Believe In Award was presented to CBA Vice President Wendy Schumer. This award notes those in a non-musician role that has made an impact. Wendy’s tireless efforts with the BluesNotes, various CBA events such as the Muddy Awards, a monthly blues emailing and daily posting of events in our area are just a few of the things that she has made her mark with.

The top CDs of the year were awarded to Lisa Mann for the Northwest Album of the Year with Hard Times, Bad Decisions and the National Recording of the Year also stayed at home with Curtis Salgado taking the prize for The Beautiful Lowdown.

Mitch Kashmar was also recognized for the Harmonica Award for the third consecutive year, placing him into the Muddy Awards Hall of Fame.

The Muddy Awards always has terrific music on hand and as tradition goes, we present sets from our Journey To Memphis winners. Band winners Rae Gordon & The Backseat Drivers opened the night and solo/duo winner David Pinsky played a mid-awards set bringing surprise guest Ben Rice for a dual acoustic guitar performance.

Every year the night closes with a Muddy All Star Band made up of past and present Muddy Award nominees and recipients. This year’s band leader was Ken DeRouchie who was handed the reigns to put together a group for the night, and he came through big time. The All Stars included Arietta Ward, Ben Turner, Brian Harris, Chris Lay, Dave Fleschner, David Chachere, Doug Rowell, Edwin Coleman III, Jeff Knudson, Jimi Bott, Lisa Mann, Noah Bell, Pat McDougall, Pete Petersen, Peter Dammann, Peter Moss, Rae Gordon, Rob Busey, and Timmer Blakely.

A big thanks goes out to The Melody Ballroom, Affordable Trophies, JBL Sound, Big Screen Productions, Cedar House Media, Photographer Tony Kutter, the CBA Board of Directors and all the volunteers who helped make this event happen, and to our membership, without whom none of this could occur.

Please note that we are aware that there were problems with the online balloting that we began this year. It is a first effort and we knew that there would be glitches. Thanks to CBA webmaster Buko and Wendy Schumer for assisting those who needed an extra hand getting their votes entered. We will make improvements next year on the process. But when it was all said and done, we actually received more returns for the final ballot than we have averaged over the past five years.

2016 Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award Recipients

Contemporary Blues Act: Ben Rice Band

Traditional Blues Act: Ben Rice Band

“Lloyd Jones” R&B Act: Andy Stokes

New Act: Thunder Brothers

Regional Blues Act: Hank Shreve Band

“Curtis Salgado” Male Vocalist: Andy Stokes

“Duffy Bishop” Female Vocalist: LaRhonda Steele

Electric Guitar: Alan Hager

“Terry Robb” Acoustic Guitar: Mary Flower

Bass: Dave Kahl

Harmonica: Mitch Kashmar

Keyboards: Steve Kerin

“Jimi Bott” Drums: Brian Foxworth

Horns: Peter Moss

Venue: The Lake Theater & Café

“The Hurley Award”: Barry McKinley

NW Event of the Year: United By Music North America at The Hotel Rose

NW Recording: Lisa Mann – Hard Times, Bad Decisions

National Recording: Curtis Salgado – The Beautiful Lowdown

Performance of the Year: (Tie) Kevin Selfe Buy My Soul Back CD Release Party at The Bossanova Ballroom / Karen Lovely at the Waterfront Blues Festival

Back What You Believe In Award: Wendy Schumer

Lifetime Achievement: Dave Kahl

New Muddy Hall of Fame inductee: Mitch Kashmar

Ramblings On My Mind – December 2016

ramblings on my mind

ramblings201306BNGreg Johnson, CBA President

For the past several years I have made a tradition of naming my top ten favorite albums of the year in this column in December. As I have stated before that my choices can differ from day to day, there are just too many great recordings to choose from. And that means there are a number that could’ve been included on any other given day. I also made it a point that all choices had to be released in 2016. That left out a true favorite that came out in late November 2015 that I didn’t pick up until January, but I have to abide by my own rules here, so Jonn Del Toro Richardson’s Tengo Blues couldn’t make the list. But do pick it up, it’s a fantastic disc. The same for two local artists that were released in 2016 and could easily make the ten selections tomorrow or another day: Lisa Mann’s Hard Times, Bad Decisions and Mitch Kashmar’s West Coast Toast. Tough choices to make, but here are the albums in no significant order that have found a significant time on my play list and continue to do so.

