Following on from our previous item we are delighted to learn from Shakey Vick that Chris Youlden is much better. He's had all the tubes out and is now out of intensive care, back on a general ward. He can talk again and is on solid food. We wish him a continuing thorough and speedy recovery.
New Blues Radio Programme
There is a new time and day for two hours of great blues in the company of our very good friend and pillar of the Essex Blues Community, Mr Tim Aves as he presents ‘The Blues Is Back’ every Sunday between 8 & 10 p.m. on SaintFM, Maldon District’s very own radio station based in Burnham on Crouch.
The station commenced broadcasting in early December and transmits on 94.7FM with a signal that is quite strong - it's reaching as far as Wickford, the edges of Chelmsford and even almost to Braintree.
If you are out of the broadcast area or cannot pick it up on FM, the programme is also streamed live via www.saintfm.org.uk (don’t go to the .com address as this gets you the radio station of St Helena!!!) At present, the station is in soft launch mode with an official launch just after Christmas but Tim is there each Sunday and would welcome your company!
At the moment he is mainly playing CDs and doing the gig guide, but as soon as the station launches properly he has plans for loads of studio guests and live bands doing sessions in the adjacent Saint recording studio.
Tim tells Digital Blues that, already lined up for sessions are The SPIKEdrivers, Papa George and Kris Dollimore, “with plenty more up for it, too”, so he reckons that there should be some good music getting out there on the airwaves!
It is really great news that, once again, a local Essex radio station will be broadcasting live Blues on a weekly basis and we wish Tim and all the SaintFM crew all the very best. As long as Tim keeps us posted, we will carry details of his special guests and live sessions here on the Digital Blues website.
13.12.07
IKE TURNER – 1931 - 2007
The death was announced on 12th December 2007 of Ike Turner, a widely respected musician who is perhaps best known for his musical and stormy marital partnership with Tina Turner. Aged 76, he died at his home in California and, although there has been no official comment on the cause of his death, he had been ill for some time with the lung condition emphysema, despite which he won a second Grammy in 2007 with his well received ‘Risin’ With The Blues’ album.
Turner’s career spanned some six decades and in 1951 he wrote what is generally reckoned to be the first ever rock’n’roll record, ‘Rocket 88’ which he recorded with his band, the Kings of Rhythm, although it was credited to Jackie Brenston & his Delta Cats. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1931, Turner was a session guitarist and pianist who played with many now revered and famous musicians including BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon & Muddy waters. He also has a stint as Janis Joplin’s singing coach and a one-time member of the Kings of Rhythm was a young guitarist called Jimi Hendrix.
He then met an 18 year old singer called Anna Mae Bullock who he later married and who became a world-wide star as Tina Turner. Ike & Tina had a string of hits and in 1972 they won a Grammy with their cover of ‘Proud Mary’
However, their marriage was overshadowed by Ike’s drug-fuelled abuse of Tina, so much so that in 1976 she finally sought a divorce which saw Ike’s downward spiral become ever deeper, so much so that in the mid 80s, a cocaine addict, he was jailed for drug related offences.
In 1991 Ike & Tina Turner were inducted into the Rock 7 Roll hall of Fame although Ike was still in prison at the time.
The new millennium saw Turner return to the public eye, at 70 years of age, with a Grammy nominated album, ‘Here & Now’.
Turner’s contribution to both the Blues and to modern music goes far deeper than is perhaps generally appreciated and it is sad that such a talent is always overshadowed by memories of his treatment of his wife, Tina.
12.12.07
Digital Blues Awards 2007 Launched
Things may have been a bit quiet on the Digital Blues front since we were sacked by Phoenix FM but plans are afoot for our popular podcasts etc. to be back up & running in the New Year. In the meantime, of course, there is still the gig guide which is as popular as ever as well as our reviews of gigs, CDs, DVDs etc. We also publish news stories periodically and the Digital Blues site recently welcome visitor number 17,000!
And of course, each year we run the Digital Blues Awards in which we invite you to vote for your favourite artists, acts, venues etc. You can now take part in the Digital Blues Awards 2007 by visiting the Awards page on this website and, using the form which you will find there, you can cast your votes for your favourites.
You have until Friday 8th February 2008 to cast your votes and they are already rolling in thanks to one alert band who regularly check the Digital Blues site and publicised the Awards to their mailing list!
So join in and let us have your votes! I know that although the winners do not receive any prize as such, they are delighted and proud to be winners and/or nominees.
Finally, let me take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and a great 2008. Make it your New Year’s Resolution to support the blues however you are able and especially by getting out there to live gigs. Venues and musicians alike are struggling to survive and you can help by lending your support and encouraging your friends to do so too.
Chris Youlden
News reaches Digital Blues that former Savoy Brown singer & songwriter, Chris Youlden, is very seriously ill in hospital. Graham “Shakey Vick” Vickery and Dino Coccis tell me that on Thursday 8th November, Chris Youlden was taken seriously ill at his home with pneumonia and was rushed to hospital and treated in the isolation unit of the intensive care department. His condition was stabilised and he was under heavy sedation, whilst various conditions were treated. His condition improved sufficiently for him to be removed from the isolation unit but he remained in the intensive care section. He had lung problems and was being treated for this.
Chris continues to make progress though he is still on the critical list. They've managed to get him sitting up to help his breathing and he is conscious now, though unable to talk. He is aware of what is going on.
As far as other people's desire to send their support, Shakey Vick has said he will pass on any emails or letters sent to him, when Chris is able to read them. You can write to Vicksboro' Records, 15 Chippenham Road, London W9 2AH, UK or you can email address vickery06@btinternet.com. Graham will print out any emails and take them along to Chris when he visits. Chris's wife is happy with this arrangement and is very pleased to hear of the well wishers.
I am sure everyone joins Digital Blues in wishing Chris a full and speedy recovery. A new CD is due to be released very soon called “Got Blues If Ya Wannit” featuring the Shakey Vick Band with Chris as a special guest. Read the first review of this CD on the Digital Blues CD Reviews page for 2007.
27th November 2007
GARY PRIMICH – R.I.P.
Those of you who listen to Paul Jones’ Radio 2 show will have heard him pay tribute on the 15th October to Gary Primich, considered by many to be one of the greatest harmonica players in the world, who died, aged 49, on Sunday, September 23, 2007 in Austin, Texas.
The Wildcards who toured Europe with Gary earlier this year paid their own tribute in their most recent newsletter saying: “Not only is this the loss of a world-class talent, but also of a true world-class person. Offstage, Gary was a caring and gentle soul — a real Regular Joe of the best kind. Onstage he played with a ferocity and indescribable sound that was often mind-blowing.
He'd say 'Thank You' to his fans then quickly change the subject because he didn't want it to be all about him. He loved animals, he loved people, he loved music and he loved life. Gary's career sent him around the world, traveling thousands and thousands of miles for his love of music, but he'll always be right here, in our hearts.
The Wildcards toured with Gary around Europe in 2006 and we are devastated to hear this sad news. Only a few weeks ago we were talking together with Gary about another tour planned for 2008.
We had recorded Gary's song Hoodoo Preacher on our forthcoming album and have now decided to dedicate the album to his memory.”
A tribute on Gary’s website records that “He first picked up a harmonica as a child after hearing Mr. Zip play the theme song introducing the use of zip codes in the U.S. Raised in northwestern Indiana, near the Windy City, Primich cut his teeth on the sounds of Chicago style blues. As soon as he was old enough to sneak into the clubs, he was invited to sit in with blues bands performing at the legendary night spots and juke joints that dot the Chicago landscape. Primich continued to hone his craft performing at Chicago’s historic Maxwell Street open air market where many of America’s greatest blues artists got their start. By the early 80’s he had left the Midwest and headed for Austin, Texas where he became an integral part of the local music scene.
His no nonsense approach to music and non-stop touring won him legions of fans across North America and Europe. Never content to just stand still, Primich was continually taking his music someplace different. He expanded the perceived limitations of his instrument and constantly forged into new and very cool terrain. Throughout his career he released nine albums, wrote dozens of great songs, and lent his talents to recordings by many other artists. He was also a generous and talented mentor. Over the years he taught many aspiring harmonica players in workshops across the country. Gary shared a love of animals with his wife Tina.
He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Oak Hill House, The SIMS Foundation or The Animal Trustees of Austin. A memorial service and “life celebration” will be held on October 28, 2007 at 8.00 p.m. at the Sangerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto, Austin, TX 78701.”
For more details visit Gary’s website at www.garyprimich.com
Photos of Gary at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club in 2007 courtesy of Chris Patching © 2007
Bottleneck Blues Club – Good News!
John Adams tells Digital Blues that, following his decision to move to Hampshire and stop running the Bottleneck (See earlier story), the Club will continue under our “new management” with Richard Dobney at the helm. John says that Richard is very keen to see this excellent Club survive and that they have agreed a deal that will see the Bottleneck re-open after the summer break on Tuesday 25th September at the Roffen in Rochester. Richard is, of course, well known to Digital Blues readers as a talented musician and the man behind a number of jams & open mic sessions locally, especially the famed Hot Hob Jam at the SEAXE Bar at the Essex Arms in Brentwood. Richard also has a new Stormy Friday’s series of gigs in the offing at the SEAXE. John is going to be around to assist Richard with the first few gigs and advises that they have some very fine artists lined up for the Autumn season including opener Ian Siegal who is appearing with his band on the 25th.
Digital Blues is delighted that the Bottleneck will continue and wishes Richard every success with this venture. We will continue to feature details of all the Bottleneck gigs in the gig guide.
The End of the Road for the Spitz
Following on from our earlier story (see below) about the threatened closure of the Spitz, the smashing venue in Old Spitalfields Market on the edge of the City of London, Digital Blues learns that despite the appeals of the more than 10,000 people who signed the petition to save the venue, they have lost their battle with their landlords and the Spitz will be closing in October 2007.A very sad loss to the London scene, especially following on from the closure of the Catacombs in Camden.
However, the management are actively looking for a new venue and are seeking your financial support to help them to secure the future of The Spitz. They are seeking support to assist them in finding a new home and “to continue to make an outstanding contribution to London’s live music scene and cultural reputation”.
If you wish to make a contribution then visit www.spitz.co.uk where you can pay on line via PayPal or you can send a cheque, made payable to 'Dandelion Trust Spitz Appeal' to: The Dandelion Trust, 41 The Limehouse Cut, 46 Morris Road, London, E14 6NQ. If you have a venue that would suit The Spitz or any ideas on buildings which might be appropriate, please email Rupert@spitz.co.uk
Adieu to John Adams
After nearly 12 years of running The Bottleneck Blues Club, promoter, tour and artist manager John Adams has announced he is “hanging up hid gig spurs” He is selling his house in Kent & moving to Hampshire in September to develop a new business - JetLine Executive Travel (www.jetlinexec.co.uk john@jetlinexec.co.uk) who have a fleet of Mercedes Benz mini buses & Lexus 600s & have tied in with Manhatten Jet Charters & Villa in Dalyan to offer discrete travel arrangements to sports people, musicians, businessmen & anybody needing luxury transfers, flights or holidays.
Writing on the Bottleneck website (www.bottleneckblues.com) John says, ” I have made many friends over the years both at the club & on the road touring with my artists. It's down to you that the club has been so successful. I'm very proud of what has been achieved over the years & have strived to only ever present what I consider to be "World Class Music" but I can't support myself just promoting blues/roots so must (as my dear late Mum said on her death-bed) "Get a proper job!"”.
