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Willie Dixon: I Am The Blues

The Blues Blogger — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:02 +0000

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Today music legend Willie Dixon would have been 95 years old. The following is a piece I wrote in the spring of 2009. I’ve decided to re-post it to commemorate the man and this day in music history. And also for those who missed the article the first time around.
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Being so young, I never knew the significance of the music I listened to back then… I just knew it moved me in a way I could never quite explain. ~ tbb

In The Year 1970

my brother and several of his friends packed their bags and followed their dreams. Their brash youthful spirit drove them to bigger places as they made a serious attempt at a career in the music business. For me at the time, I was glum. I missed those magical moments when the boys would rehearse in the basement of our house… And so did The Big F who was my brother’s oldest friend.

The Big F was the roadie/bodyguard for the bands my brother was in. When my brother left town, he adopted me as a kid brother and often picked me up to hang out. One thing for sure, I never had a problem with bullies whenever I hung around with The Big F. The man loved his music and would invite me over to his place where I marveled at his record collection. He would let me pick any album I wanted to listen to… I recall Willie Dixon’s I Am The Blues being a very intriguing choice back then…

The Big F had a drum kit in the basement of his house, and always played along to the tunes. And would often spring off his stool, grab some spoons and continue to tap along the walls, lamps, light switches and beverage glasses…

I Am the Blues

This is an album featuring some of Dixon’s classic material but this time with Willie showcasing his own creations. Willie Dixon was a force to be reckoned with and his presence continues to be felt in even today’s most modern blues and rock performers.

Here are the tracks on this album and some of the popular artists that performed them:

“Back Door Man” – The Doors.
“I Can’t Quit You” – Led Zeppelin.
The Seventh Son” – Sting
“Spoonful” – Cream.
“I Ain’t Superstitious” – The Yardbirds.
“You Shook Me” Led Zeppelin
“I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” – Muddy Waters.
“The Little Red Rooster” – The Rolling Stones.
“The Same Thing” – Muddy Waters

This album only represents a small portion of Willie Dixon’s contribution to the music world. Many people today are unaware that Dixon was the original composer of many of the classic songs we know and love… His singing on I Am The Blues may not be as distinct as those who adopted these tunes, but it’s very humbling to hear the master voice his own work. If you haven’t heard this album before, or just looking to rediscover a gem, you’ll love this terrific piece of music history… Very cool and inspiring indeed.

Willie Dixon

was born July 1, 1915 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Dixon was first introduced to blues as a teenager when he served time on prison farms in Mississippi. He wrote poetry and adapted them into songs.

“The blues will always be, because the blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues.”

In 1936 Dixon left Mississippi for Chicago. He stood tall and weighed in at over 250 pounds. Taking up boxing; he became successful enough that he won the Illinois State Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship (Novice Division) in 1937. Dixon even turned professional and worked briefly as Joe Louis’ sparring partner. His brief boxing career ended after getting into a money dispute with his manager.

After composing and playing in many local groups, Dixon eventually signed to Chess Records as a recording artist. He began performing less and started getting more involved with the label. Dixon became a full time employee with Chess in 1951, where he acted as producer, A&R talent scout, session musician and staff songwriter. His relationship with the label was nervy at times, but his output and influence was extraordinary. He worked with all the greats such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson II, just to name a few.

Later in his life, Willie Dixon became a diligent representative of the blues and a vocal supporter for his peers founding the Blues Heaven Foundation. The organization works to preserve the genre’s legacy and protect copyrights and royalties for blues musicians who were exploited in the past. The foundations’ current vice president is Willie’s grandson Alex Dixon…

It should be noted that Alex Dixon came out with a CD entitled “Rising from the Bushes” last spring… For more information you can go to the following site.

Willie Dixon was granted a Grammy Award in 1989 for his album Hidden Charms. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the “early influences” (pre-rock) category in 1994.

