2017
Trumpeter Joe McCarthy’s Long Journey to the Center of Portland’s Music Scene
2017 January, Cascade Blues NoteBorn and raised in Coquille, OR, horn player Joe McCarthy moved to Portland in 1978 and brought his music to the masses. He recently answered some questions so our readers could learn more about him.
How long have you been performing professionally?
Since…
New Music To Note – Jan 2017
2017 January, New Music To NoteHere’s a list of new music received at the CBA office or purchased personally this past month that should be noted:
Al Basile – Mid-Century Modern (SweetSpot)
Albert Castiglia – Big Dog (Ruf Records)
Big Dave McLean – Better…
Band Stand Jan 2017
2017 January, Band Stand
Harvey Brindell & The Tablerockers
A Band Taking Shape
It’s about a shared vision. And that obviously goes well beyond the genre of music you want to play. For a band to become a cohesive unit there’s all sorts of other issues to…
Guy King
2017 January, CD ReviewTruth
Delmark Records
Chicago-based Guy King has released one superb recording with his latest, Truth. Tasty guitar licks abound alongside very soulful vocals. Originally from Israel, King has been capturing many fans over the years for his…
William Bell
2017 January, CD ReviewThis Is Where I Live
Stax
William Bell first made his mark on the soulful blues market back in 1961 when he released the song “You Don’t Miss Your Water” for the fledgling Stax label. Though perhaps not gaining the attention that many…
Vasti Jackson
2017 January, CD ReviewThe Soul of Jimmie Rodgers
Vasteye Music
Recently, this year’s Grammy nominees were announced and among them was the latest release by Vasti Jackson, The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers, in the traditional category. Now, this may seem a little odd…
Thank You CBA Volunteers!
2017 January, Cascade Blues NoteThe 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 Holiday Party. The CBA greatly appreciates your time and efforts:
Ann McLaughlin
Beverly Jones
Bonita…
Dust on My Shoes – The Musical starts Jan. 22
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventLocal recording artist and playwright, Beverly Frentress, of Stone Soup Blues, in conjunction with PDX Playwrights, presents her original play with original songs, score, and lyrics, Dust on My Shoes, The Musical. Co-produced by Miriam Feder.
Offered…
Experience Hendrix Returns With Biggest Line-Up Ever!
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventLauded by critics and fans alike, the multi-artist Experience Hendrix Tour is set to return in 2017 to celebrate one of music’s greatest innovators: Jimi Hendrix. This latest edition of the annual tour will kick off on Friday, February 17…
Canadian Guitarist Jesse Cook Plays Salem’s Elsinore Theater
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventOver the years, Jesse Cook has tried to cross-pollinate his music with music from different parts of the world. After two decades of crisscrossing the world in restless pursuit of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration, the Paris-born, Toronto-raised…
The Aladdin Theater Welcomes The David Bromberg Band
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventDavid Bromberg has played with everyone and toured everywhere. He can lead a raucous big band or silence an audience with solo acoustic blues. Bromberg's sensitive and versatile approach to guitar playing has earned him a coveted position as…
Albert Cummings – Blues Rock Guitar Master, at Alberta Rose Theatre
2017 January, Past PDX Blues Event"The blues is best served up live, with an enthusiastic audience and a killin' band, and that's exactly what guitarist Albert Cummings does. Cummings effortlessly shifts from chimney subdued stylings to raucous roadhouse raunch to soaring yet…
Applications Now Being Accepted For 2017 Journey To Memphis
2017 January, Journey to MemphisThe Journey To Memphis is the Cascade Blues Association’s regional competition to select the acts that will represent our organization and region in the next year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, held in early 2018. Up to…
Modern Day Troubadour Jeffrey Foucault Comes To Doug Fir
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventMartin Chilton, culture editor for London’s Daily Telegraph, calls Jeffrey Foucault “an original, beguiling songwriter with a marvelously expressive voice.” With ten albums under his belt, this skillful troubadour is currently touring…
What’s on Tap for January’s General Membership Meeting …
2017 January, General MeetingsMelody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, January 4, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $5.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Tevis Hodge Jr.