Top of the heap this year, with no question whatsoever from my mind, is our own local hero Curtis Salgado’s latest The Beautiful Lowdown. Whenever I think that Curtis has reached his peak he amazes me by putting out something even more incredible. This is a flawless disc with great local and national talent behind him. It is soulful and deep. Every track knocks it out of the park. It won the Muddy Award for National Recording, I highly anticipate that it will be up for several Blues Music Awards as well.

If there is any one album that bleeds and breathes the blues this year it has to be John Blues Boyd’s The Real Deal. This is pure authentic traditional blues to its very core. The Little Village Foundation is doing great leaps by bringing forth lesser known artists and putting them in the forefront with a backing band that dreams are made of that often includes Kid Anderson, Jimmy Pugh, Rick Estrin, Big Jon Atkinson, and Aki Kumar. They did so last year with Wee Willie Walker (who also has a sensational new live album this year) and they have hit gold again with John Blues Boyd. I knew from the very first listen months ago that this was going to be one of my selections for the best albums of the year. It’s just that damn good!

I have known Dave Muskett for a number of years and always enjoy his performances. Perhaps that may be why I have been enchanted with his Recorded Live At The Slippery Noodle Inn release with the Dave Muskett Acoustic Blues Band. It is a simple and raw recording, capturing all the good times feel of his show. He offers great playing, superb songwriting and the sound is spot on.

As I have stated before, I am a sucker when it comes to a soulful vocalist. One artist who has been on my list before reappears here with another masterful soulful performance — Johnny Rawls’ Tiger In A Cage. Whether he is singing his own original material or a cover by The Rolling Stones or Sam Cooke, Johnny Rawls knows how to do it right with a voice that just drips soulful blues manna.

Another soul vocalist returning is Dave Keller. His previous release Soul Changes from 2014 still remains one of my most favorite discs of the decade. His latest, Right Back Atcha, is a winning follow-up. Not only does Keller have the perfect voice, he is a gifted songwriter who says the words of love in his lyrics that you wished that you could speak to yours on the spur of the moment. One listen to a song like “Deeper Than The Eye Can See” speaks volumes: “If you could see my insides, like an x-ray machine, all my feelings and you’re all my dreams, your love goes deeper, deeper than the eye can see.” Wow!

One album that completely took me by surprise this year that I can’t stop listening to is Peter Karp’s live album The Arson’s Match. A collection of songs he had written earlier in his career that had little distribution are brought back to life on stage with a band that includes a dream cast with Dennis Gruenling on harmonica, Dave Keyes on piano and a guitarist named Mick Taylor that just happens to be one of my all-time favorite players. Karp’s own guitar work and vocals are simply captivating.

Yet another album that I knew would be included as soon as I heard it for the first time early in the year is Janiva Magness’ Love Wins Again. Janiva is again singing songs with deep meaning from her life’s experiences, but things are so much brighter nowadays since she has found true love. And it’s reflected in her lyrics. Though there are hardships also present, she lets us know that as long as there is love everything will work out in the end.

Salem-based Gabriel Cox’ debut disc a couple years ago was such a wonderful surprise. He has an amazing voice and his songwriting skills are off the chart. His sophomore release I Surrender displayed that the first recording was no fluke. He has the goods and it makes me anxious to hear what he will come up with next. From the opening call and response a capella of “Willie Brown II” to the beautiful closing title track, Cox has my full attention.

Luther Dickinson stepped away from The North Mississippi All Stars, taking a number of his previously released songs and took another look at them. Blues & Ballads: A Folksinger’s Songbook, Volumes I & II  places them into an acoustic atmosphere, recorded live in the studio and working on the concept that the greatest works of art are never truly completed, but something that lives and grows over time. And it all sounds fresh and new all over again. Absolutely brilliant!

Doug MacLeod is another friend whose new releases are always something I look forward to. Even more I love his performances as he never uses a set list and plays exactly what may be on his mind at the time. Filled with great storytelling, every show is unique. Live In Europe captures just one of those nights where everything is clicking. But that could be almost any night when it comes to Doug as I have seen him perform more times than I can count and he has never given anything other than a remarkable show every time out. So a live album is the perfect setting for him, as it is his natural element.