John thanks everyone for their support, friendship and loyalty and adds “I'll miss you & I'll miss the great nights we've all shared. However, you may not have got rid of me that easily!! I've agreed to help (from a distance) anybody who wants to take on the task of continuing The Bottleneck. I'm also getting stick from The Souldiggers to continue with the tours....I can't give an answer on that just yet & have asked them to give me time to develop my new business & we'll look at 2008 in the New Year....so you never know...I might be poking my head around the door in the future”.
He goes on to thank “a few individuals without whom my task would have been considerably tougher over the years” as well as the many promoters who have booked my artists, the musicians whose art is so often under-valued & you lot....it don't happen without you.”
John will be greatly missed, who will tell people to STFU now! I have greatly valued his support and encouragement for Digital Blues over the years that I have known him and I know he will be missed by many on the Blues & roots music scene. I wish him all the very best and hope that our paths will cross again. If you want to say goodbye in person get yourself along to the final Bottleneck gig on Tuesday 31st July at the Roffen (full details in the Digital Blues Gig Guide or at www.bottleneckblues.com) when the headliners are the superb Jerimiah Marques and the Blue Aces - from Essex!
Licence law 'damaging small gigs'
The Live Music Forum, which was set up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to look at the effects of the 2005 Licencing Act, has called on the government to amend the legislation because “Small-scale concerts are being put at risk by new licensing laws.” It has suggested that small local venues staging acoustic concerts should be exempt from new regulations. Feargal Sharkey who leads the forum is quoted on the BBC Website as saying that that some councils are "unreasonable" when issuing licences.
The BBC News story also advises that “The group has also recommended that acoustic performances should be exempt from licensing, and also if it is not the main attraction at a venue. It added that local councils should set up performance spaces for musicians.”
Speaking on the BBC's Breakfast programme, Sharkey said: "It's these little rooms in the back of little pubs that sustain the £6 billion business known as the music industry."
Gerry Sutcliffe, the Licencing minister is said to have welcomed the "interesting and challenging" findings. He continued, "We will now look at each of the recommendations, discuss with stakeholders and will respond fully in due course."
Full story at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6268406.stm
Digital Blues Radio Shows
Sadly, I have to announce that Digital Blues is no longer associated in any way with PhoenixFM. The Managing Director of PhoenixFM has unilaterally and without any warning or discussion pulled the show with immediate effect because I dared to have and to express an opinion which did not accord with his. In doing so he has also made what I believe to be some very unfair & unfounded comments and accused me of things which are untrue.
I am sorry for all the listeners to Digital Blues and thank you for your past support. Digital Blues has been broadcast on Phoenix for six years and did much to raise the profile of the station over that time.
Digital Blues podcasts will be available again in the near future and I will let you know as soon as they are.
CHICAGO RED Tour
Undertaking a short UK tour this month (July) is the now Los Angeles based Chicago Red, a man whose life has definitely seen him living the Blues. Red was to have kicked things off playing live on Digital Blues on Wednesday 18th July but for reasons that are obvious from our headline story this will not now be happening although we hope that we may get Red to record a session for us.
So your first chance to catch Red will be at the Upton Blues Festival on Friday 20th July and over the next 15 days he will be playing a dozen or so gigs, mainly in the South West but with appearances at the Grey Horse in Kingston upon Thames and the Retreat at Bocking and the SEAXE Bar in Brentwood, both in Essex.
You can read much more about Red’s life and times and catch some of his fine music by visiting his website at www.chicagored.com or his MySpace pages which can be found at http://www.myspace.com/chicagoredblues
Full tour dates are as follows:
Friday July 20th & Saturday July 21st - 5:30-7:30pm
Upton Blues Festival
appearing at the Kings Head, Riverside, Upton-Upon-Severn
(tel) 01684 592621
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Sunday July 22nd - 7:00-9:00pm
Mi Familia, Old Barn Passage, St.Marys Street, Stamford, Lincs
(tel) 01780 766338
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Tuesday July 24th - 9:15-11:15pm
Bunch Of Grapes, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol
(tel) 01179 099293
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Thursday July 26th – 8.00 – 10.00 pm
Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
(tel) 01395 568521
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Sunday July 29th 4.00-6.00pm
The Greyhorse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames
(tel) 020 8541 4328
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Monday July 30th - 8:30-10:30pm
The Courtyard @ Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset
(tel) 01202 631912
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Tuesday July 31st - 9.00-11.00pm
The Barn @ Square+Compass, Windmill Hill (Nr Ilminster),
Somerset
(tel) 01823 480467
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Wednesday August 1st – 9pm-11pm
Raleighs Cross Inn, Brendon Hill (Nr Watchet), Somerset
(tel) 01984 640343
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Friday August 3rd – 9.00-11.00pm
The Bear Hotel, The Market Place, Devizes
(tel) 01380 722444
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Saturday August 4th - 9.00-11.00pm
The Retreat, 42 Church Street, Bocking, Essex
(tel) 01376 554923
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Sunday August 5th - 8:30-10:30pm
The SEAXE Bar, The Essex Arms, Warley Hill, Brentwood, Essex
(tel) 01277 201164
FESTIVAL FEVER!
As ever, July is a busy, busy month for festival goers featuring, as it does, some of the best Blues Festivals around.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the Festivals in July but these are the ones that look particularly good to me. They are in purely chronological/and alphabetical order!
Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th July - The Abertillery Blues Festival 2007, Blaenau Gwent, Wales
Back for a third year is the Abertillery Blues Festival which has steadily grown in popularity over the last three year’s to become one of the biggest Blues events in Wales. This year’s Festival is the biggest one to date and will kick off on Thursday 12th July at the new Met in Abertillery and will showcase local Blues bands from around the region.
The Kendall James Band will open up the event, followed by Chicago electric blues three piece, Crosscut Saw. J44 will be wowing audiences with their blues and r n’ b rhythm and Blues singer, Jim Diamond and Snake Davies will round off the first night with performances of their hits in the 80s with ‘I Should have know better’ and the theme from Boon, ‘Hi-ho Silver’.
Friday night will see some of the best in British Blues take to the Abertillery Park stage. Swansea band The Revelators will open at 7p.m. and will be followed by the classic blues rock band The YardBirds, The legendary Animals and the outstanding The Blues Band featuring Paul Jones amongst others.
Saturday is the International Blues day and offers Festival goers the opportunity to catch a great line up of Blues artists from across the UK and America. Local band Stone Fox will be performing during the day and they will be followed by the superb Scot, Dave Arcari, and the reformed Irish Rock Band, Taste.
After going down a storm last year, Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes return to Abertillery Park again this whilst the superb Michael Roach Band make their first appearance in the area. This year’s headliner is Grammy Award Winner John Hammond who will be playing his only European date for 2007 at the Festival.
As well as a great selection of Blues, music fans will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside and enjoy traditional Welsh beer once again from the Rhymney Brewery Bar.
For further information, please contact the Box Office on 01495 355800 or visit www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June - GuilFest 2007 – Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey
GuilFest has grown hugely over the years from its humble beginnings as the Guildford Folk & Blues Festival. Now sponsored by BBC Radio 2, amongst others, and attracting major media attention, this year, as ever, sees an eclectic mix of musical styles gracing the six stages of live music whilst theatre, comedy, cutting edge DJ’s and classic disco add even more variety to this national award winning event. (Family Festival of the Year 2006 – UK Festival Awards.)
The line-up for the BBC Radio 2 Main Stage will feature headline bands SuperGrass, Squeeze and Madness supported by The Ordinary Boys, Morcheeba and The Magic Numbers. Performing as special guests this year will be Rodrigo Y Gabriela and legends of Reggae, Jimmy Cliff and Toots and The Maytals.
For the first time GuilFest will feature the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra who will perform a stunning two hour classical concert from noon on the Saturday. Also performing at GuilFest for the first time will be the 250 strong Rock Choir, who will be performing a set of mixed pop, gospel and Motown classics on the Sunday at noon.
Ents24.com return to sponsor the second stage which is simply heaving with songwriting talent – from the established figures of Richard Thompson and The Saw Doctors to the emerging talents of Ghosts, Cherry Ghost, Ireland’s Damien Dempsey and Ross Copperman. The Sunday bill culminates with Prog rock legends Uriah Heep, whose line up will feature one of David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars.
The RockSound stage having proved immensely popular in 2006 has pulled out all the stops with My Vitriol, Reuben, Orange Goblin, Your Code Name Is: Milo and Six Nation State leading a stellar line up of rock bands nearly all of whom are making their debut at GuilFest this year.
UNISON will once again present the UNISON ZONE and provide a packed program of activities including the Unsung Heroes Live Sessions, offering unsigned acts the opportunity to roll up and experience Andy Warhol’s ‘15 minutes of fame’. Organizers are keen to encourage new talent – we may sneak a glimpse of a future headliner.
The Surrey Advertiser and Andertons Music Co are staging the festivals 2 Live Club Stages for unsigned bands. Sikhona, Satellite State, Feel Free Mind, Flyin Ike, Program, BenSem, The Riotous Brothers and Staff Brett, plus over 40 more of the best raw up and coming bands will wow audiences over the weekend on these 2 stages. Of particular interest to Blues fans are appearances on Saturday by 3am on the Surrey Advertiser stage and the fabulous funkydory on the Andertons stage, let’s hope they are not at the same time.
eFestivals Cosmic Comedy Tent will be bringing you some of the very best comics on today’s circuit whilst the Funky End Stage is all set to groove n move and will see over 30 of the South’s finest DJs plus internationally renowned DJs hitting the decks.
For a full line up of bands, attractions and facilities visit the Festival website www.guilfest.co.uk GuilFest 2007 looks set to be the most successful to date and tickets are selling fast so get your tickets quick! Ticket Hotline: 0871 4240050. Book tickets via the website: www.guilfest.co.uk Visitor information: 01483 454159
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th July - Maryport Blues Festival 2007, Maryport, Cumbria
For me this is not just the Festival of the month but possibly of the year! And that is not just because our good friends at Movinmusic are the booking agents. It is a real tribute to the organisers of what is a not for profit event taking place in a small harbour town in West Cumbria that they have won the reputation of hosting one of the UK’s best Blues festivals with this year, the 9th, promising to top all previous events.
Saturday sees Van Morrison headlining the main stage along with his 11 piece band and Gary Moore headlining on Frida. The bill over three days includes top international acts from the UK, Australia, Italy & Germany all making their Festival debuts on the main stage as well as more than 25 other bands representing the best in British Blues performing on the trail in pubs and clubs around the town.
Booked for the main stage are the premier blues and roots troubadour, Eric Bibb, Zydeco superstar C.J. Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band, widely acknowledged as the best living zydeco singer & accordionist, Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed James Hunter, renowned for his extraordinarily soulful voice and impassioned performances, Sharrie Williams & the Wiseguys, possessor of an awesome voice and well known for unforgettable performances, the Holmes Brothers, undisputed masters of blues-based American roots music, Australia’s award winning blues artist, Harper, renowned for his unique harmonica perfomnces and for including the didgeridoo in his live act, Italy’s top blues band, Family Style, British rock legend Mike Harrison with his band returns to his blues roots following on from his excellent recently released CD, ‘Late Starter’ and the excellent British Blues rock band, Never The Bride featuring Nicki Lambourn, “the best female rock voice since Janis Joplin”. Completing the main stage line-up are Blues’n’Trouble & Out of the Blue.