It’s impossible to cover the incredible legacy of Willie Dixon in just one post. So I won’t even attempt it… Dixon was undeniably the greatest blues songwriter of his era and is credited with writing more than 500 songs by the end of his life.

Now it’s time to turn this post over to the readers… So what are your feelings? How familiar are you with his 1970 release I Am The Blues? Any Dixon tunes covered by other bands or musicians that are your favorites? Your comments and birthday wishes are welcome below…

The Blues Blogger

Lee Ritenour: 6 String Theory

The Blues Blogger — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:51:51 +0000


This was an amazing album for me to produce and perform on... already one of my top favorites of recent times! ~ Lee Ritenour
As you look back and explore through close to three years worth of material featured on The Blues Blogger, you’ll discover the vast majority of the articles are guitar influenced. Of course it has a lot to do with growing up surrounded by lots of music. I also heard my brother practice guitar continuously every night for the first nine years of my life. So that just may have a little something to do with it too…    
When I heard about the 6 String Theory project, a celebration of the world’s most popular instrument, I thought I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a little something about the upcoming release on Tuesday June 29th. This is a serious guitar based album and one that should not be overlooked… 
Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory
     
The album is the vision of legendary jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour who is also celebrating his 5oth year of playing guitar professionally. Lee got his start at 16 years of age with some session work with The Mama’s and Papa’s. Over the last fifty years he has played on more than 3000 recording sessions. Ritenour has worked with artists such as Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra just to name a few. He also has an extensive solo discography.
To celebrate his love of guitar, Ritenour has brought together an incredible range of guest players from different genres. Throughout the album you’ll find a stylish mix of rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, country and classical. It’s a unique album that will take the listener on a musical exploration of the six string instrument. 
In total there are 20 incredible guitarists on the album! 
Here's the complete list:
1 Lee Ritenour

2 BB King

3 George Benson

4 John Scofield

5 Steve Lukather

6 Vince Gill

7 Slash

8 Pat Martino

9 Mike Stern

10 Neal Schon

11 Robert Cray

12 Keb Mo

13 Taj Majal

14 Jonny Lang

15 Joe Bonamassa

16 Andy Mckee

17 Guthrie Govan

18 Joe Robinson

19 Tomoyasu Hotei

20 Shon Boublil (Winner of Yamaha Six String Theory Competition)
Contributing vocals by B.B. King, Robert Cray, Vince Gill, Keb' Mo', Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa and Jonny Lang, assist in giving this diverse album a cool blues feeling on selected tunes.
Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition

Ritenour also made it his musical mission to help launch a new star of the guitar. In association with the Yamaha Corporation, Concord Records, Berklee College of Music, Monster Cable, D’Addario Strings and the Broad Stage, Ritenour announced "The Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition." The contest ran from Oct 1st, 2009 to Feb 25th 2010. Contestants submitted their videos online in one of six categories: Rock, Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Country, Acoustic, or Classical/Flamenco. Top performers were chosen by a panel of online judges which included Captain Fingers himself Lee Ritenour. 
On March 22, 2010 they all competed in a live performance at The Broad Stage in Los Angeles to determine the grand prize winner. The winner received a guest spot on the Concord Records Six String Theory album and a four-year full tuition scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. In addition the winner will be asked to participate at various clinics sponsored by Yamaha along with Ritenour and join in at a few key concerts. 
As well the winner received: a Yamaha guitar (acoustic, classical, or electric), a guitar endorsement from Yamaha Corporation, a 2 year string endorsement worth $1,000 from D'Addario String Company and become a Monster Cable "Famous Monster."
A belated congratulations goes out to sixteen year-old guitarist Shon Boublil of Montreal who came out on top and was the grand prize winner. 
You can see an example of his entry video below.
Have you heard about the 6 String Theory project in your travels? Are any of your favorite guitar players listed above? Please be sure to ad your comments below. Your input enhances the post and creates a forum to share your thoughts…     
The Blues Blogger



The Steve Miller Band: Bingo!- New Studio Release Preview
The Blues Blogger — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:24:12 +0000