Let me repeat, this is a list of recordings that I have been listening to repeatedly. They are the ones that came immediately to mind when putting this list together. But there are so many others that could also fall into here on any given day. Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bobby Rush, Fiona Boyes, Terry Hanck, just so many wonderful albums from 2016. But this is my list and I’m sticking to it. If there’s something here you’re not familiar with, check them out. They may surprise you.

Bandstand: December 2016

,

Lloyd Jones

Yes, it’s holiday season and I’m delighted to spend it with special friends (like you) at Jimmy Mak’s  Saturday, December, 17. Santa may drop in for a minute to sing with his sweet angels: Teresa James, LaRhonda Steele, and Lisa Mann. Don’t miss this one!

After the New Year Teresa and I will head south to Join Delbert McClinton’s “Sandy Beaches” cruise January 5-13. Then up to Canada in February. Yippes, it’s gonna be a crazy year already!!

 Lloyd Jones

“Groove Merchant”

www.lloydjonesmusic.com

 —————————————————————————-

The Thunder Brothers

Hey Thunderheads,

We would like to thank the Cascade Blues Association for awarding the Muddy Waters Award for “Best New Act” to The Thunder Brothers this year. The CBA provides a central hub for this amazing music community that we have here in Portland. Thank you CBA board and members for all that you do to keep this music that we all love thriving. It takes a village to raise an idiot, or something like that, and we, The Thunder Brothers, have our own amazing village. Thank you Thunderheads for your endless and enthusiastic support, and thank you Andree and Walt for all that you do to keep this storm raging. Congratulations to our fellow nominees and all of the Muddy Award winners this year.

We want to send a big Thunderthanks out to Dr Jane Manning KBOO (Portland OR), Squrl Music KMSW (Hood River and The Dalles OR), and The Mighty Mouth Blues show NWCZ (Tacoma WA) for spinning The Thunder Brothers EP. Send us an email or facebook message if you hear us playing on another station.

Greg Johnson has written a deluge of a review of The Thunder Brothers EP that was published in the November edition of the BluesNotes. You can read that review here…http://www.thethunderbrothersmusic.com/press2.html. Thank you Greg for your kind words.

There is a winter storm warning for The Trails End Saloon in Oregon City OR on December 9th. The Thunder Brothers will bring on a holiday storm with Jr. Thunder Ben Rice opening the set with his lightning fast acoustic riffs. This is a CBA sponsored event so CBA members will receive a discount at the door. Just present your membership card. Reservations are highly recommended for this event. The show starts at 8:30. The Trails End Saloon, 1320 Main St, Oregon City, (503)656 3031.

As always, you can check for Thunder storms in your area, order Thunderwear, and get the latest storm news on our web site http://thethunderbrothersmusic.com. And if you haven’t done it already, drop by The Thunder Brothers facebook page and give us a like. Http://facebook.com/thethunderbrothers.

 —————————————————————————-

Billy D & The Hoodoos

Hello bluz lovers It’s finally here, our first CD, Somethin’s Wrong, came out almost six years ago and has done very well for us. Our New CD, Overnight Success, will be released on New Year’s Eve at The Trails End Saloon in Oregon City and we’re thinking it will be every bit as good as its predecessor. An actual old school straight blues song on this one, a handful of bluzrockers, a sweet ballad, and a bunch of slide guitar rave-ups. Music and dancing to commence about 8:30pm. Please c’mon out and dance into 2017 with us and our new CD. We so appreciate all the support over the last few years since we’ve been in PDX…best damn blues town anywhere!!!

See you soon and keep rockin’ my friends!!!

Billy D

 —————————————————————————-

Strange Tones

Season’s Greetings Music Lovers!

We’re very excited to announce that we’re continuing the Crime-A-Billy Christmas tradition this year with two shows, and we’ll be featuring a brand new Strange Tones vintage holiday TV special, “A Mysterious Encounter on Crime-A-Billy Mountain”. This short film kicks off a festive evening of live music, multimedia entertainment, original video backdrops, and unbridled merriment!