The Trail features, amongst others, Scotland’s gravel voiced Dave Arcari, the superb funkydory featuring the glory that is Lorna Reilly and hubby Jules Fothergill, Giles Hedley & the Aviators featuring multi award winning Sam Kelly on drums and jazz funkster Richard Sadler on bass, the excellent John O’Leary Band whose present band line-up features Jules Fothergill on guitar, Joachim Greve on drums, Roger Innis on bass with Julian ‘Mr Jules’ Grudgings on keys, the wonderful Paul Rose band featuring the glorious guitar of Paul, the power & emotion of the Sean Webster band, the highly individual take on the genre that is offered by Bucks. Based band, Storm Warning, the Matt taylor band, again featuring a superb guitarist in Matt often described as the “king of slide guitar” and a band not mentioned in the publicity material, Howard Smith & the Razors who, after a break of some years are back together and well worth catching.
This really is a stonking Festival and full details are available at www.maryportblues.com
Saturday 28th July to Sunday 5th August - Gloucester International Rhythm & Blues Festival, Gloucester
Clashing in part at least with Maryport is this 8 day feast of great music which this year boasts their best ever line-up which features appearances by the likes of the Holmes Brothers, Sharrie Williams & the Wiseguys, the Animals, Mike Sanchez and the Portions.
The Festival kicks off on Saturday in Gloucester Park with the Mike Harrison Band in the afternoon and the Holmes Brothers in the evening whilst Sunday afternoon sees former Paul Lamb & the Kingsnakes guitarist Johnny Dickinson, the Matt Schofield Trio and Sharrie Williams & the Wiseguys performing in Kings Square. Sunday evening highlight for me is phenomenal Irish tinged blues and lightning fingers of Will Killeen. Other highlights during the week include the excellent Memphis in the Meantime at Café Rene on Tuesday 31st, the unique Molly Brown at Café Rene, Howard Smith & the Razors at the Windmill and Bridget & the Big Girls Blues at the Tall Ship making the first of a number of Festival appearances, all of these acts are on Wednesday 1st August.
Thursday the 2nd sees Giles Hedley & the Aviators at the Dick Whittington, the Innes Sibun Band at the New Inn, the Guy Tortora Band at Café Rene and Bridget & the Big Girls Blues at Petes Wine Bar. Friday the 3rd at the Guildhall has what looks a fascinating evening with American Blues Harmonica Masters Johnny Mars, Dennis Gruenling and Russ Green with the Michael Roach band. Saturday the 4th sees Micke Sanchez, Spank the Monkey & Rick Payne plus others playing at Greyfriars whilst Sunday sees the Animals headlining the same venue.
The full programme and all other details can be found at www.gloucesterblues.co.uk or you can call +44 (0)1452 412828
Unfortunate News Regarding the NightFlies
Digital Blues has learned that the NightFlies have parted company with guitarist Kevin Webb. Band frontman, Mark Sibley, tells us “I suppose you could say it’s down to ‘personal differences’. Obviously we are disappointed at the outcome, but, after all the hard work we’ve done bringing this band on Wayne, Andy and I have decided to pick it up again with somebody new.” Mark says that he cannot say anything definite at the moment in this respect but hopes to have some good news soon.
Mark adds: “Obviously we wish Kevin well with whatever he decides to do now.”
As a result of this, the band has had to cancel all their gigs until early July 2007. We at Digital Blues wish Mark, Wayne & Andy all the best and will bring further news as soon as we receive it. We also wish Kevin well, his is a rare talent which seemed to work so well in the NightFlies. We hope he is back on the scene soon.
22nd May 2007
Bo Diddley suffers stroke
Bo Diddley, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of rock 'n' roll, is in intensive care following a stroke during a concert in the US. The 78-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was listed as being “in guarded condition at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska” said Susan Clary, a publicist for the musician's management team.
Diddley, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, was hospitalized on Sunday following a concert in Council Bluffs in which he acted disoriented, she said.
Tests indicated that the stroke affected the left side of his brain, impairing his speech and speech recognition, Clary said. She added that she has no other details on Diddley's condition or how long he would be in intensive care.
Diddley first topped the R&B charts with the eponymous ‘Bo Diddley’ in 1955, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and was given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1998. With his black glasses and low-slung, rectangular guitar, Diddley has become an icon in the music industry with hits including ‘Who Do You Love’, ‘Before You Accuse Me’, ‘Mona’ and ‘I'm a Man’.
His trademark "hambone" rhythm has been a lasting influence on rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues being adopted by Buddy Holly, the Who & Bruce Springsteen amongst others. He is quoted as saying: "I play the guitar like I'm playin' the drums."
Digital Blues wishes Bo Diddley well.
Sources - BBC News & Associated Press – picture Associated Press.
SAVE THE SPITZ! GREAT LONDON VENUE UNDER THREAT.
Digital Blues learns that The Spitz has been given six months notice to quit their present site in Old Spitalfields Market by their landlord, Ballymore Properties. In a worse case scenario this will mean that The Spitz will cease to exist at the end of September this year.
The Spitz is a great venue which, over the ten years or so it has been in existence, has earned a reputation as a first class music venue presenting many genres including top class Blues acts such as Otis Grand, Matt Schofield, James Hunter, Ian Siegal, Seasick Steve and many more as well as breaking many more acts. Essex has been well represented with the likes of Wilko Johnson, Steve Hooker and Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’ to name but three.
The campaign to Save The Spitz starts now and they really need your support. Please go to www.spitz.co.uk and sign their online petition and/or make a donation to the Save The Spitz appeal.
If you would like to get directly involved in the campaign please email rupert@spitz.co.uk
Another important way to support The Spitz is to use it as much as possible so please don't forget The Spitz also has a fantastic restaurant and if you bring along a print out of the e-mail announcement about the closure threat, they will give you 10% off lunch between 12 & 2 pm. I often eat there and can thoroughly recommend the food, the prices and the ambience. (If you are interested in this contact Digital Blues and we will forward a copy of the e-mail to you.)
It is also worth remembering that all areas of The Spitz are available for hire including the gallery, terrace and restaurant, all ideal spaces for parties, launch nights, talks, etc.
The Spitz has an excellent programme of live music in the venue including the shortly concluding Spitz Festival of Blues, the forthcoming Spitz Festival of Country in August and Spitz Festival of Folk in September.
The Spitz Gallery also has a very strong programme including the forthcoming Chernobyl exhibition by Magnum photographer Paul Fusco called" Twenty One Years of Fall Out.
Please show your support for The Spitz by voting with your feet as well as signing their petition.
SAVE THE SPITZ!
Quotes
"I am outraged to hear that The Spitz is in danger of closing. In these days of bland, wholesale corporate homogenisation we need truly independent music venues like The Spitz more than ever. If the Spitz closes it will be an absolute disgrace and a sure sign that London is on the way to becoming a glorified shopping mall with a series of unnecessary restaurants and shops that only recognises the power of the City bonus and not the creative force that gave areas like Spitalfields its identity in the first place."
Beth Orton, musician, who has played at The Spitz four times.
"MOJO magazine is distraught at the thought of the Spitz closing its doors for good and all. It has served a world of vibrant, genuinely alternative music virtually single-handed. "
Danny Eccleston, Consultant Editor, Mojo Magazine
'London is known around the world for its arts and entertainment, which is the reason why so many people come here. It has a strong reputation for a cutting edge and innovative music scene, which is nurtured by having a range of live venues where music can flourish The Spitz is a unique venue which has enhanced the London music scene since it opened. If a classical music venue were under threat, the establishment would rightly be up in arms.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London.
"It is outrageous that The Spitz is under threat of closure and I wholeheartedly give my support to the campaign to Save The Spitz. In the last ten years London's cultural and creative axis has shifted from the West to the East and The Spitz is at the heart of this change. I have been to many ground breaking shows at The Spitz that I would never see at a more mainstream venue. The Spitz gives Spitalfields and East London it's creative identity and if it closes this will be lost"
Giles Deacon, UK's leading fashion designer who is based in East London.
DIGITAL BLUES – Podcasts
Podcasts are now available of "highlights" of the live Wednesday evening Digital Blues programmes. So if you missed any of our shows on March 28th or April 4th, 11th or 18th, visit the podcasts page and catch up on what you missed. Included are special guests Ramon Gose & Ed Vans playing live in the studio on teh 18th, and Ray Bartrip talking about Essex Blues on 4th April. Keep checking back for new podcasts.
NO MORE NUBLUES
After more than 4 years together the band Nublues have decided to call it a day and split. Their last live performance was at the Frankfurt Jazz and Blues Festival in November 2006 where they appeared alongside Jack Bruce and Otis Taylor. They had recently started work on a 2nd album. Ramon Goose of Nublues writes “The band would like to thank everybody in the UK blues scene that came to the gigs or helped us out in some way.”
They will be missed for the fresh and new slant they brought to the Blues scene, which, whilst no to all tastes, was, nonetheless an interesting take on the genre. Ramon has already been playing some gigs with a new line-up featuring performing old and original blues material in an acoustic and electric setting ranging from Eric Bibb’s "Saucer N Cup" to Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Rude Mood". The band features Ramon on vocals/acoustic/slide/electric guitar, Ed Van Der Mark on drums and Joe Goose ( Ramon’s twin brother and Eric Bibb’s bassist) on electric and double bass
Ramon has been very busy over the last year or two having produced/composed/performed Nublues’ album, been signed to Dixiefrog (France) and Chris Thomas Kings small but influential label in New Orleans as well as touring worldwide with Nublues. They have performed with Eric Burdon, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Eric Bibb, Fish Bone, Boo Boo Davis, Billy Jones & Jeremiah Marques amongst others. Ramon has produced/composed and performed with and for the Black & Tan label – BooBoo Davis & Billy Jones as well as having performed with the superb Eric Bibb.
Digital Blues wishes all the members of Nublues luck wherever their music takes them. We hope to have Ramon & Joe as guests on Digital Blues soon.
HUCKLEBUCK – IS NO MORE!
Digital Blues is sad to learn from a blog posted on Giles King’s MySpace site that Hucklebuck is no more/ Giles writes that “After four years of touring the UK, (most of the time for very little money), Sam has decided to call it quits and move in a new direction, not necessarily blues.” He wishes Sam good luck for the future and then continues: “But as one door closes, another one opens...... I'm off to LA to record an album with Lightnin Willie and the Poorboys. It's a bit last minute, but I ain't gonna miss this chance...... On our return, we'll start the UK tour with a new studio album. Look forward to seeing everybody somewhere soon. Giles 'Middle Walter' King.
I understand that playing bass for Lightnin’ Willie on his upcoming UK tour will be Fergie Fulton of the Groove Doctors. Full details of the Lightnin’ Willie tour dates etc. can be found at www.movinmusic.co.uk.
PAUL deLAY – R.I.P.
Paul deLay, the larger-than- life Portland bluesman who redefined the harmonica and its musical potential, died this morning (8th March 2007) at Providence Portland Medical Center from end-stage leukemia diagnosed just days before. He was 55.
"He was the most inventive harmonica player in the history of the planet," says John Mazzocco, who played bass with deLay for several years in the 1990s. "He was gifted -- he had incredible tone, but more important, he could look at things differently than any other harmonica player. He was the best in the world."
"He was the best harmonica player in the blues world," says bassist Jimmy Lloyd Rea, from Baker City. "His big body -- mind, heart and soul -- was in every note he ever played." DeLay recorded a dozen albums in his four-decade career, won several music awards and was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award. He and his band toured constantly, and his last show was just last Saturday -- a benefit show at Klamath Fall's Ross Ragland Theater.