“I’m excited about releasing some new music for the audience and for my band and for me to play. This material we’re just releasing now we’ve been working on stage for the last couple of years and it’s been going over really, really well and it’s just worked out that now seemed like a good time to release a record.”~ Steve Miller
Saturday Morning – Breakfast
My wife TBBW and I sat down for a scrumptious Ukrainian breakfast at a local neighborhood eatery with some good friends. Many months had passed since our last get together. I commented on how amazed I was that half of 2010 had gone by. And that so many different, but positive changes had already taken place in our day gigs for both my wife and I. This was something I predicted would be the case the last time we all got together. 
As our server warmed up our coffee, I was asked if The Blues Blogger had any new posts lined up. I told everyone how concerned I was because during the transitional stages of the last six months, I felt some of my older readers may have noticed that I’ve been posting less frequently. And I hoped they understood.

I then mentioned I was writing an article on Steve Miller. Just hearing the name had everyone flashing back to a moment where one of his tunes played like a soundtrack to their past. But it also met with some curiosity and a few questions. Why Steve Miller? And how does he relate to the blues? These were all very good questions. He may be known to many as the “Space Cowboy” or the “Gangster of Love,” but his background is as vibrant as all the upbeat recognizable songs. 
Several Years Ago 
I wrote an article where I highlighted a song called Loan Me a Dime that Boz Scaggs recorded from the album of the same name back in 1969. In that piece I mentioned that Scaggs grew up in Texas with rock legend Steve Miller. In fact it was Miller that taught Scaggs some guitar chords and convinced him to join his band. For me it was actually Boz’s album in 1969 that introduced me to the late sixties psychedelic blues sound of Steve Miller. I’ve enjoyed both of them since. 
Steve Miller
was born October 5, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Steve’s father was a jazz enthusiast, hat salesman, pathologist and amateur recording engineer. And his mother was a jazz-influenced singer. 

Miller’s godfather Les Paul (pioneer of the electric guitar and multi-track recording) taught him his first guitar chords at the age of five. Paul and his wife Mary Ford were one of the regulars who stopped by the Miller household. Steve’s father was also the best man at Les Paul and Mary Ford’s wedding. It was Paul who encouraged a young Steve Miller to utilize his talent.        
The Miller family later moved to Dallas Texas in 1950.  At St. Mark’s School Miller put together his first band “The Marksmen.” This was also where (as I mentioned above) Miller met classmate Boz Scaggs. Steve would eventually graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School.
Another regular in the Miller house was T-Bone Walker. Steve’s father used to record Walker and his playing became a huge influence on Steve.
Returning to Wisconsin in 1962, he entered The University of Wisconsin–Madison, and put together a band called The Ardells along with Boz Scaggs who joined down the road. 

After briefly attending The University of Copenhagen in Denmark, Miller returned to the U.S. and moved to Chicago. He would learn the ropes in the same Chicago sixties setting that Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop thrived. 
Absorbed in the Chicago blues scene, Miller got the opportunity to play with guys like Paul Butterfield. He also found himself jamming with blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy. It was a very influential time. And Miller realized, if he hadn’t already, that music would be a part of his life forever.  
In 1965 Miller and keyboardist Barry Goldberg formed the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band; eventually getting a steady gig at a New York City blues club… After his stint with Goldberg, Miller moved back to Chicago. Feeling it was time to move on, he made the decision to buy a used Volkswagen bus and go to San Francisco. Impressed by the lively scene, he decided to stay… The Steve Miller Blues Band (later known as just the Steve Miller Band) was born.   
The first three albums Children of the Future, Sailor, and Brave New World weaved psychedelic rock with blues; generating a unique style. As most of you all know, Steve would later go on to become a rock icon with enormously popular hits in the seventies and eighties. But it was during the period I mention above that signifies Miller’s roots… 
And this is the setting and influence that brings his latest album to life.  
Bingo! 