Joining us in the festivities will be our partners, the lovely Volcano Snow Vixens and a large cast of top-notch musicians, along with a variety of Crime-A-Billy Christmas characters. Yes, yes, keep your eyes and ears tuned in for the likes of Fiddlin’ Jim Toussaint, Randy Yearout, Tracey Fordice, Jim Wallace, Elvin Alfred Priestly, giant gingerbread men and nutcrackers, a jolly fellow who likes to wear red, and more.

Along with our many guests, this multimedia show is sprinkled with treats and surprises that just might give you a refreshing, warm and fuzzy feeling inside. At least, that’s what has been reported to us by previous Crime-A-Billy Christmas show attendees! We especially like this quote that we found on the website Evensi: “Incredible show…song, dance, choreography…should play to 5,000 people at $50/each…it’s that good! Reliving it now with Christmas CD.”

At any rate, we like playing more intimate venues for this particular event and are happy to have a show at Duff’s Garage on Dec. 9 and another show at the Skyway in Zigzag on Dec. 17. The Duff’s show will have advance tickets available at ticket tomato.com, and we’d like folks to consider bringing two cans of food for Oregon Food Bank. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, and there will be a $2 discount for card carrying CBA members.

Sending a very Happy Holidays to everyone!

Guitar Julie, Andy Strange, Suburban Slim, & Andy Gauthier

 —————————————————————————- 

David Kahl

I’d like to thank you all for honoring me with Muddy Awards for Bass and Lifetime Achievement. It’s been nearly 50 years since I first publicly performed and there are times when I can definitely feel it. I’d like to think that you aren’t recognizing what I do, so much as what I’ve tried to do and why. For this, I thank you, but I’d rather have your help than to have your praise.

During the course of my career, I’ve seen a lot of changes in both the music business and in society, the vast majority not good. In the face of adversity, the response of this community, musicians and fans, alike, has been affirming. We have pulled together to help others in need; you’ve even done so for me and my wife, Lynn, but the question remains — what can we do to help others, especially struggling, but talented musicians, even as we help ourselves? How do we relieve their daily burden, allowing them to focus their attention and talents to the gifts that they offer to rest of us? For artists, it’s getting tougher to make a living here in Portland, let alone to try and get by. I personally know of too many who have had to rely on not only benefits and crowdfunding, but on social services and second jobs, who have had to drastically change their living situations, verging on homelessness, who are several paychecks away from losing it all, or who have just given up and chucked it all in. Portland now stands the real chance of losing the creative forces, the community that has traditionally defined its character and a key reason for its livability.

It takes more than just wanting things to change for the better. It takes creative thinking, hard work, and, where resources are limited, resourcefulness. Every problem implies a solution. The more complex the problems, the more creative the solution must be. With this in mind, I’ve put together a plan, the Creative Cooperative Program, which holistically addresses a wide range of issues, from housing, to education, food insecurity, health and wellness, work spaces, business development and operations, and a whole slew of others. Modeled on a variation of food pods, these cultural pods would have high impact in a small footprint, set up on sites in several neighborhoods, plug their educational expertise into local schools, and create after school, weekend, and summer programs for area youth. Musicians and their families may have needs, but they are not needy; they’re a resource.

This is what I’m asking of you – help to make this a reality. Then I can feel like I’ve actually earned my award.

And, while I’m asking, please help support venues and bands. A couple gigs that happen to be pretty important to me are at Blackwell’s, on Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30pm, with Soul Cookin’ – Lloyd Jones, Brian Foxworth, and special guests – and on Sundays, 5:00-8:00pm,  with the Bayou Boyz – Mark Shark Schatzkamer, Steve Kerin, and Brian Foxworth. Of course, I’m playing bass.

David Kahl

 

Will Porter

Tick Tock Tick
Gramafono Sound

Will Porter - Tick Tock TickThe first release by Will Porter, 2003’s Happy, was produced by the legendary New Orleans master Wardell Quezergue, and it featured a number of stellar musicians. The album received high praise despite low distribution, and it was soon realized that a second recording should be in the works. Over time Porter’s silky-smooth vocals have been heard working with a number of artists and he has himself been behind the scenes alongside longtime friends like Dr John, Leo Nocentelli, and Jimmy Haslip. Many recordings for Porter’s follow-up project were put together throughout the years while working with Quezergue and yet it still took another five years after the producer’s passing in 2011 to finally get the mixes and production just right to be unleashed upon the public. But without question, that wait was certainly worth the time. Tick Tock Tick is an astounding collection of ever so sweet vocals combined with the right musicians to perfection.