"What amazes me is the energy he brought to the show," says guitarist Pete Dammann, who played in deLay's bands for the past two decades. "He wasn't pirouetting onstage, but he was joking and yakking with the crowd, and he played hard. We did two long sets, and nobody had any idea anything like this was going on."
Neither did deLay. After that show, Dammann says, deLay felt under the weather, presumably from bronchitis he'd suffered on the band's recent jaunt to Mexico for several benefit shows. But doctors found that deLay was suffering from leukemia so advanced that his organs began shutting down and he lapsed into a coma from which he apparently never recovered.
From SXBLUES Yahoo Group – 8th March 2007
NEW SHAKEY VIC CD
News reaches Digital Blues about tracks currently being recorded for a new CD “Got Blues if Ya Wannit”. Featuring Shakey Vic and former Savoy Brown singer Chris Youlden and with Bob Haddrell on accoustic piano, Dino Coccia on drums, Alan Vincent on guitar and Jim Mercer on bass. Other tracks have been recorded with Alan Glen guesting and two with Dave Briggs on guitar and one as the Shakey Vic Trio (Vic, Dino & Jim)
Dino describes the material as “All good down home stuff” and says that the finished CD should be ”a true fine British Blues Boom Vintage Album”.
All sounds exciting stuff and Digital Blues looks forward to hearing the results of these very talented musicians labours.
WICKED GRIN
News reaches us from Ed Croney, drummer with Ray Bartrip’s excellent band B2B, that he is part of an exciting new Felixstowe based band called Wicked Grin who make what I believe is their first appearance at the SEAXE Bar in Brentwood in late March (see Digital Blues Gig Guide for details). Wicked Grin are a new amalgamation of experienced blues players steadily building their reputation around the East Coast of England with live shows that reveal a confidence and ability to boogie on down with the best of them.
With the powerful vocals of Andrew Spall, whose exceptional voice gives the band a focus and is a perfect compliment to the band, liberally inter-laced with stinging guitars in the hands of two excellent and highly experienced guitarists, both originally part of the British Blues scene in the late 1960’s.
John Adams has supported many blues performers including Duster Bennett, Bryan Knight and Phil Guy. He formed and fronted the highly successful Lacey Street Blues Band in the 1980's whilst Paul Gill has played alongside Alexis Korner, Juke Boy Bonner, Champion Jack Dupree, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup and Dick Heckstall-Smith.
The band’s top class rhythm section comprises bassist Tony Mowles (Cruiser, The John Harrington Blues Band and ’56 Cadillac) and drummer Ed Croney (known to Digital Blues and local fans through his work with B2B) and their playing is so tight and rhythmical that it inevitably sets your heart thumping and your feet dancing. Whether your preference is for smooth swing grooves or modern urban blues, this band delivers the goods! Get along to the SEAXE Bar to catch them or visit their MySpace site (www.myspace.com/wickedgrinuk) or www.soundclick.com/wickedgrin to catch some excellent tracks from this band.
IAN PARKER – NEW SINGLE & ALBUM
Ian Parker has an excellent new CD due for release in March called “Where I Belong” from which a single, the beautiful “Your Love Is My Home” has been taken. The single comes out on 13th March 2007 and you can pre-order the single and the CD at www.amazon.co.uk for a special price of just £13.98. Ian is very excited about this development as this marks his first ever single and he is, naturally, keen to make sure it enjoys some success.
The single & the album mark a significant point in Ian’s musical journey and demonstrate just how far he has travelled. The material is original with many of the tracks unmistakably Ian Parker. But there are also tracks with a definite Memphis feel, no doubt as a result of Ian’s “Pilgrimage” with Thomas Ruf, Erja Lyytinen and Aynsley Lister to the US in 2005 when they recorded the superb CD of the same name.
Ian’s release of this CD on Ruf Records is another big step for him and should earn him the wider exposure & greater recognition that he so richly deserves. This is, in my humble opinion, Ian’s best CD and it will delight his many fans and admirers whether they be of the blues loving fraternity or lovers of Ian’s powerful rock blues ballads.
Ian’s playing has brought much pleasure to so many of us lucky enough to have heard his CDs or seen him live, now you can thank him by flocking to buy this excellent CD and single. Let’s see if people power can get Ian into the charts!!! His music is far more deserving of a number one than 99% of what gets there! More at www.ianparkermusic.com
27th February 2007
KEEP LIVE MUSIC LIVE - HAVE YOUR SAY!
Hot on the heels of the No 10 petition about road charging etc. news reaches Digital Blues about two petitions which are all about live music. The first is a petition which Barry Middleton, formerly of the Running Horse in Nottingham, has drawn to my attention. He writes:
"There is a government move to make it very difficult for musicians to perform live in small venues, or for schools, pubs and charities to raise money for causes through musical events. The new legislation will inhibit the central role music making has in our lives and communities. If you circulate this to your musician (and non-musician!) friends, all each person has to do is go to the government's petitions website below, give your name, email and address - it takes about 30 seconds. And it could make a vital difference to the nurturing of community music making, and enabling young musicians to find their feet in the performing world.
The live music/licensing e-petition now nearly 23,000signatures. It currently stands at no.19 in the list of 1,702 petitions on the Number 10 website. This is good, especially in just under a month - and there are five more months in which people can sign. But the petition needs to do much better to make an impression on ministers, and to encourage DCMS to implement music-friendly amendments.
The petitioner states "The recently introduced changes in licensing law have produced an environment where music and dance, activities which should be valued and promoted in a civilised society, are instead damaged by inappropriate regulation. We call on the Prime Minister to recognise this situation and take steps to correct it."
Join the nearly 23,000 others who have already signed this petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/licensing/
On a slightly more local note, many of you will know of the Kenwood Concerts. These open air events take place in the glorious setting of Kenwood House in North London each Summer or did until this year when Camden Council imposed unrealistic licence conditions in 2006. For the last 55 years these concerts have given great pleasure to hundreds of thousands of people and have always been seen as being an important part of Camden's cultural tradition. The concerts have also been an important means of raising income for the upkeep of Kenwood House. There is a petition which has been created by English Heritage in response to requests from concerned members of the public which states that the signatories urge Camden Council to review the licence conditions and work with English Heritage and all other interested parties so that the concerts can return to Kenwood in 2008. You can add your voice by signing up at
http://www.petitiononline.com/Kenwood/
DIGITAL BLUES AWARDS 2006
The votes have been cast and counted and the results are now available. You voted Connie Lush as your Favourite Personality of 2006, Jane English as your Favourite Female Artiste, Ian Siegal as Favourite Male Artist and Alex Hall as your favourite Guitarist. The recently released ‘Essex Delta Blues Vol ll A-Z’ CD was your Favourite CD.
View the full results here and thank you to everyone who voted and congratulations to all the winners.
GRAMMY BLUES AWARDS 2006
Congratulations go to Ike Turner who has won this year’s Grammy for the Traditional Blues Album with his
recent release, ‘Risin’ with the Blues’ Local interest was with Colchester born James Hunter, perhaps better known to local audiences as Howlin’ Wilf, whose CD ‘People Gonna Talk’ has been receiving rave reviews. James was in illustrious company with his nomination alongside Tab Benoit, Duke Robillard and Dion.
New Orleans resident Irma Thomas won the Grammy for Contemporary Blues Album with her excellent CD ‘After The Rain’ which beat Dr John’s ‘Sippiana Hurricane’ as well as CDs from The Robert Cray Band, KebMo’ and Susan Tedeschi.
TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY MAPLE BLUES AWARDS 2006
Western Canada has much to sing about when it comes to the blues. Out of the sixteen Canadian blues music awards presented at this year's tenth annual Maple Blues Awards, Western Canadian artists led with eight awards, followed by six for Ontario artists and two for those from the East Coast. The following are the winners of the 2006 Maple Blues Awards, which were presented in a gala celebration at Toronto's Mod Club on January 15th, 2007.
EIGHT AWARDS FOR WESTERN CANADA
The big winner at this year's ceremony was Saskatchewan-born Suzie Vinnick, who received three Maple Blues Awards. She won Female Vocalist of the Year and Bass Player of the Year, while Songwriter of the Year went to both Vinnick and Rick Fines for their 2006 release "Nothing Halfway".
Vancouver actor and musician Jim Byrnes, host of the gala event, received two awards: Male Vocalist of the Year and Recording of the Year, for his album "House of Refuge", released on Black Hen Records and produced by Vancouver's Steve Dawson.
Electric Act of the Year went to seasoned bluesman Colin James, who has sold over 8 million albums worldwide, won 6 Juno awards and has released 10 albums in nearly 20 years of making music.
New Artist of the Year went to ingenue Ndidi Onukwulu, who had a busy summer in 2006, performing the Canadian festival circuit. Originally from the British Columbia, Ndidi is now living in Toronto.
Vancouver's piano blues and boogie-woogie player, Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, won Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year. 2006 was a great year for Kenny who also won a Juno for best blues album of the year.
WINNING HIGHLIGHTS
Musical Renaissance man Colin Linden was honoured with the Blues with a Feeling Award for Lifetime Achievement. With numerous Maple Blues Awards and Juno awards already behind him, Colin continues to build an exciting career as a guitarist, vocalist and composer. He is in major demand by artists wanting him to produce, write for, and/or play on their records (he has played on 300 and produced 60 albums), yet somehow finds time to both pursue a prolific solo career and play a key role in Canadian roots-rock "supergroup", Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
Other Ontario award winners included the Downchild Blues Band, who were presented with Entertainer of the Year. The enduring veterans were last year's big winners, celebrating 37 years in the biz.
Guitarist of the Year went to Ottawa's Sue Foley, who strengthens her position as the artist having won the record amount of awards over the 10 year history of this event.
Harmonica Player of the Year went to Carlos del Junco, who, in the midst of great competition, continues to dominate in this category.
Chris Whiteley, the singer, composer, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist and session musician who specializes in blues, jazz and roots music, won Horn Player of the Year. In 2006, Chris and Diana Braithwaite released "Morning Sun", inspired by such greats as Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red, Lonnie Johnson, Bessie Smith, Big Bill Broonzy, and the famous "Bluebird" record sound.
Nova Scotia native Geoff Arsenault (Ray Bonneville, Morgan Davis, Carlos Del Junco) took home Drummer of the Year.
The New Brunswick-based trio Hot Toddy teamed up with duo Isaac & Blewett to win Acoustic Act of the Year for their collaborative work, which began with their 2005 recording, "Live at the Black Box".
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
American performer, producer, and gold recording artist Keb' Mo' won International Artist of the Year. Keb' Mo' of the Epic Records/Sony Music roster is also nominated for a Grammy in the category of Contemporary Blues Album, 2007.
BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR
The Blues Booster of the Year award, a special Maple Blues Award honouring outstanding contribution to the Canadian blues industry, was awarded to filmaker Mako Funasaka. Funasaka received the award in recognition of his documentation of the blues in Canada and beyond, included in his television series Talkin' Blues, which is broadcast across Canada and the U.S.
BUILDING A HISTORY - THE MAPLE BLUES AWARDS
The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program, organized by the Toronto Blues Society with the support and participation of blues societies across Canada. Its goal is to promote blues music nationally, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. The nominees are selected by a national panel of distinguished blues DJs and journalists, and the winners are selected by on-line voting by blues fans across Canada.
The awards gala in Toronto features numerous musical performances and is the conclusion of the three-day national Blues Summit, a gathering of blues industry professionals from across the country. The event provides an opportunity for the blues community to network and to attend professional development seminars, working meetings, and showcase concerts.