The Steve Miller Band’s first studio release in 17 years, takes a look back at the music that initially inspired him; his true roots – The Blues.  
Bingo! was recorded at filmmaker George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch and co-produced by Andy Johns. (The Rolling Stones, Free, Led Zeppelin and Blind Faith) The album features energetic covers of ten blues and R&B classics. Songs like “Rock Me Baby,” “Tramp” and “You Got Me Dizzy” along with three Jimmie Vaughan tunes are just some of the classic blues numbers you’ll hear on Bingo! Some of the tracks feature Michael Carabello, Latin percussionist and founding member of Santana. Miller can also be found trading licks alongside guitarist Joe Satriani. This is the first of two parallel releases planned by Miller’s Space Cowboy label and Roadrunner Records. 
BINGO! will be released in two formats: a 10-track digipack CD and a special edition with 4 bonus tracks and expanded artwork by Storm Thorgerson. The same person responsible for artwork packages for Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.  
With a gorgeous touring stage by Broadway designer Rob Roth, Miller and his fellow band-mates will perform in selected cities this summer. It’s a positive feel good setting and an experience that aims to please all Steve Miller fans old and new alike.  
Our Breakfast Concluded
Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day. It’s good to get together with friends. Unfortunately with busy schedules, it never seems to happen enough… As we headed towards our vehicles, I was asked how I knew all this stuff. It’s not so much the information I retained over the years, but really my love of music and writing that brings it all together. There are lots of opinions which are formulated regarding artists without really knowing their background. It’s that additional information that as a writer and music lover really puts the artist’s work in perspective for me. 

Looking at the life and times of Steve Miller runs like a screenplay through my mind. I have so many cool visuals that I often find it difficult putting it to words. The videos included in this article show Steve talking about his cool past, and help fill in the gaps beautifully. Please check them out; I think you’ll find them very interesting indeed. 
Did you know of Steve Miller’s Chicago blues roots and encouragement by blues greats such Otis Rush, T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy? Will you get the chance to see Steve this summer? Please add your comments below. 
I’d love to hear from you! 
The Blues Blogger 
 — The Steve Miller Band 2010 Summer Tour — 
For updated times and concert info, please go to the Steve’s site by clicking here. 

June 2010
June 07 Pepsi Center – Corner Brook, NL

June 08 Mile One Center – St. John’s, NL Canada

June 12 Hilton Hotel – Atlantic city, NJ

June 13 MGM Grand – Mashantucket, CT

June 30 Molson Amphitheater – Toronto, Ontario
July 2010
July 02 DTE Energy Music Center – Clarkston, MI

July 03 Taste of Chicago – Chicago, IL

July 05 DE Montreal Jazz Fest – Montreal, QC

July 09 Pechanga Resort – Temecula, CA

July 10 Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA

July 11 Greek Theater – Los Angeles, CA

July 14 Chateau Ste Michelle Amp – Woodinville, WA

July 15 Edgefield Amp – Troutdale, OR

July 16 Les Schwab Amp – Bend, OR

July 17 Raley Field – Sacramento, CA

July 24 PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA

July 25 Churchill Downs Fest – Louisville, KY

July 27 Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA

July 29 Biltmore Estate – Ashville, NC

July 30 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Alpharetta, GA

July 31 Amphitheater at the Warf – Orange Beach, AL


August 2010
August 10 Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI

August 12 Eagle River Pavilion – Boise, ID

August 14 Mile High Music Fest – Denver, CO


September 2010
Sept 17 Fender Center Museum – Corona, CA

Sept 18 Verizon Amphitheater – Irvine, CA

Sept 22 Oracle Open World Fest – San Francisco, CA


October 2010
Oct 02 Sun Life Stadium – Miami, FL


			

				

			
		



John Nemeth: Name The Day
The Blues Blogger — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:17:07 +0000
  
“He’s my idea of an up-and-coming blues singer. I don’t see a lot of them out there, but I know one when I see him.” ~Elvin Bishop
It never fails! Whenever I’m writing an article and feeling under the weather, I’ll gaze at my monitor and eventually drift off on some nostalgic excursion. Usually my thought waves take me back to those soulful vinyl grooves of the sixties. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I love music; its ability to transport you back through time… 
This weekend though my mind didn’t need to reflect too far back. Instead I got a combined dose of retro and fresh sounds from a new blues/soul release called Name The Day by John Nemeth; a brilliant singer/harp player that suited me perfectly.