Second Electric Set – The Lightning Kings
As we step into the New Year we need…
Eric Johnson Solo – An Evening of Acoustic Guitar & Piano
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventEric Johnson, long hailed as one of the world’s preeminent electric guitarists, celebrates his acoustic side with his new release EJ. While this album emphasizes Johnson’s formidable skills as a singer-songwriter, his first completely unplugged…
Seth Walker Returns To Portland With Show At Duff’s Garage
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventA soulful singer, skilled songwriter, and guitarist with a sharp, clear tone, Seth Walker has made a name for himself throughout the country, having lived in both Austin and New Orleans and recorded in Nashville. His upbringing brought him contact…
Johnny Nicholas and Scrappy Jud Newcomb – Together At The Lake Theater & Café
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventFor four decades, Johnny Nicholas has showcased his consummate musicianship and vocal skills, having graced live music scenes across the country and abroad. The list of legendary musicians with whom he worked and performed alongside reads like…
Something To Talk About – A Portland Bonnie Raitt Tribute
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventWhen it comes to influential musicians of the past fifty years who have crossed genres between blues and rock, Bonnie Raitt is one who definitely stands out. It seems almost impossible to believe that she has been around the scene for so many…
An Evening With King Louie and Andy Stokes
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventOn Monday, January 30, The Lake Theater & Café is proud to host an intimate evening of soulful sounds featuring two of the Northwest’s premier musicians: New5 recording artist Andy Stokes and Portland’s Boss of the B-3, Louis “King…
Just This One – Muddy Winners to Shine at Paul deLay Tribute
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventIt’s been ten years since the great Paul deLay passed away, but a room full of Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award winners will bring his songs and spirit back to the stage on Saturday evening, January 21, at the Alberta Rose Theatre.
Just…
Fundraiser To Help NW Acts Heading To The International Blues Challenge in Memphis
2017 January, Past PDX Blues EventOn Saturday, January 7, come to the Trails End Saloon to support several of the Northwest acts that will travel to Memphis in February to compete in the renowned International Blues Challenge on that city’s famous Beale Street. Each of these…
Ramblings On My Mind – January 2017
2017 January, RamblingsGreg Johnson / CBA President
This past December marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Cascade Blues Association becoming a business and a non-profit organization. There have been a number of changes since the inception, not only in how the…
All Star Line-up To Appear In Mark Hummel’s Ultimate Harmonica Blowout !
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventFor twenty-six years, two-time Blues Music Award winner, Grammy nominee and harmonica ace Mark Hummel has been organizing his Blues Harmonica Blowout showcase and touring it around the country to great reception. Over the years he has offered…
What’s on Tap for February’s General Membership Meeting ….