MAPLE BLUES AWARDS 2006/2007
Entertainer of the Year
Downchild Blues Band
Electric Act of the Year
Colin James
Acoustic Act of the Year
Hot Toddy/Isaac & Blewitt
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jim Byrnes
Female Vocalist of the Year
Suzie Vinnick
New Artist/Group of the Year
Ndidi Onukwulu
Recording of the Year
Artist: Jim Byrnes
Producer: Steve Dawson
B.B. King International Artist of the Year
Keb' Mo'
Guitarist of the Year
Sue Foley
Harmonica Player of the Year
Carlos del Junco
Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne
Horn Player of the Year
Chris Whiteley
Drummer of the Year
Geoff Arsenault
Bass Player of the Year
Suzie Vinnick
Songwriter of the Year
Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick
MUSIC/LICENCING LAWS - DOWNING STREET PETITION
Many of you will know that a while back Digital Blues was, along with many others, very concerned about the effects the new Licencing Laws would have on live music. I thought it was all settling down until I received an e-mail from Jim the Soundman which, in turn, forwarded a mail from Doug Bailey at Wildgoose Records which had reached him from EfN magazine.
Below are details of an official petition to 10 Downing Street which attempts to secure a review of the Licensing laws, particularly as they affect acoustic performance.
There are many who believe this law was drafted without proper consideration of the opinions of many likely to be affected by it and almost total disregard for these opinions when forceful representations were made both to the Culture Department and to MPs during the passage of the Bill through Parliament. The present situation in which wide screen televisions in pubs do not require a licence while a single acoustic musician or singer does require licensing is a perversion of justice.
The live music/licensing e-petition now has nearly 4550 signatures( that was at 17th January 2007. The number today stands at 5,250 plus) It currently stands at no.16 in the list of 1,702 petitions on the Number 10 website: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/licensing/
This is good, especially in just under a month - and there are five more months in which people can sign. (CLOSING DATE: 11 June 2007). But the petition needs to do much better to make an impression on ministers, and to encourage DCMS to implement music-friendly amendments.
The petition is for everyone, not just musicians. Please consider signing if you haven't already done so. If you have signed, encourage friends to sign.
Points to remember about the new legislation:
a.. The unlicensed provision of even one musician is a potential criminal offence (although some places are exempt, including places of public religious worship, royal palaces and moving vehicles). Max penalty: £20,000 fine and six months in prison.
b.. The rationale is to prevent noise, crime and disorder, to ensure public safety, and the protection of children from harm.
c.. But broadcast entertainment, including sport and music, is exempt - no matter where, and no matter how powerfully amplified.
d.. In the transition to the new regime, bars with jukeboxes, CD players etc were automatically granted a license to play recorded music; but their automatic entitlement to one or two musicians was abolished.
e.. For the first time, private performances raising money for charity are licensable.
f.. School performances open to friends and family are licensable - they count as public performances.
g.. Under the old regime all premises licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises were automatically allowed up to two live musicians (the 'two in a bar rule').
h.. In December, DCMS published research confirming that about 40% of these have lost any automatic entitlement to live music as a result of the new Act:
'Very few establishments that wanted a new license were denied it, and many who were previously limited to 2-in-a-bar now have the ability to stage music with 2 or more musicians... This contrasts, of course, with the fact that 40% of establishments now have no automatic means of putting on live music (i.e. they would have to give a TEN).'
['Licensing Act 2003: The experience of smaller establishments in applying for live music authorization'; December 2006', paragraphs 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 'Conclusions', p54; Caroline Callahan, Andy Martin, Anna Pierce, Ipsos-MORI]
'TEN' stands for Temporary Event Notice - in effect a temporary entertainment licence. Only 12 are allowed per premises per year. They cost £21 each. See the full MORI reports on this site:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Research/research_by_dcms/live_music_exec_summary.htm
I have never before circulated anything like this but this issue seems important to me and I hope you will all agree. I also hope this is not something you have already seen and done something about. In which case my apologies.
Doug Bailey, WildGoose www.wildgoose.co.uk
I leave it to you to decide what you wish to do. If you think that web-based petitions like this are a waste of time just remember that this is an official Government site and the petition is entirely legitimate. Whilst you are there have a look at the number 1 petition. You might want to sign that too!
SPIKEdrivers at High Barn and a free DVD!
High Barn, one of the region's top music venues and recording studios and top act the SPIKEdrivers are combining to present concert goers with a unique opportunity in March - a free dvd of the show they've just experienced.
The internationally renowned, translantic blues trio liked the place so much when they played it last year that they are coming back to High Barn in March 2007. They were so impressed with the superb acoustics and unique atmosphere that the 800 year old barn offers that they have decided to produce their new album there and to play a gig on Friday 23rd March 2007 which will be recorded and made into a DVD which will be issued free to everyone in the audience hat evening!
High Barn owner, Chris Bullen tells Digital Blues that "this is a very exciting opportunity for lovers of world class blues and roots music, it's sure to be a special and extraordinary evening"
For those unfamiliar with High Barn, it is a recording studio and concert venue like no other
where breathtakingly restored vaulted medieval architecture combines with the highest of high technology to produce a stunning environment for the appreciation and production of music.
It is a venue which is loved by live artists and their audiences alike, all of whom are amazed
Both by the acoustics and the intimate setting and it attracts leading acts from the worlds of rock, folk and blues.
It is hard to imagine a better combination of act and venue and this is sure to be an event that sells out very quickly indeed so book your tickets now at £15.00 each by visiting the High Barn website at http://www.high-barn.com/ or calling 01371 811291.
HARRODS ROCKS
If you have an interest in the electric guitar, here's something you might like to put in your memory bank for February.
From the 1st February to 3rd March 2007, Knightsbridge department store, Harrods, is hosting "Born to Rock", an exhibition, multi-media presentation and series of live events that celebrate the history of the electric guitar.
"Born to Rock" has already been staged at the Galeries Lafayette store in Paris and the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin and at the beginning of February moves to the second floor of Harrods where a massive space will include a live performance venue and champagne bar alongside the exhibition which includes the history of the electric guitar plus a collection of personally customised guitars, created by some of the biggest names in music, fashion and design.
The historic exhibition includes the legendary ‘Frying Pan’, the world's first electric guitar which, until now, has never been exhibited outside the USA, as well as a collection of ultra famous instruments associated with many rock icons including the likes of Carlos Santana, The Edge, Keith Richards, Mark Bolan, Jimi Hendrix, Noel Gallagher and Rory Gallagher, together with contemporary guitars from Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), Sergio Pizzorno (Kasabian) and Christina Aguilera.
The exhibition also features a remarkable display of rare and vintage guitars from the world’s leading manufacturers, including Gibson, Rickenbacker, Fender and PRS as well as the most exclusive bespoke custom producers.
Alongside the exhibition will be a series of live events featuring some of the top names from the guitar world and kicking off the live performance element are the Matt Schofield Trio with shows on Friday 2nd February at 1pm and 7pm, entry is free.
For more information visit these websites - www.borntorock.tv or
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/harrods-rocks_index.html
Jeff Healey recovers from latest round of cancer surgery
Canadian guitarist, singer, bandleader, musicologist and radio host Jeff Healey is reported to be recovering well from major surgery to remove cancerous tissue from both lungs, which he underwent last week at a Toronto hospital.
Healey is no stranger to the disease, having gone under the knife no less than four times for cancer - first in his eyes as a child, in his left leg twice in the past 18 months, and now in his lungs.
His doctors, however, report a successful operation, catching the disease early as a result of diligent and regular testing.
Healey is expected to make a full recovery and will be back on his feet hosting his radio show on Monday nights at 91.1 Jazz FM in Toronto again in February. He also plans on getting back on stage at his brand new live music club, Jeff Healey's Roadhouse, which relocated in mid-December to larger, more accessible premises at 56 Blue Jays Way, in the heart of downtown Toronto's entertainment area.
The internationally known musician has surprised doctors with his tenacity and speed of recovery after previous operations and fully intends to do so this time.
"I'm stretching the definition of the word indestructible," quipped Jeff from his hospital bed three days after the operation.
Jeff appeared recently on a track with Walter Trout on the latters’ first studio album for five years and also has a European CD release slated for 2007 on the Ruf Records label.
Digital Blues wishes Jeff, who is a great champion of Canada’s musicians, a speedy recovery.
!8th January 2007
Atlantic Records Founder Dies
Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder of the legendary Atlantic Records label, has died at age 83. He fell into a coma after sustaining a head injury as a result of a fall at a Rolling Stones concert in October. He was the man who was credited with making stars of Ray Charles & Aretha Franklin and he also signed the Stones to his label in the early ‘70s.
Ertegun founded the record label with Herb Abramson in 1947 and they quickly established a reputation of being one of the leading independent rhythm & blues and jazz labels with names such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Mingus and Duke Ellington on their roster. As the years progressed other big name artists such as Ornette Coleman, the Drifters, Bobby Darin and Roberta Flack were added to the list and the ‘70s saw Led Zeppelin sign to the label.
Since 1967, the label had been part of the Warner Music Group but had continued to be run as a more or less independent company today having such diverse artists as James Blunt, Bloc Party, Genesis, Missy Elliot, Lil Kim and the Streets on its books.
There is a far more detailed history of Atlantic Records at http://www.bsnpubs.com/atlantic/atlanticstory.html
15th December 2006
AWARD FOR BLUES MATTERS!
The Blues Foundation committee (in Memphis) has selected Blues Matters! to receive the Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Award for 2007, in the Print Media category. Blues Matters! is only the second British publication to win this award, previous recipients of which have included Rolling Stone. The Blues Foundation said of the magazine "It features honest commentary, yet stills pays homage to the past masters and the music's traditions while remaining open to its contemporary adaptation and progression." They also described the magazine as being a "true fans' magazine". is is a very significant achievement for the whole team at Blues Matters! who have been staunch supporters of Digital Blues for a number of years. Digital Blues warmly congratulates BM! on this accolade and recognition from one of the World's premier supporters of the Blues.
Read more at the BBC News Wales website and at Blues Matters! own website .
Essex Delta Blues – Volume ll – A – Z
Digital Blues is very pleased to announce the release of “Essex Delta Blues – Volume ll – A – Z” on the Bad Moon Record label. The CD, which features 13 brand new tracks, offers a representative sample of Essex bands from the Rockin’ Armadillos to the Zoltans, hence the sub-title “A – Z”!
The collection features entirely original songs written by or for the bands. Producer and record label owner, Ray Bartrip, who also plays on a number of the tracks, says, “As you will hear, there is a wide variety of styles of material and performance on this album which has been an absolute pleasure for me to record and put together. I had a great time working with the different bands, producing this album and I hope you all have as much pleasure listening to it.”
After the success of the first CD, “Essex Delta Blues ……. A Sampler”, tracks from which received airplay around the World including Croatia, the United States, France &Australia as well as here in the UK, it is great to see a second volume, particularly given that it features all original material from a selection of the bands and artists who represent the wide choice that is on offer here in the Essex Delta.
The contributors to the original CD benefited from the promotion of the collection by Bad Moon Records, Digital Blues & Proper Music and saw additional bookings flow from the added exposure the CD gave them.