John Nemeth
Originally from Boise, Idaho, Nemeth got his start singing in church. In his later teens he’d get his initiation to the blues when a friend introduced him to the music of Junior Wells. Like so many blues music lovers, (John Nemeth included) Wells and that classic Delmark release Hoodoo Man Blues had been a major influence.
Forming Fat John & The Three Slims with his friends while still in his teens, the band got a bit of name around the Boise area at the time. In 2002 Nemeth independently released his first CD called The Jack of Harps. Several years later, Nemeth moved to San Francisco and eventually released another independent disc titled Come and Get It. Backed by Junior Watson and his band; this would eventually lead to being signed by Blind Pig Records. 
In 2007 Nemeth’s debut album Magic Touch came out on BPR and he earned a Blues Music Award nomination the following year for “Best New Artist Debut.” Afterward the very popular Love Me Tonight in 2009 would further ignite the performer’s career. 
The first time I heard of John Nemeth he was featured on Elvin Bishop’s Grammy nominated The Blues Rolls On in 2008. Bishop was so taken with Nemeth’s vocal style that the guitar legend included him on four tracks. 

“When John’s band opened for mine, I knew instantly that he had a great talent. His voice is a national treasure.” ~Junior Watson
John Nemeth’s third release for Blind Pig Records Name The Day is an extraordinary blend of blues and classic soul guaranteed to chase away those dreary sluggish demons that can interrupt your daze. Catchy tunes like the opener “Breaking Free” and the title track “Name The Day” set the tone perfectly; fine examples which showcase that vintage soulful sound. The album continues to roll with songs like the funky driven “Do You Really Want That Woman,” and the blues shuffle “Heartbreak with a Hammer.” All the songs featured on this record are original compositions with the only cover being “Home In Your Heart” which was written by Otis Blackwell and recorded by Solomon Burke.
Musicians
John Nemeth – vocals, harmonica

Austin DeLone – piano, organ

Mike Rinta – trombone

Ed Earley – background vocals

Bobby Welsh – guitar, piano

Steve Willis – background vocals

Frank Bailey – trumpet

Jake Smolowe – organ

Jeff Teczon – tenor saxophone

Nick Fishman – drums, percussion
Side A – Name The Day 

Nemeth’s vocal chops and harp playing mixed together with those horn arrangements remind me of some of the classic R&B tunes I heard growing up in the sixties. Artists like James Brown, Sam & Dave as well as those early Buddy Guy sounds are just a few examples. The tasteful guitar textures and piano accompaniment also support Nemeth’s vocals beautifully. It’s really hard to sit still and be glum while listening to the energy and creativity of this awesome release. 
And to keep with that vintage theme and the latest increase in vinyl sales, Blind Pig Records has released a 45 RPM single of Name The Day (Side A) and the gospel influenced tune Why Not Me. (Side B) A very cool thing to do for those vinyl music lovers old and new.  
Side B – Why Not Me

The excellent musicianship on this record cleared some of the clouds that muddled around in my head. This once again supports one of my major themes on The Blues Blogger; the ability of music to make you feel good, and take you to a positive level you may not of thought possible at that given moment. I for one was caught off guard when I heard Name The Day this weekend. I didn’t know what to expect, but what I got was a soulful treat that is every bit as nostalgic as it is innovative. I feel much better now.   
Have you heard of John Nemeth? What do you think of Nemeth’s blend of blues and “vintage soul?” I’d love to hear your thoughts! 
The Blues Blogger
Latest Tour Schedule 