2017 February, General MeetingsMelody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder Str., Portland
Wednesday, February 1 – 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $5.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Ken West
Second Electric Set – Sheila Wilcoxson
It’s February, and as of yet there is…
Applications Now Being Accepted For 2017 Journey To Memphis
2017 February, Journey to MemphisThe Journey To Memphis is the Cascade Blues Association’s regional competition to select the acts that will represent our organization and region in next year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, held in early 2018. More than…
Joe Bonamassa
2017 February, CD ReviewLive at the Greek Theater
J&R Adventures
Reviewed by Jeff Levine
This CD/ DVD is Joe Bonamassa’s tribute to the Three Kings of the Blues: BB, Albert, and Freddie. Recorded in the historic Los Angeles Greek Theater at the end of 2015,…
Jon Koonce To Release New Recording, The Lost Cause
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventNorthwest legend Jon Koonce has truly made his mark on the local music scene. Leading bands such as Johnny and the Distractions, The Gas Hogs and The Honky Tonk Trio, this singer-songwriter guitarist has a new recording, The Lost Cause, and…
New Music to Note – Feb 2017
2017 February, New Music To NoteHere’s a list of new music to note either received at the CBA office or purchased personally this past month:
Angel Forrest – Angel’s 11 (Distribution Select)
Billy Pierce – Shapes Of Soul (Self Produced)
Bonefish Johnny – Sings…
Dust on My Shoes – The Musical, At Hipbone Studios
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventLocal recording artist and playwright, Beverly Frentress, of Stone Soup Blues, in conjunction with PDX Playwrights, will present her play with original songs, score, and lyrics, Dust on My Shoes - The Musical. Co-produced by Miriam Feder,…
Reggie Houston – Lundi Gras Celebration at Lake Theater
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventRenowned New Orleans saxophonist Reggie Houston brings a time honored Mardi Gras tradition to Portland as he presents Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) on Monday, February 27 at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street, Lake Oswego. Traditional…
Seattle Blues-Rockers Ayron Jones and The Way Heading Back To Portland
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventSeattle-born and raised vocalist, songwriter, and Hendrix-inspired guitarist Ayron Jones has established himself as one of the top independent rock artists in the Pacific Northwest. Opening for various Grammy award-winning and Rock and Roll…
Raphael Wressnig & Igor Prado
2017 February, CD Review, UncatagorizedThe Soul Connection
Pepper Cake
Austrian-based Hammond B3 organist Raphael Wressnig is an extremely versatile player who was influenced by people like Jimmy Smith, Booker T Jones, Joe Zawinul, Jimmy McGriff, and Jack McDuff. With twenty discs…
The 44s Bring Their Heavy Hitting Sound Back To Duff’s Garage
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventThe 44's are a Los Angeles-based band who play blues-roots-rock music and, over the past several years, have proven themselves to be one the brightest stars rising on the American blues roots scene. Make no mistake about it, the raw, rough and…
Mary Flower & The BBQ Boys At The Lake Theater & Cafe
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventGuitarist, singer, and songwriter Mary Flower is that rare breed of American roots artist. Flower is fluent and masterful in the artistically tricky Piedmont style of acoustic guitar that requires a deft touch, intricate picking, and an innate…
Lake Theater & Café Hosts Blues Dance with Kevin Selfe, Lisa Mann, and Dean Mueller
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventThree of the areas most respected and exciting award-winning blues musicians, Kevin Selfe, Lisa Mann, and Dean Mueller, will be performing together in the intimate setting of the Lake Theater & Café on Monday, January, 23. For this show,…
Adia Victoria – Nashville’s Haunting, Truth-Telling Rising Star, to Perform at Mississippi Studios
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventAdia Victoria is a fresh reference point on the musical landscape. From blood-born howls to idiosyncratic phrasing, she is the big red dot saying “You Are Here.” The Nashville-based artist travels the lands of rock, afro punk, and country,…
Ty Curtis Unplugged
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventTy Curtis has been frequently splitting his time between Portland and Austin for the past couple years, but if there was one reason to check out one of his shows don’t miss out on Monday, February 13 at The Lake Theater & Café. Ty Curtis…
Hot Tuna Returns To The Aladdin Theater
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventFor the last 50 years, from their days playing together as teenagers, to their time as members of Jefferson Airplane, to their explorations in acoustic and electric blues with Hot Tuna, probably no artists have led American music more consistently…
West Coast Blues Heroes Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at the Albert Rose
2017 February, PDX Blues EventNight after night, Tommy Castro, a fierce and fiery road warrior, fervently delivers his driving, blues-soaked, soul-baring music to fans all over the world. The road is where he honed his guitar playing to a razor’s edge, and it’s where…
2017 Blues Music Awards Nominees Announced
2017 February, Blues NewsThe 2017 Blues Music Awards ballots are now open for members of The Blues Foundation. Nominees in twenty-four catagories have been named and local favorites Curtis Salgado (Soul Blues Male Artist, Soul Blues Album – The Beautiful Lowdown and…
A Tribute To Melissa Etheridge
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventMelissa Etheridge has established herself as a popular and influential rock performers since the release of her debut recording in 1988. Since then she has won two Grammy Awards and an Oscar, has performed on Broadway, and was awarded a star…
Portland FolkMusic Society Presents An Evening With Del Rey & Suzy Thompson
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventOn Friday, February 17, the Portland Folk Music Society will present An Evening With Del Rey and Suzy Thompson two outstanding acoustic blues favorites at Colonial Presbyterian Church — Seattle’s resonator guitar and ukulele goddess Del…