In the sleeve notes to the CD, I write “This CD truly contains something for everyone and can only serve to further advance the claim that the Essex Delta is the home of the Blues in the UK. The great blues & real r’n’b tradition that forms the musical backbone of the county that brought Dr Feelgood & Alison Moyet, to name but two, to the World, is blended with Chicago, West Coast, Texas, New Orleans and good old British Blues to create a hugely varied bill of fare that truly reflects the county’s musical diversity. Sit back and enjoy, then go out and catch the acts live!”
The CD can be purchased from any of the bands at their gigs, from some of the local venues or by ordering direct from Bad Moon Records on 01708 341059. A CD launch gig which, it is hoped, will feature as many of the contributors to the CD as possible, will take place on Thursday 22nd February 2007 at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club, The Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UH. More details soon at www.essexdeltablues.co.uk, www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or www.digitalblues.co.uk.
7th December 2006
VENUES – USE THEM OR LOSE THEM!
Dave from the Riga Music Bar in Westcliff has posted what is, I think, a very important message on the Riga’s Yahoo Group as well as the Club’s MySpace pages and, with his permission, I am reproducing an edited version here because the message he is trying to get over is relevant to many venues and applies to anyone who enjoys live music.
He writes:
“Last week The Cartoon in Croydon – a live music venue for as long as I can remember – closed its doors for the last time. This joins a number of venues that have closed over the past few years that include The Esplanade (Southend), The Army & Navy (Chelmsford), The Boat Race (Cambridge), The Torrington (Finchley), The Manor (Biggin Hill), The Rayners (Harrow) and The Worcester Park Tavern (er, Worcester Park). These are only the ones that I can think of off the top of my head and only in the South East of England – I dread to think what the total is over the whole of the UK. All the performers that come to us, ask us how we’re doing and we try to give an honest answer, so here it is – but first a quick rundown on how this game works.
Nearly all venues are run as a business – as well as the enjoyment of working in the music industry – and have to make a profit to pay bills, wages etc and everything else that goes with it. A venue will book a band and pay them a fee for playing. The venue will then charge an admittance to customers that should at least cover the fee paid to the band. Hopefully people will then spend lots of money over the bar and give the venue a profit on the night. If it all goes according to plan, loads of people come to the gig which covers the fee plus a bit more, there’s plenty of takings over the bar and everybody goes home happy – the band, the venue and the customers. When it doesn’t go to plan, the door money might not even cover the fee so that the bar takings have to cover the shortfall and maybe the venue might not even break even on the night – and they’ve still got the bills and wages to pay out. This means that the venue will probably think twice about booking that band again.
Another way is to pay the band a guarantee (normally a lot lower than a fee) plus a percentage of the door takings once that amount has been reached. This means, of course, that the more people that come in, the more the band – and the venue – get paid, plus the venue get the bar takings. Again, on a good night everybody’s happy. On a bad one the band will only get the guarantee, which hopefully the door money has covered. If not, the bar takings again have to make up the difference. Once again the venue will think twice about booking that band again and even the band will think again as they could be getting paid more from somewhere else.
There is also the straight door deal. A percentage of the door takings will be paid to the band – normally more than above as there is no guarantee – so again, the more people that attend the more everybody gets. Again on a bad night, without the safety net of a guarantee, the band will be disappointed about their payment and maybe not want to come back, with the venue thinking the same.
Some venues don’t even charge admittance and hope that the band will bring in enough people that will spend money over the bar that will cover the fee to the band and make the night worthwhile. If that doesn’t happen then the band may not be invited back, or their fee might be reduced. Likewise, a lot of pubs put live music on as a way of getting in more customers. Again they hope that the increased trade covers the payment to the band. If it doesn’t, that band isn’t asked back. If no bands do the job then the pub might think again about putting on live music and put on a DJ, Karaoke, Quiz Nights etc, anything that will get people coming into their pub instead of the one down the road.
Some venues can be hired out and some operate on a “pay to play basis” but I believe that most on the same circuit as us (the Riga) will use the methods above. And when these methods don’t work then the overall owner might think that having a live music venue is not worth it and they can make more money by selling the site demolishing the venue and building flats or a car park – the fate met by some of the venues in the start of this epic.
Riga is different. It is not our livelihood – we have day jobs and run the venue as a hobby in our spare time, and there are other venues run in the same way. Steve owns the Riga name and all the equipment inside the venue, is the sound engineer, general boss of the club and is always there. I am the promoter (don’t laugh) and the lighting engineer (stop it!!) and I’m not always there. When I’m not, I’m normally on the phone or the computer coming up with more cunning (or is that conning?) plans. We also have a band of helpers that handle the ticket office, lights when I’m not there and the sound desk when Steve’s up to something else – normally no good J The room is owned by the pub next door – The Cricketers – who also run the bar and provide the bar staff. The pub get all of the bar take, we charge admission and give the bulk of the money to the performers - we cannot pay fees or guarantees to bands as we only get what comes through the door - keeping back a percentage to keep us going. The pub pay some of the bills – heating, bar staff etc – we pay some of the bills – advertising, general running costs etc – and there are normally lively discussions between us and The Cricketers on the ones that fall in between J
So, in theory we should be able to keep going far longer that anybody else. After all, we don’t need to make a profit – just break even. But Riga does have to stand on its own feet. We can’t pay the bills and keep the equipment in working order if not enough money is coming in. And it also has to justify itself to the pub. Remember, they own the room and could turn it into a restaurant, another night club (just what Southend needs!) or anything else that will keep money coming over the bar.
So, how are we doing? Well, 2006 started off fine and we were doing OK until June – the start of The World Cup. Every venue in the UK - probably the World – knew that it was going to be hard going when the World Cup was on. Every time there’s a big live football match on the TV, attendances at places like us are affected. Some venues put up huge screens to show the matches before the live music started – a 74” screen was the biggest I heard about. One pub made themselves a football free zone which, I must admit, I didn’t really think was a great idea at the time and proved to be not exactly the most helpful idea to the music venue involved with them. My cunning plan was to put on the best local bands I could find when we clashed with matches with the hope that people would come out after the games, but I’m afraid that on most of the nights the turn out was only a fraction of what these bands normally pull.
And then something happened that nobody could have predicted. Well, not unless you’re a weather forecaster anyway!! Yes, the long hot wonderful summer. Wonderful that is if you’re somebody that sells BBQs, not when you’re trying to get people to spend a hot night inside a warm building. Understandably, a lot of people wanted to spend as much time as possible out in the open, which meant that not only June was a disaster to us – and other venues – but July, August and September joined in the fun as well.
Thankfully, things have started to pull round but if they hadn’t, I think we might have been able to continue to the end of the year and that would have been it. I don't see any way we could have carried on. I know some of you were probably at the Glenn Tilbrook gig last week that was just a handful short of selling out, and have read my messages about the gigs by The Bottles and No Stiletto Shoes next month that have already sold out and must think that I’m talking out of another part of my body. But, by these gigs selling out and, hopefully, more gigs going the same way in December – we should be able to pay off the bills that stacked up during the summer and therefore start off 2007 all square.
So, now everybody knows where we all stand. We will continue as long as people still want to come through the doors, the bands still want to play here and the pub next door is still happy for us to carry on.
But there are two more things I would ask.
Please don’t think that the above doesn’t apply to you. If you’ve ever changed your mind about coming to us at the last minute because it’s too hot/cold/windy/raining/something good on the TV (far fetched I know) or you just can’t be bothered, then I’m afraid it does, as you can bet that you’re not the only one that has done the same thing on that night. Also please pass this on to anybody that you know that is interested in live music even if it’s not in the Southend area. We are not the only venue in a situation like this I’m afraid.
The last time I sent out an email like this somebody came back to me and said that if I kept telling everybody that nobody comes to Riga then that’s what will happen and I suppose he has a point. However, people that come to see The Hamsters, Glenn Tilbrook, Limehouse Lizzy, The Soul Detectives, Wilko Johnson, Jackie Wilson Says, No Stiletto Shoes, Who’s Who etc have never seen the place anything other than packed.
There are also over 400 people on the email gig list and over 120 in the Yahoo Group - the official Riga Music Bar Supporters Club!! - so we know that the interest is there. The pub is still behind us so are the local press. You may have noticed that The Evening Echo and The Enquirer are giving more space to live music now. I have the same feelings a someone else I was talking to recently in that people get out of the habit of doing things - I’ve done it myself, whether it's going to a certain pub or supporting Southend United!!
The hot weather has changed what people do over the weekend and what we have to do is persuade them to go back to their old ways - going out to see live music. I could have just kept quiet and hoped everything will be alright, but there was always the chance that it wouldn’t be. Then I would be sending out a message telling everyone that Riga is no more and then everybody would have asked why I hadn’t said something before. I’m saying it now as I don’t want Riga added to the list I gave when you started to read this about a week ago.”
Now I know that this makes for a very long read but its absolutely true and what Dave is saying applies to other venues whether they be permanent ones like the Riga or Bar Lambs or occasional ones such as the New Crawdaddy Blues Club or Blues at the Farm and the majority of these are run by people who do it because they love music and get pleasure from bringing live music to others. Many do not even fully recover their costs.
The observant amongst you may have noticed that there was no Digital BluesFest this year. That was for a very good reason. After three years of asking bands and artists to come and play for free to raise money for charity and seeing them end up playing to an audience which was, at best poor, at worst pitiful in size, where their fellow performers outnumbered paying customers, I felt I could not ask such a favour again. As a result, the charity did not receive any money and I did not spend a load of my time and money organising the event.
It is pointless for audiences to moan about venues closing when the fact that audiences are simply not attending gigs is the reason why they are closing. Equally, those venues that soldier on, have little option but to concentrate upon putting on acts which pull audiences and so make enough money to cover costs. This means cover bands, karaoke and DJs. I did a blues DJ night at the Bar Lambs recently and the first request I received from a member of the audience was for some Travis or Keane!!!!
I KNOW IT HAS BEEN SAID BEFORE BUT I REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT, NOW MORE THAN EVER, IT TRULY IS A CASE THAT IF THERE IS NOT AN INCREASE IN SUPPORT FOR LOCAL VENUES, WE SHALL SEE ONE OR MORE OF THEM CLOSE.
Digital Blues Live at the Badda Bing Nite
Digital Blues was delighted to be asked to be a guest DJ at the Badda Bing Nite at Bar Lambs at the Lamb & Lion in Westcliff on Tuesday 28th November. We played a great selection of music from around 8.30 p.m. and gave a first airing to some of the tracks from the brand new Essex Delta Blues CD which is released very shortly. I have to say that it was my first visit to the Bar Lambs and I was mightily impressed. It is a great little venue, very well equipped with a great atmosphere and Sue & her team were very welcoming and really nice. I had a really enjoyable evening although it was sad that not too many people turned up, it was a Tuesday and Pauline Fowler was on fire! I hope I get invited back!
Bad Town Blues – Adieu Adam, welcome Giles.
Ray Bartrip of top Essex band, Bad Town Blues tells Digital Blues that Adam Norton has now left the band prior to his planned emigration with his family to Australia in early 2007. Adam played his final gig the 12th August gig was a farewell gig for Adam.
Bad Town Blues had a number of possible replacements in mind, including a very well known local player, and they have selected Giles King to replace Adam.
Ray says, “Since Giles played with Jamie (the bass player in BTB) in Hucklebuck, and I knew Giles from years ago, he seemed an obvious choice and when he heard the new album he was hooked. He is very keen to record some new stuff with us as he does write, I understand, so that will be an extra hand lent to the creativity.” Giles played his first gig with the band on the 1st October at "The Cartoon" in Croydon and Ray continues, “it went very well, smiles all round!”