(Times and dates subject to change. Please check John’s website for updated info.)
JUNE 2010 
June 4, 2010 Mountain’s EdgeBend, OR

June 5, 2010 Pines Tasting RoomHood River, OR

June 6, 2010 Lola’s Room at the Crystal BallroomPortland, OR

June 9, 2010 Yale Hotel Vancouver, BC

June 10, 2010 Highway 99 Blues ClubSeattle, WA

June 11, 2010 The Upstage Port Townsend, WA

June 12, 2010 Crossroads Walla Walla, WA

June 15, 2010 Fat Fish Blue Kansas City, MO

June 16, 2010 Fat Fish Blue Kansas City, MO

June 18, 2010 Thunderbird Cafe Pittsburgh, PA

June 19, 2010 Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Festival Honesdale, PA

June 20, 2010 Ukrainian Cultural Center Whippany, NJ

June 24, 2010 Gilly’s Dayton, OH June 25, 2010The Clazel Bowling Green, OH

June 26, 2010 Blues For A Cure at North Star Golf Club Sunbury, OH

June 28, 2010 Fireside Cafe Wingham, ON

June 30, 2010 Montreal Jazz Festival Montreal, QC 
JULY 2010
July 1, 2010 Infinity Music Hall Norfolk, CT

July 2, 2010 Harry’s Hyannis, MA

July 3, 2010 Harry’s Hyannis, MA

July 6, 2010 Treasure Lake Ski Lodge Dubois, PA

July 7, 2010 Kclinger’s Hanover, PA

July 8, 2010 Terra Blues New York, NY

July 10, 2010 North Atlantic Blues Festival Rockland, ME

July 11, 2010 Mt. Tremblant Blues Festival Mt.Tremblant, QC

July 16, 2010 Bogart Music Festival Urich, MO

July 17, 2010 Odie’s House of Blues Hot Springs, AR 
AUGUST 2010
Aug 1, 2010 Bags In The Bay Blues Festival A Benefit for Save The Bay Emeryville, CA

Aug 14, 2010 Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival Salmon Arm, BC

Aug 15, 2010 Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival Salmon Arm, BC

Aug 21, 2010 Chenango Blues Festival Norwich, NY

Aug 22, 2010 White Mountain Boogie n’ Blues Festival Thornton, NH 
SEPTEMBER 2010
Sept 9, 2010 Biscuits and Blues San Francisco, CA

Sept 10, 2010 Po Boyz Folsom, CA

Sept 11, 2010 Silo’s Wine Bar & Jazz Club Napa, CA 
OCTOBER 2010
Oct 17-24, 2010 Pacific Blues Cruise w/ Elvin Bishop’s Raisin’ Hell Revue

www.BluesCruise.com San Diego, CA


			

				

			
		



Robert Johnson: Stop Breakin’ Down
The Blues Blogger — Sat, 08 May 2010 22:24:26 +0000

Today would have been Robert Johnson’s 99th birthday. I’m not sure what I could ever say about Johnson that hasn’t been said, written or played before. I wanted to put together a post to commemorate the day. But I really didn’t know where to begin, and how to put together something concise that was educational and entertaining in one blog post. 
So I decided to do something a little different.
There’s a film called “Stop Breakin’ Down” by Glenn Marzano. This was completed as a thesis project when Marzano was a student at Loyola Marymount University in 1999. 
His Synopsis: Who was Robert Johnson? 



Everyone who has read, listened or played a Johnson tune, has their viewpoint. The film looks at these varying opinions, and is built around the night of his murder utilizing flashbacks, his relationship with Son House, and two reasons for his rapid guitar skills… One of those being the infamous crossroad legend.            
I’ve included Marzano’s full 25 minute short film in this post. It’s extremely well done and thought you might enjoy the story. There are links just below the film that give more information about the project. Please feel free to explore. 
Do you have a favorite Robert Johnson song or story? What do you think of the idea of featuring more short films here? I love to hear your comments!
The Blues Blogger