2017 Experience Hendrix Tour Kicks Off In Portland !
2017 February, Past PDX Blues EventLauded by both critics and fans, the multi-artist Experience Hendrix Tour is set to return in 2017 to celebrate one of music’s greatest innovators: Jimi Hendrix. This latest edition of the annual tour will kick off on Friday, February 17 at…
Ramblings On My Mind: Feb. 2017
2017 February, RamblingsGreg Johnson / CBA President
Well, 2017 has started off with a little good news and some very sad. The good news for the time being is that we do not have to worry just yet about The Melody Ballroom and the status of our monthly meetings. This…
Sunday Wilde
2017 February, CD ReviewBlueberries & Grits
Hwy 11 Records
Canadian blues artist Sunday Wilde with her sixth release, takes her down South to the land of the Delta where she has created a nostalgic feeling collection of songs that are truthful and sassy. Recorded…
Jolie Clausen is Banging Buckets All Around Portland
2017 February, Cascade Blues NoteBy Laurie Morrisey
Who is that gal drumming that crazy beat? None other than the talented Jolie Clausen. Being a performer wasn’t exactly a plan for Jolie, it just sort of happened. “I never thought about growing up—I still don’t! I…
Billy D & The Hoodoos
2017 March, CD ReviewOvernight Success
Rokdablu Records
The long awaited follow-up to Billy D & The Hoodoos' 2013 debut album Somethin’s Wrong has finally arrived and it is filled with the same catchy songs with their bare-boned, rock-inflected riffs that…
Cee Cee James
2017 March, CD ReviewStripped Down & Surrendered
FWG Records
When it comes to songwriting, it should go without saying that the very best music comes through when it is honest and has been experienced. Especially with the blues. It is about life and its lessons.…
Scott Ramminger
2017 March, CD ReviewDo What Your Heart Says To
Arbor Lane Music
Saxophonist Scott Ramminger may live and work in the Washington, DC area, but his musical soul lies directly in New Orleans. His songs are filled with the jumpy, second line and jazzy feel associated…
Return to the International Blues Challenge
2017 March, Cascade Blues NoteBeale Street, Memphis, TN
January 30-February 4, 2017
By Jeff Levine
It’s great to be back in Portland, where the trees are green, the politics are blue and the living is healthy. I had the chance to return to Memphis for the 2017 International…
2017 Journey To Memphis Applications Due By April
2017 March, Cascade Blues Note, Journey to MemphisThe Journey To Memphis is the Cascade Blues Association’s regional competition to select the acts that will represent our organization and region in next year’s International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN, held in early 2018. This…
The 2017 Walla Walla Guitar Festival gets (even) LARGER!