The album opens with the title track, one of the two Porter and Dr John collaborative pieces, and it melds the very distinct opposite vocal styles of the two friends. It is a funky little piece that also shows just how diverse in approach this recording truly is. Much of these differences in sound is the product of whoever happens to be accompanying Porter on an individual number, and that in itself is quite impressive to say the least. Whether it is a ballad like “Why Do We Get Blue?” with The Yellowjackets’ Jimmy Haslip, a Bob Dylan number, “Make You feel My Love,” sung with Bettye LaVette, or any one of the songs where The Womack Brothers join him on vocals, such as Ike Turner’s “I’m Blue (Shoo Be Do)” or the gospel inflected “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” Unfortunately like Quezergue, both Curtis and Bobby Womack have passed on prior to the release of this disc.

Aside from those already mentioned, Tick Tock Tick is packed full of great musicians adding their impact to the quality of this album. They inlcude Tower of Power’s Mic Gillette, The Meters’ Leo Nocentelli, Johnny Bamont from Huey Lewis & The News, even The Louisiana Philharmonic Strings.

But when it is all said and done, it is Will Porter himself who shines above all else. He possesses the kind of voice that only rarely comes around. It is highlighted on every single number included, but especially stands out on “Don’t Go To Strangers.” His baritone voice will melt your heart. It comes across with strings in the background as a classic love piece that you may expect from other enriched vocalists the likes of Lou Rawls, Johnny Adams, or Bill Withers. Yes, Porter ranks right in that same class. Tick Tock Tick is a soul masterpiece, a fitting tribute to the genius of the late Wardell Quezergue and shouts to the world that Will Porter will be heard — so listen up now!

Total Time: 45:38

Tick Tock Tick / Why Do We Get Blue? / When The battle Is Over / Make You Feel My Love / I’m Blue (Shoo Be Do) / This California Sun / I Can Do Bad By Myself / Don’t Go To Strangers / Treadin’ Water / Tear It Up / Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

New Music To Note – December 2016

New Music to Note

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

Ana Popovic – Triology (ArtisteXclusive Records)
Big Head Blues Club – Way Down Inside: Songs Of Willie Dixon (Big Records)
Biscuit Miller – Wishbone (Bluebass Music)
Derrick Procell – Why I Choose To Sing The Blues (Self Produced)
Devon Allman – Ride Or Die (Ruf Records)
Eric Johnson – EJ: Song Explorations On Acoustic Guitar and Piano (Provogue)
Gina Sicilia – Sunset Avenue (Blue Elan Records)
Jeff Healey – Heal My Soul (Provogue)
Jeff Plankenhorn – Soul Slide (Lounge Side Records)
Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat – Live At The Kessler (Underworld Indie Records)
Joe Bonamassa – Live At The Greek Theatre (J&R Adventures)
Lurrie Bell – Can’t Shake This Feeling (Delmark Records)
Michael Burks – I’m A Bluesman (Iron Man Records)
Mississippi Heat – Cab Driving Man (Delmark Records)
Murali Coryell – Mr. Senator (Shake-It-Sugar Records)
Pete Karp – The Arson’s Match (KarpFoley Music)
Pinetop Perkins & Jimmy Rogers – Genuine Blues Legends (Little Mike Records)
Royal Southern Brotherhood – The Royal Gospel (Ruf Records)
Sam Butler – Raise Your Hands! (Severn Records)
Sari Schorr – A Force Of Nature (Hatman)
Steve Dawson – Solid States And Loose Ends (Black Hen Music)
Terrie Odabi – My Blue Soul (Self Produced)
The Joey Gilmore Band – Respect The Blues (Mosher St. Records)
The Lucky Losers – In Any Town (Dirty Cat Records)
Tweed Funk – Come Together (Tweed Tone Records)
Vasti Jackson – The Soul Of Jimmie Rodgers (Vast Eye Music)
Wee Willie Walker & The Greaseland All Stars – Live! Notodden Blues Festival  (Little Village Foundation)

Third Annual Ken DeRouchie Band Food Drive

,
Ken DeRouchie Band

Ken DeRouchie BandPlease join the Ken DeRouchie Band as they seek to help feed the hungry in our region during the holiday season. For the third year collection barrels have been set up throughout the Portland metro area and they’ll be accepting your food donations through December 10.

