“An engaging, updated introduction to the world of Chicago blues… Captures the musical spirit of the city and traces its development through the past 50 years. This album celebrates the past by breathing new life into it. ” ~ PopMatters

On Sunday January 31st, 2010

they’ll be handing out the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. There are two categories: Best Contemporary Blues Album & Best Traditional Blues Album that for the most part relate to this blog… I wanted to briefly mention one of this year’s Grammy nominees – Raisin’ Music’s Chicago Blues: A Living History. Produced by Larry Skoller, this extraordinary and fresh voyage through blues history is sure to generate some cool moments for most fans of the blues. It’s also a terrific collection for those who are new to the genre and looking for a vibrant and entertaining reference to Chicago’s distinctive blues history.

During the late 40s and early 50s, a change of style from the Mississippi Delta sound was taking place which eventually saw the Chicago music scene as the dominant voice of the blues. This was mostly due to the migration of thousands of African-American farm workers from the south to the industrial cities of the north like Detroit and Chicago during World War II. In search of a better life, a number of talented blues musicians like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were part of that historic trip north.

Nominated For Best Traditional Blues Album

Chicago Blues: A Living History

came together in April of 2009 when local veterans Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell successors of the Chicago Blues landscape teamed up to pay tribute to the evolution of Chicago Blues from 1940-1991. Together they lead a fantastic group on songs made famous by legends like Big Bill Broonzy, Elmore James, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy just to name a few. During this past summer of 2009, the band toured Europe and played to packed crowds at fifteen major music festivals in seven countries.

The Living History Band

Billy Flynn – Guitar
Matthew Skoller – harmonica
Johnny Iguana – Keyboards
Felton Crews – bass
Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith – drums

Special Guests

Carlos Johnson – guitar and vocals
Mike Avery – vocals

I believe we can all learn something about life and communication by exploring the history of the blues. Any natural art forms’ roots should always be recognized and we need to acknowledge the historical context which blues developed. All popular music today is based on the blues and without that knowledge people are missing out on the fundamental aspects like jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and R&B which derived from it. Its down-home honest/raw energy is medicine for the soul. The music assembled on this disc can’t help but make you feel good…

I’ll resist the temptation to elaborate further and let the music and videos featured in this post speak for itself… I know I’ll be paying close attention to this category come Grammy time on Sunday January 31, 2010. If you’re interested in further information and band bios you can go to Chicago Blues: A Living History website by clicking here…

Do you have any favorite Chicago blues artists which are featured on this disc? Please feel free to add your comments below. Your input will further enhance the post and is always appreciated.

The Blues Blogger

“The blues are an integral part of jazz and all music today,” Over the past 20 years, San Jose Jazz has presented some of the greatest blues talent in the world and this year is no exception. This year’s line-up will please everyone from the casual listener to the most avid blues fan.” ~ Bruce Labadie, festival director

Blues Stage Showcases Rising Talent and Audience Favorites

I wanted to briefly mention to TheBluesBlogger readers that if you happen to live or be in the San Jose area this weekend Aug-7-9, 2009, then you don’t want to miss The 20th Annual San Jose Jazz Festival. The festival features world-class blues acts on the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez as well as an entire stage dedicated to blues located on San Fernando Street between Almaden Boulevard and Guadalupe Parkway.

The blues kick-start the festival Friday night with Leroy Bell and His Only Friends, and continue on the Main Stage Saturday with Black Joe Lewis, rising sensation from Austin, Texas… Bettye LaVette headlines the Blues Stage at 7 pm on Sunday, August 9th. An incredibly inspiring and soulful singer, LaVette brings her unique voice to the climax of the Blues Stage on Sunday night.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by Bay Area favorite Chris Cain. Black Joe Lewis makes a second appearance on the Blues Stage on Saturday as well. Inspired by the sounds of Otis Redding, Lightnin’ Hopkins and James Brown, his brash style will generate lots of energy and character to already colorful event… Lara Price and JC Smith will bring their powerful music to the festival over the weekend. Some of the best blues harmonica players in the Bay Area will also be featured in the Harmonica Blowout.

The Blues Stage

is sponsored by Budweiser, Stella Artois and KKUP-FM radio. The stage operates Saturday from 1 pm to 10 pm. And Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm. Admission to the festival is only $15 a day.

Saturday August 8th

1pm: Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s
3pm: The Lara Price Blues Revue
5pm: JC Smith Allstars w/Fillmore Slim, John Broadway Tucker/Pat Wilder
7pm: Black Joe Lewis
9pm: Chris Cain

Sunday August 9th

1pm: Tip of the Top
3pm: Harmonica Revue featuring Gary Smith, Aki Kumar/David Barrett
5pm: Ron Thompson and the Resisters
7pm: Bettye LaVette

Summer is a memorable time of season for music. And my favorite part is the variety of festivals/events that take place. Events like The San Jose Jazz Fest help capture those special moments when you see a great band you’re familiar with, or the fantastic feeling of discovering a new talent you least expected… Will you get the opportunity to checkout the festival this year? Have you ever been to this event in the past? If not, now’s your chance… Please feel free to add your comments below.

TheBluesBlogger

About San Jose Jazz

San Jose Jazz, producer of the annual AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival, is a public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting jazz through performance and education to enrich the lives of people in Silicon Valley. Proceeds from the performances help to support San Jose Jazz’s education and outreach programs as well as other year-round performances throughout Silicon Valley. For more on San Jose Jazz, please visit their website: jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org