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventNow in their sixth year, The Walla Walla Guitar festival has gotten even bigger than ever before. Combining forces with Feast Walla Walla, you’ll be treated to amazing national and regional acts, along with gourmet food and wine offerings.…
New Music To Note – March 2017
2017 March, New Music To NoteHere’s a list of new music received at the CBA office or purchased personally this past month that should be noted:
Annika Chambers – Wild & Free (Under The Radar Music Group)
Billy D & The Hoodoos – Overnight Success (Rokdablu…
What’s on Tap for March’s General Membership Meeting …
2017 March, General MeetingsMelody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder Str., Portland
Wednesday, March 1 – 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $5.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Mark Shark
Second Electric Set – Sister Mercy
If you look at the BluesNotes calendar for March…
The Aladdin Theater Welcomes Robert Randolph & The Family Band
2017 March, Past PDX Blues Event“Robert Randolph is an American Original," says Blue Note Records’ President Don Was. "He has mastered what is, arguably, the most complex instrument in the world and developed a unique voice that is equal parts street-corner church and…
The Lady Sings the Blues, and Jazz Too
2017 March, Cascade Blues Note, Past PDX Blues EventPortland singer and diva Lorna Bracken Baxter keeps her family's rich musical legacy alive
By John Rumler
From a very early age, vocalist Lorna Bracken Baxter knew that she was going to devote her life to singing and music. “It has always…
Paris Slim Oregon Tour March/April
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventFormer Portland resident and Delta Groove recording artist, Franck Goldwasser aka Paris Slim will be heading back north for a spring tour of Oregon that will be making stops at numerous venues and featuring special guests along the way. Paris…
Kansas City Guitar Hero Nick Schnebelen Brings His Band To Oregon For Two Nights
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventNick Schnebelen has blues in his blood. Nick and siblings grew up with their parents who played music full time in the Kansas City blues scene. Along with his sister Danielle and brother Chris, they formed the band Trampled Under Foot which…
Dante’s Presents The Cool and Mysterious Bob Log III
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventThe Owl Magazine states, “One would have to be in a pretty foul mood not to be entertained by the mysterious awesomeness of Bob Log III. Sure, his musical skills are something to behold, his one-man-band brand of blues/Americana displaying…
Ramblings On My Mind – March 2017
2017 March, RamblingsGreg Johnson / CBA President
I want to start this month’s column out with a big announcement. The Cascade Blues Association’s 30th Anniversary Concert has been scheduled for Sunday, May 21 to take place at The Crystal Ballroom in Portland.…
2017 Inner City Blues Festival “Healing the Healthcare Blues”
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventThe 2017 Inner City Blues Festival returns to the Eagles Lodge Saturday, April 22. Originally in the 1980s and 1990s, the festival was a community event for various civil rights and social justice causes. Since its return six years ago it…
Laith Al-Saadi – Star From “The Voice” In Portland
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventIn 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America's hearts and a spot in the finale of NBC's "The Voice." Now he's poised to bring his authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and the world. Laith Al-Saadi has always…
G Love & Special Sauce Bringing Their Genre-Blurring Show Back To Portland
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventG Love & Special Sauce return to Portland in celebration of their newly released album, Love Saves The Day, with a performance at The Hawthorne Theatre & Lounge on Thursday, March 23. Love calls the new album, “the fullest realization…
Rae Gordon & The Backseat Drivers – Women Blues Acts Win Big At International Blues Challenge
2017 March, Journey to Memphis, Past PDX Blues EventThe Blues Foundation’s 33rd annual International Blues Challenge (IBC) was held in Memphis over March 31 through February 4, with more than 260 acts from fourteen countries performing on Beale Street before fans and industry personnel representing…
Randy McAllister Band – Performance & Workshops
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventRoustabout, maverick, spiritual, gritty, amazing, genius, wild, bad-ass, soulful... These are some of the words used to describe this Texas bonafide blue blood. He's been flying in the face of convention his whole career. No smoke, no mirrors,…
Corey & the Tribe Presenting A Diverse Taste Of Musical Styles