Last year there were 1822 pounds of food collected and another $325.00 in fund donations. That was almost double the amount collected the first year. This year they’re aggressively seeking to collect 5000 pounds! Let’s make it happen!

Food collection barrels are located at:

KINK FM 101.9
Alpha Broadcasting
PacWest Center
1211 SW 5th Ave
Portland, OR 97204

Banner Bank (Tualatin Branch)
7675 SW Nyberg St,
Tualatin, OR 97062

Banner Bank (Lake Oswego Branch)
412 A Ave., Ste. 100
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034

Rogue Distillery and Public House
1339 NW Flanders
Portland, OR 97209

Rogue Hall
1717 Southwest Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97201

The Green Dragon
928 SE 9th Ave
Portland, OR

Portland Music Co
531 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
Portland, OR 97214

Portland Music Company
2502 NE Broadway St,
Portland, OR 97232

Portland Music Company
10075 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy,
Beaverton, OR 97005

Portland Music Company
12334 SE Division St.
Portland, OR

Trails End Saloon
1320 Main St
Oregon City, OR 97045

The Blue Diamond
2016 NE Sandy Blvd,
Portland, OR 97232

Five Star Guitars
2303 NW 185th Ave,
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Silkin Management Group
6655 SW Hampton St.
Suite 120
Tigard, OR 97224

Tiny’s Coffee Northeast
2031 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
Portland, OR 97212

Tiny’s Coffee  Southeast
1412 SE 12th Ave,
Portland, OR 97214

Guitar Center
1147 N Hayden Meadows Dr
Portland, OR 97217

Guitar Center
9575 SW Cascade Ave
Beaverton, OR 97008

Guitar Center
13029 SE 84th Ave
Clackamas, OR 97015

Laurel’s Wine Shop
263 N Hemlock
Cannon Beach, OR

If you can’t make it to one of these locations and would still like to help by providing a cash donation, go to the Ken DeRouchie Band’s website and click on the link to the Oregon Food Bank for the food drive’s location on their site.

Big Head Blues Club

Way Down Inside
Big Records

big-head-blues-club-cd-coverIn 2011, Todd Park Mohr gathered a group of established blues giants alongside his own band Big Head Todd & The Monsters. Calling themselves the Big Head Blues Club,  they released the tribute album 100 Years of Robert Johnson that was an incredible recreation of the Johnson’s material and also garnered a Blues Music Award nomination.

Well, guess what? He’s back with a whole new line-up of the Big Head Blues Club. Along with The Monsters, Mohr has been joined by Mud Morganfield, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and Denver-based vocalist Erica Brown who spent a few years playing with Dan Treanor. And this time Big head Blues Club is taking on another of the blues world’s most recognized songwriters, Willie Dixon.

Titled Way Down Inside, the songs included read just like the blueprint for the genre. And that’s because they pretty much are having been recorded by the giants of the blues from Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf to the rock icons The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and many others. Willie Dixon set the standard for writing blues music and this disc pays tribute in aces, hitting it square on target with every number. There is one exception here, with the inclusion of the JB Lenoir penned piece “Good Advice,” but it still fits the musical flow nicely and features Mohr, Morganfield, Branch, and Brooks sharing the vocal lines.

There’s lot of juicy good readings here. Popular numbers such as “Hidden Charms,” “Bring It On Home,” “Crazy Mixed Up Kid,” “The Seventh Son” and “I Want To Be Loved” are all included and maybe a few not as well known. A definite highlight is the pairing of Mohr and Brown on “The Same Thing,” that even mixes in a little bit of another Dixon composition “Insane Asylum” that is not mentioned in the track listing.

Big Head Blues Club is such a winning formula. Add in the Willie Dixon songbook and they’ve once again delivered a refreshing and exciting take on something all too familiar in a very loving and well-crafted tribute.

Total Time: 51:28

Hidden Charms / The Seventh Son / You Need Love / Bring It On Home / Let Me Love You Baby / Pretty Thing / Good Advice / Crazy Mixed Up World / The Same Thing / My Love Will Never Die / It Don’t Make Sense You Can’t Make Peace / I Want To Be Loved / Sittin’ And Cryin’ The Blues