Fans of BTB will be able to catch the new line-up locally when the band plays the SEAXE (formerly Pam’s Bar) at the Essex Arms in Brentwood on Saturday 16th December 2006.
Rock for Havens Sake
Castle Point is set to ‘Rock for Havens Sake’ later this month in support of Havens Hospices.
The cream of musical talent from Castle Point, Southend and beyond is gathering together to perform a special day-long concert. The ‘Rock for Havens Sake’ Music Festival takes place on Sunday 22nd October from 12noon until 11pm at The Hollywood, Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley.
The festival will be a showcase of the finest unsigned musical talent and feature new bands as well as more established acts. The day features an incredible 28 bands on two stages and an eclectic musical mix style including rock, pop, ska, indie, jazz, metal, blues and swing!
Just some of the bands who are signed up to play include:
· Tequila Mockingbird
· Jamie Williams Band
· Melvin Beddows Big Band
· On Rush
· Dilemma
· The Long Run
· The Burning Angels
· Hair of the Dog, plus many more.
For a full listing of what time and on which stage the bands are playing please check out the festival website at: www.essexinfo.net/rockforhavenssakemusicfest.
‘Rock for Havens Sake’ really does have something for everyone and will appeal to live music fans of all ages. Under 18’s will be able to come and enjoy their own dedicated part of the day at the smaller of the two stages with a great choice of bands from 12 midday.
Parents can relax knowing their kids will be having a great time for just £5 and will not be served alcohol. Over 18’s will of course be able to purchase alcohol throughout the day. And people need not worry about going hungry – there will be food available to purchase during the day.
Anne Earle, ‘Rock for Havens Sake’ Co-ordinator says, “Castle Point will not have seen anything quite like this before with so many fantastic bands coming together in one venue on the same day. The day represents amazing value for money. We are confident that people will turn up to support the event and raise as much as possible for both Fair Havens and Little Havens Hospices.”
A big thank you goes to all the musicians and volunteers who are giving up their time and expertise so freely to benefit two such worthy causes. Appreciation also goes to Mike Goff at The Hollywood for providing the venue and PMT in Queens Rd Southend for donating a Les Paul Guitar as a star prize in the raffle on the day. Other Prizes that can be won in the charity raffle include a Hot Air Balloon flight, tickets to the Panto at The Cliffs Pavilion, a cruise to St Malo and many more!
Tickets for the ‘Rock for Havens Sake festival cost just £10 or £5 for under 18’s and are available from Fives Records in Leigh, PMT in Queens Road Southend or on the door. More information from Anne Earl on 01268 684881.
New Live Music Venue in Grays
Further to our recent story headed FaB Club in Grays (see below), Chris Ryley, formerly at Grays Athletic FC, and now the guvnor at "The White Hart" on Argent Street, Grays RM17 6HR has contacted Digital Blues to advise he is starting up with live bands. The first band to appear will be the popular blues rockers, Egypt featuring three former members of the Groundhogs and always very popular when they appear locally. They are playing the White Hart on Thursday 9th November with a 9 p.m. start, admission is free. Digital Blues will, of course, bring you further details of future bands as we receive them.
Ramon Goose – New Blues
Ramon Goose has decided to start gigging under his own name whilst still performing for nublues. He has his twin brother and Eric Bibb bassist Joe Goose and ex-nublues bassist Ed Van Der Mark with him.
The band are playing straight ahead blues which makes a change from Ramon’s forays with Hip Hop and other musical genres!
Ramon is also now busy as a producer working for both Alligator in the US and Black and Tan Records in Holland where he recetly completed a CD with Boo Boo Davis of which he says “Its similar to nublues but with an old blues man from Mississippi!”
The Spirit of Hendrix lives - and SHE'S playing nearby!
Okay, so Yugoslavia may not be the first place you think of when it comes to blues music. Rock-blues is black, American and male. Always was, always will be. Well, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Ana Popovic plays an aggressive style that dukes it out big-time with any of her male counterparts.
To quote a title from her latest release, Sexy guitar slinger Popovic is now ready to 'Steal the Show' on 'the island of the music'. Ana is on her first UK tour, to promote her CD/DVD 'Ana!' Live in Amsterdam'.
Europe's biggest blues act. Don't worry, the only Balkan thing about Ana Popovic is her passport. You won't get pop or traditional Balkan music from this gal. Forget the way she looks (if you can!). Just close your eyes and listen. What you'll hear is searing blues guitar, smooth jazzy licks, sizzling electric slide and tight blues grooves.
Ana Popovic grew up with the sound of American roots music at her family home in Belgrade. Weened on her fathers' blues collection, she couldn't help but fall in love with the music. She formed her first band 'Hush' as a teenager with their record making number three in her home Country.
Today, two studio albums and a live CD/DVD later, she's without a doubt Europe's biggest blues act. Playing sold out jazz, pop and blues festivals everywhere. She won one of France's oldest and most prestigious awards a 'Jazz A Juan Revelations' at Juan Les Pines in 2003. Ana was also nominated for 'The Best Blues Album' at the Jammie Awards, New York, (2003). She is a three time nominee in France for 'Best Singer', 'Best Guitar Player' and 'Best New Album' at the French BluesAwards. (2002).
WC Handy Award Ana Popovic is also making a name for herself in the US. She is the only continental European Artist ever to be nominated for a prestigious WC Handy Award. In 2006 she was proud to be the first European artist ever called upon to play on the legendary 'Blues Cruise' with their original band. Most recently she was a nominee by the worlds largest blues subscription publication 'BluesWax Magazine' readers for 'Blues Artist of the Year'.
Fresh breeze to blues With her winning mixture of traditional blues, elements of R&B, jazz and soul, Ana Popovic is heading for the top rank of blues musicians in America too. She's got the necessary 'chops', charisma, enthusiasm and energy. Her live program brings a fresh breeze to blues rock in the 21st century - guaranteed to thrill any live music audience.
Click on the Realaudio below for the track "Comfort to the Soul "
For more information check out Ana's site and for details of all the gigs check Movinmusic's site
Material Sought for New Cyril Davies Website
Roger Trobridge, Chairman of the National Harmonica League (www.harmonica.co.uk) has contacted Digital Blues to enlist your help in gathering more information for a project with which he is involved together with Canadian, Todd Allen who has devoted a lot of time and resource to documenting Cyril's life - something which Roger says is “very close to my heart as Chairman of the National Harmonica League”.
Todd had wanted to produce a documentary about Cyril but, the necessary funding was not forthcoming so, instead, Roger & Todd are creating a web site dedicated to Cyril. Todd has received a lot of input from many people who knew him and they also have many images from the period including some new ones of Cyril.
Roger has made a start putting the web site together at http://www.cyrildavies.com and would appreciate anything more that you could contribute to the project. He writes: “I am just about through the skiffle, jazz and folk music period web pages and the R&B years are next.”
Now there is an opportunity for you to have some input as Roger asks anyone who has memories, images or even private recordings of the time to contact him so that the web site can be made the best collection of information on Cyril and the development of blues harp in the UK.
So if you have material of any sort, whether it be photos, recordings, posters, newspaper or magazine cuttings or even if its just memories of a gig, the man or anything associated with him, please contact Roger Trobridge on + 44 (0) 1628 604069 or by e-mail at gopher@internet-gopher.com. Memories or scanned images can be sent as attachments to an email and anyone who has anything like physical documents or photos to share should contact Roger first so that arrangements can be made to share it securely. New images of Cyril playing harmonica would be particularly welcomed.
Sugarhill Blues Festival
News reaches Digital Blues of a brand new Festival which takes place in early September at Warren Farm, Liddington Warren, Wiltshire (not a million miles away from Swindon!) and just minutes from J15 on the M4. The brainchild of blues fanatic farmer, Dennis Ford, this brave new venture has seen Dennis team up with Event management Services who have, in turn, ‘persuaded some of the most skilled and experienced individuals and companies in outdoor event production to come on board and commit to the project, without quite knowing what they might get out of it.’
The end result is a three day event running from Friday 8th September through to Sunday 10th and featuring a fantastic line-up that includes Dr Feelgood, Nine Below Zero, Connie Lush & Bluesshouter, the Hamsters, Matt Schofield, Papa George, Paul Williams & Blue Thunder, the Robin Bibi Band, Sam Kelly’s Station House & Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation and that is just on the main stage.
In the Beer Tent, as well as featuring some fantastic real ales and ciders, will be a musical line-up to complement that of the main stage. Confirmed acts to date include the following artists, but there may be more to come!
- Jon Walsh Blues Band
- Steve Smith & Graham Robins
- Retaliation Blues Band
- Blue Touch
- Jules Fothergill & Lorna Reilly
- Matt Bullard & To The Bridge
- Brock & The Badgers
Tickets for this great event are now on sale and at just £50.00 for a week-end ticket which includes a free camping pass this has to be one great bargain!
Find out more by visiting the Festival’s website at www.sugarhillfestival.co.uk or call 01793 524481 to book your tickets.
Digital Blues wishes everyone involved every success and hopes that the Sugarhill Festival will become a permanent fixture on the annual calendar.
Young UK talent “excellent” according to new Blues CD guide.
Penguin books have recently published (27th July 2006) the "Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings", a veritable encyclopedia covering over 6,000 CDs by more than a thousand artists, the objective of the book being to review recordings currently available. The Penguin Books website describes the book thus:
“The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings is a uniquely informative, insightful and easy-to-use guide through the jungles of the record shop and the online music store. It surveys the recorded work of more than a thousand blues artists, from towering figures of the past like Charley Patton, Bessie Smith and Robert Johnson to stars of the modern era such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan, providing crisp, expert and witty reviews of almost six thousand CDs. Whether you're a blues aficionado or just starting a collection, this is required reading.”
The book makes fascinating reading and includes glowing reviews of CDs by Matt Schofield & Ian Siegal who both achieve four star (excellent) ratings. Whilst this is something of which both should be proud, it becomes an even greater achievement when an analysis is made of what the book has to say about others.
If all the living British blues artists are extracted and the highest rating given to a recording by each artist is selected - the result makes very interesting reading!!
|
Rating |
Artist/Band |
|
**** |
Ian Siegal |
|
|
Matt Schofield |
|
***(*) |
Eric Clapton |
|
|
Peter Green |
|
|
Paul Lamb |
|
|
Aynsley Lister |
|
|
John Mayall |
|
*** |
Sonny Black |
|
|
The Blues Band |
|
|
Dana Gillespie |
|
|
Otis Grand |
|
|
Big Joe Louis |
|
|
Eddie Martin |
|
|
Gary Moore |
|
|
Nine Below Zero |
|
|
Dave Peabody |
|
|
George Sueref |
|
**(*) |
Connie Lush |
|
|
Danny Bryant |
|
Rating |
Description |
|
**** |
Excellent |
|
***(*) |
Very Good |
|
*** |
Worthwhile |
|
**(*) |
Reasonable |
|
** |
Ordinary |
The ratings are those allocated by the contributors to the Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings. If you are interested in obtaining the book, the ISBN number is 0-140-51384-1. Digital Blues thanks Richard Pavitt for the research.
NEW PODCAST - DIGITAL BLUES LIVE AT THE HOT HOB
The 16th August saw a brand new podcast being posted for your listening pleasure. In what we hope will be the first of a regular series, we are presenting a 75 minute selection of performances recorded at the very highly respected and hugely popular Hot Hob Jam which takes place every Tuesday night at The Essex Arms, Warley Hill, Brentwood. The jam features an excellent house band led by singer/songwriter and guitarist Richard Dobney and performances by a wide ranging variety of musicians from near & far. Amongst those featured in this first programme are Andy Robinson, Richard Dobnet, John Edmonds, Stevie King, Mitch & Chris Johnson to name a few. Our thanks go to John Edmonds who records & edits the material and provides it for Digital Blues to bring to you for your enjoyment.