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventGuitarist and songwriter Corey Kennedy has been described as an alternative, punk, blues, folk, indie artist hailing from Akron, Ohio. That covers a lot of ground in one breath, which only goes deeper with his own description of his act on his…
Rock the Village – Rich Layton & The Troublemakers with special guest Jon Koonce
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventMatt Miner Presents and O’Connor’s Vault welcomes roots rockers Rich Layton & The Troublemakers with special guest Jon Koonce to the heart of Multnomah Village, Friday, March 3 at 7:00pm. Both Rich and Jon are dedicated "keepers of the…
California Blues Rockers Hunter & The Dirty Jacks At The Birk
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventHunter & The Dirty Jacks are an Americana-crafted rock & roll band with influences based in the blues. Like a smoky whiskey with phosphorescent ice cubes in a blues-tinted glass. Led by frontman Hunter Ackerman and flanked by guitar…
Two Opportunities To Catch Blues Music Award Nominee Sugaray Rayford
2017 March, Past PDX Blues Event, UncatagorizedThe Sugaray Rayford Band is made up of world-class musicians. Ralph Carter on bass, Gino Matteo on guitar, Leo Dombecki on keyboards, Lavelle Jones on drums, Allan Walker on sax, and Gary Bivona on trumpet. With the onstage prowess of Sugaray…
Walter Trout Heading Back To Portland For One Night Only
2017 March, Past PDX Blues Event
Since beginning his career as a musician in the 1960s, guitarist Walter Trout has worked with an amazing array of artists, including Percy Mayfield, Deacon Jones, Joe Tex, John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers before…
Three Nights with Orphan Jon & The Abandoned
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventOrphan Jon & The Abandoned is an American roots and blues band from the Central Coast of California who are quickly becoming a go-to band because of the high energy and passion. Roots and blues is their life blood, and it shows. It is the…
Cee Cee James CD Release Party
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventCee Cee James has long been one of the most powerful female vocalists in the blues community. Full of fire and energy, she delivers passionate performances and is an acclaimed songwriter who has told her own story of pain and loss throughout…
Los Angeles Blues Artists Jim Gustin & Truth Jones At The Birk
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventJim Gustin is a blues singer and guitarist from Santa Clarita California who has been performing in and around the Los Angeles area for more than thirty years. He has a distinctive, powerful voice; soulful and deep with a smoky rasp, and is…
Utah’s 3hattrio Presents “American Desert Music”
2017 March, Past PDX Blues Event3hattrio is quite a genre-defying band. Made up of three musicians, Hal Cannon on vocals. Guitar and banjo, Eli Wrankle on violin and Greg Istock on stand-up bass, the music they create can be hypnotic and mesmerizing. Described as American…
Blues Legend Robert Cray Returns
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventBlues Hall of Fame inductee and five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray returns to Portland for one night only at The Aladdin Theater on Saturday, March 4. Rolling Stone Magazine credits Cray’s stellar 1986 release Strong Persuader as reinventing…
Birds of Chicago – Soulful duo with a steady fusion of R&B, Blues & Folk
2017 March, Past PDX Blues Event
Birds of Chicago, is a collective based around JT Nero and Allison Russell. Whether touring as a duo or with the full family band, Nero and Russell have emerged as two of the most compelling new voices in North American Roots music. Nero's…
Sixth Annual Winter Blues Festival Giving Back to the Community with Charity and National Acts
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventIn the cold winter months, live music lovers usually have to wait for the summer festival season to kick up their heels and dance to local and nationally acclaimed acts. LeeAnn Gibbons had an idea, with humble beginnings over a conversation…
Buck Johnson Showcases His Roots With New Album & Tour
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventSinger/songwriter Buck Johnson hails from the back roads of Shady Grove, Alabama, just outside Birmingham where he grew up singing Gospel throughout the South with his musical family. Since then he has performed in churches, bars, festivals…
Old Time Music Festival & Sleep-Over Brings A Diverse Line-Up Of Northwest Artists
2017 March, Past PDX Blues EventOn Saturday, March 4, the non-profit West Valley Community Campus will be holding their first ever Old School Music Festival & Sleep-Over. Located in the old Willamina Union High School, this event will feature a variety of some of the finest…