Why not get along to the Essex Arms every Tuesday and join in, either on stage or as a member of the audience. It only cost £2.00 to get in (£1.00 if you are a player) and doors open at 20.45 with music from 21.00 till around 11.15 or later.
ZOLTANS TEAM RE-UNITED
Zoltans fans world-wide will be very pleased to hear that Peter Basey has now re-joined the band on vocals. Back in May he resigned after a difference of opinion on the musical direction of the Zoltans. For some months Malcolm took over vocal duties but the public and influential advisors demanded Peter's return. We are now able to resume our all-out assault on the World Domination Tour even more determined than before! Welcome back to a winning team.
John Whippy – R.I.P.
It is with great sadness that Digital Blues records the passing of John Whippy, the vocalist and lead guitarist with the excellent South Coast band, the Elevators. John had been seriously ill for some six months during which time he had undergone extensive radio & chemotherapy. He finally passed away on Friday 14th July 2006.
I had caught the band a number of times and love their smooth and sophisticated take on the genre, much of which was down to John’s wonderful voice & delivery as well as his stylish and passionate guitar playing. I have a picture seared in my memory of John playing at a local venue, bathed in sweat, “lost” in the music before an audience who were entranced by what they were seeing & hearing. It is hard to believe that we will not see him again.
On the band’s website on 15th July 2006, drummer Mick Hill wrote: “After finishing his radiotherapy, he started to recover his strength slowly and despite a couple of setbacks, we got together in the studio 3 times during June.
Although John didn't have the strength to stand during the rehearsals, his hands and voice could still deliver the passion and feeling that made him so loved by everyone who came across him.
The four of us had a great time in the studio and I believe we all appreciated what a special time it was for us. Although we loved playing in front of audiences, we would (and did!) play in empty venues for the enjoyment of playing with John.
Unfortunately John then had a series of setbacks during the last week. Our thoughts are now with Hilary, Ollie and Jo.”
John’s funeral took place on Friday 21st July 2006 at Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 3QB and was attended by so many people that some could not access the chapel The opening music was "The Thrill Has Gone", the B B King classic. Anybody who wishes to make a donation in memory of John should visit http://www.themartletshospice.co.uk/Fundraising/things.php. This hospice cared for John during his final days.
Tony “Wheelman” Molloy of the Crawley Blues Club has given permission for Digital Blues to reproduce his moving recollections of John:
“John and the band have been inextricably linked with Crawley Blues first appearing when we were at Thomson’s. Dave, Fred and I warmed to John, Martin Robinson, Mick Hill and Phil Greaves immediately, noting their match ‘Elevator’ T shirts. They went about their business soundchecking and it was clear that in John here was someone who had studied the music of Mayall, Peter Green, and the Kings Freddie and BB. John played with passion, feel and touch and it was evident that he and the band loved the music. Just before the gig they slipped away into the toilet…….. remember this is a club, no dressing rooms and came back suited and booted and ready for action. I cannot tell you what the first or the last number was, but it may well have been ‘Hideaway’ or ‘the Stumble’. I was immediately transported back to clubs in North London in the late sixties listening to Mayall and Fleetwood Mac……….the rest is history.
It would be easy to speak of great gigs and nights with John and the Elevators, but without a doubt they were all stonking shows. The old memory is not what it used to be so I have had to look up the records………………. 13th July 2002 our second ‘Blues in the marquee’ with the lads supporting Big Joe Louis. The gig was sublime and the first time I had seen John on the big stage, he was in his element……….consummate professional and eternal worrier. The band was rock solid in the rhythm section allowing John to soar away with number such as ‘Need your love so bad’. 2003 saw the band appear at the club in January, always a difficult one to play to a rapt audience of 120 at the club, later that year they played the Crawley Festival in the amphitheatre. John was once more in his element playing to a packed audience in the open air.
If there was such a thing as a vintage year then 2004 was it, by popular demand the club members wanted the Elevators in January, another quiet evening with around 150 people at the club. You had to peel them off the walls. John and the band had a rapport and empathy with our audience and the atmosphere was charged………and if the mind is not too jaded Andy Woods, John’s cousin recorded it as there was always the intention of a ‘live’ album. By now the band had grown further in stature selling out prestigious venues such as the Komedia in Brighton and had added a four piece brass section.
We were able to enjoy this lineup at the 4th ‘Blues in the marquee’ in July where the idea was to feature local bands. I spoke to John at length about the gig which had Smokestack and the Blackjacks on the bill and decided this was the time to introduce Crawley to the Elevators Biggish band. I had another agenda in that if it were possible we could have a massive jam session at the end of the evening. The start of the day was inauspicious as we had to move the gig into the studio as the travellers had squatted in the marquee, but we were not to be put off.
It needs to be said that John was now also indulging in his other love, sound equipment, and as a result provided enough equipment for a gig at the Albert Hall. John went about his business setting up the kit, sound checking the other two bands then the Elevators, which gave you another insight into the all round ability of the guy. The evening was memorable for the local talent on show and John and the band in a different guise…………it was also very quaint for blues customers to see music stands and sight reading of music.
My own personal highlight was at the end of the show having played a virtuoso set over 90 minutes that John was joined on stage by Wilf Taylor of the Blackjacks. It was if they had rehearsed and played for years but this was spontaneous jamming of the highest calibre made possible by John’s generosity. We were treated to what can only be described as a blues heaven.
John and the band played later that year for what was to become a blues club institution, our Christmas gig. The members made it clear that they wanted to see the full line up again which was the Elevators Biggish band plus our very own Fred ‘Harpo’ Ball on harmonica. As is the thing with live music and John’s penchant for more equipment, lights etc that during a BB King number all the equipment, lights and everything electrical went out. There was a brief moment of silence and then in the gloom the brass played spontaneously ‘unplugged’………another memorable moment.
Bringing things up to date the band played our Christmas gig on 3rd December 2005 and once more John and I went into discussion over the lineup. I met him over at a pub in Guildford on the doorstep to where we were both working. The conversation went like a trip down memory lane to the gigs the band had played at the club and we were agreed that this one would be special and back to basics. The lineup was to be John, Martin, Phil and Mick plus Wilf if available and the music was back to our respective roots.
The albums to be featured were Mayall’s “ Bluesbreakers” featuring Clapton, “Hard Road” featuring Peter Green and “Crusader” added to this were Fleetwood Mac’s for two albums Fleetwood Mac aka dog and a dustbin” and “Mr. Wonderful”. John being his inimitable self nearer the date started to fret as to whether we should have the brass or some other variant and I assured him that if it came to it there would be an audience of a dozen people reminiscing and enjoying the music.
The evening arrived, so did John and the lads with more kit than I had seen before but John assured me it was all necessary. Everything went according to plan, kit set up, sound check with no hitches and John in spellbinding form…..totally relaxed. The audience arrived, around 130, and into the first number the eponymous ‘Hideaway’. Midway through the number and soaring away soloing and yes you’ve either guessed or witnessed it………out went all the lights. A minor set back but this was the point when John decided to tell me that the lights alone were drawing 3kW………….sorry lapse into my other life around numbers and engineering stuff. We disconnected all but essential kit, reset the circuit breakers and went on with the music. What a night! featuring ‘World keep on turning’, ‘Black magic woman’, ‘Need your love so bad’…………. The music just went on and on and we did not want the evening to end. My only regrets as I sit here typing these thoughts listening to this music is that I forgot to video the gig. As we were clearing up and saying how well the evening had gone we were making arrangements for next year same time same place.
Sadly there was not to be another opportunity as John was diagnosed with a brain tumour some six weeks after the gig. I spoke to him several times on the phone prior to going into hospital and he was upbeat and optimistic. Dave and I went to the hospital and he was his ebullient self and we talked endlessly about many things including our shared appreciation for music. I saw him again after the treatment and was struck by his grace, dignity and overall his unstinting optimism.
In our last conversation he was busying himself clearing out the many guitars and ephemera he had collected over the years and we agreed we would see each other soon. It was not to be, however I have the memories which I have shared with you of a true gentle man, musician par excellence and most of all a generous friend. John you will be missed by me and all the club members, but you have left us the richer for knowing you and sharing your music.”
Anyone who met John and saw and heard him play will identify with Tony's sentiments.God speed John.
Digital Blues pays its own tribute to John in Podcast no 8 now available for download. Read Blues in Britain's interview with John on their Archive page
On Line Blues CD Shop Opens
Derek White of Storm Warning & Rocking the Blues fame tells Digital Blues that Blues CD Store.com (www.bluescdstore.com ) opened on 1st June 2006. The website aims to give blues fans a wide choice of blues CDs ranging from bands and artists that are leading the UK blues scene to local blues bands and from the original US Godfathers of the blues, to those currently making their mark in the US and Europe. The site will grow over the coming months and whether you like acoustic blues, traditional blues or blues/rock you’ll find all styles on this site.
Blues CD Store gives an opportunity to UK blues bands and artists to sell and promote their CDs, DVDs and T Shirts, not only to blues fans in the UK but across the World. Often distribution is a concern for UK blues bands and artists, and it is hoped Blues CD Store will help go some way to addressing this, giving bands and artists a new route to potential buyers.
Blues CD Store recognises the lack of UK blues bands and artists on CD websites and in record shops, even though UK blues bands and artists are the heart of the UK blues scene, keeping alive blues and blues/rock music in the UK.
Blues CD Store promotes and supports the development of blues and blues/rock music, bands and artists in the UK.
To view and buy CDs or if you are a blues artist or band and want to be represented on the site visit; www.bluescdstore.com and tell them Digital Blues sent you!
Veteran Essex frontman 
A superb collection from octogenarian BB which shows that he is still the man! He covers well known and lesser known classics from the likes of Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker and Big Bill Broonzy. Hailed by some as his best CD since ‘Live at the Regal’. 
Something a bit different from 
The band’s second CD on the 33 Records label, this is classic CKs and a must have for all lovers of swing and jump blues, of which these guys are supreme purveyors! As well as great music, the wonderfully wry lyrics are well worth close study too!
A superb CD from Derrin and his first on Ruf Records. Containing all original material, this sees Derrin at his his best backed by an excellent rhythm section. The CD is deservedly winning him extensive airplay and has been very well received. 
Possibly his best album yet finds Eric at the borders of musical genres where ‘blues meets gospel & soul’. A wonderful CD from a very talented musician. 
Veteran Brown who cut his first single for Chess Records in 1962 and has a CV that is amazing, has cut an intriguing CD that mixes great blues with some more ‘poppy’ material, the whole things being very 21st century and a great listen!
A superb second CD from this quiet Californian. Great variety as always and very thoughtful lyrics. Guy’s guitar playing is, as ever, glorious as is his cracking band. Make a resolution to buy this CD, it is more than worth the price, even if you put it on credit!
Newly formed 
Their first release on 
Sonny’s first studio album in five years offers all original ‘roots rock tinged with the blues and New Orleans soul’ and also sees a stellar list of guests including Eric Clapton, 
Tim Aves - Favourite Male Vocalist & Blues Personality - 2007
It is with the deepest sadness that we issue this press release, and the news that Delta Groove recording artist Sean Costello passed away in 
