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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



Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Mojo Tour 2010
The Blues Blogger — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:12:41 +0000

“I used to be a little insecure about whether I could sing the blues authentically. I can do my version of it, and this has our stamp on it. It would be an empty exercise if we weren’t bringing something to the party.” ~Tom Petty
A steady wave of contagious blues resonates from the study room downstairs. Tapping my foot while writing, my wife TBBW walks into the study and nonchalantly catches a glimpse at my computer monitor… 
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TBBW: (teasing) You’re writing about Tom Petty?
TBB: Is there something wrong with that?
TBBW: No, not at all. Its just we’ve been married 16 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever heard you listen to any of his music. Let alone write a piece about him. I’d say I’m a little surprised and curious… Hmm, must be the Mojo that’s got ya hooked… And you’re The Blues Blogger. I should have known it.


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A little while back I got my first opportunity to hear some of the tracks on Tom Petty and The Heartbreaker’s new release Mojo. Yes, I was familiar with all the hits, but Mojo, the group’s first studio release in 8 years, really caught my attention. Right from the opening track “Jefferson Jericho Blues,” a bluesy rock shuffle, and the Allman-esque “First Flash of Freedom” I was immediately intrigued.  I even updated my facebook account saying so. The last time I was this taken by a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers album I was a teenager listening to the tune “Breakdown.”  How the years have a way of passing by…
Tom Petty


Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Petty attended Gainesville High School. He became enamored with rock ‘n’ roll at the age of ten after being invited by his uncle to the set of the movie Follow That Dream where the young Petty met Elvis Presley. Like so many musical souls in the sixties, Petty knew his destiny the moment he saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Petty formed the band the Sundowners with guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench and was later known as Mudcrutch. A lot of the influences on Mojo developed from this association. Mudcrutch went their separate ways for a while, but eventually Petty, Tench and Campbell hooked up with Ron Blair and Stan Lynch resulting in the first Heartbreakers line-up. Their debut album “Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers” and the strength of the song Breakdown  eventually made the top 40. At the time the band became popular in The United Kingdom while touring with Nils Lofgren… The rest of the story leading up to 2010 is certainly a musical journey that is well documented in rock music history.   
In my recording studio days, (many moons ago) one of my personal peeves was how long it took some artists to get a particular snare sound or guitar tone. Sometimes it would be months before they would get it right. I used to marvel at the players who’d walk in and complete an album in a handful of sessions. Often those were blues or jazz influenced sessions. There’s just something about that pure raw sound that always suited my personal taste. 
MOJO
  

Of course it takes a lot of experience to produce something that sounds this natural and appealing. After four decades, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers show they're more than capable of rising to the occasion. Recorded mostly live, with very few overdubs, what you hear on Mojo is what the band played in the studio, in one take. And that’s what I think really made me gravitate me toward this awesome new release more than anything else. 
There appears to be a trend these days where seasoned veterans are going back to their roots and playing the music which initially influenced them. With this latest release, Petty lets the Heartbreakers come upfront; letting us witness how good of a band they really are. They blend all that energy together and create a fun, loose and vibrant scene. It's a cool showcase of blues influenced rock with tremendous songwriting and musicianship. And one I'm sure fans old and new will agree adds a new dimension to the band's discography and live shows. A great way to kick start summer!  
There are so many really well written and thoroughly satisfying tunes on Mojo that I found it difficult to pick favorites. Perhaps that’s where you can help. Have you heard Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers latest release? Do you have any favorite selections from the album you'd like to share? Are you planning to see them during their Mojo Tour this summer? Please leave your comments after the tour schedule below.   
The Blues Blogger
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Mojo Tour 2010

June 2010
06/15  Calgary, AB w/ Joe Cocker Pengrowth Saddeldome

06/16  Edmonton, AB  w/ Joe Cocker Rexall Place

06/18  Saskatoon, SK w/ Joe Cocker Credit Union Centre

06/19  Winnipeg, MB w/ Joe Cocker MTS Centre.

06/22  St. Paul, MN w/ Drive-By Truckers Xcel Energy Center

06/23  Omaha, NE w/ Drive-By Truckers Qwest Center

06/25  Millwaukee, WI w/ ZZ Top Summerfest

06/26  Millwaukee, WI w/ZZ Top Summerfest 
July 2010
07/10 Indianapolis, IN w/ Drive-By Truckers Verizon Wireless Music Center

07/13 Kansas City, MO w/ Drive-By Truckers Sprint Center

07/15 Cincinati, OH w/ Drive-By Truckers Riverbend Music Center

07/17 Chicago, IL w/ Drive-By Truckers United Center

07/18 St. Louis, MO w/ Drive-By Truckers Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

07/20 Cleveland, OH w/ Drive-By Truckers Blossom Music Center

07/22 Detroit, MI w/ Drive-By Truckers Palace of Auburn Hills

07/24 Pittsburgh, PA w/ Drive-By Truckers First Niagra Pavilion

07/28 New York City, NY w/ Buddy Guy Madison Square Garden

07/31 Philadelphia, PA  w/ Buddy Guy Wachovia Center
August 2010
08/01 Philadelphia, PA Buddy Guy Wachovia Center

08/11 Atlanta, GA Crosby, Stills, and Nash Philips Arena.

08/12 Nashville, TN w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Sommet Center

08/14 Darien Lake, NY w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

08/15 Washington, DC w/ Crosby, Stills and Nash Jiffy Lube Live

08/17 Hartford, CT Crosby, Stills and Nash Comcast Theater

08/19 Boston, MA w/ My Morning Jacket Comcast Center

08/21 Boston, MA w/ My Morning Jacket Comcast Center

08/24 East Rutherford, NJ w/ My Morning Jacket Izod Center

08/25 Toronto, ON w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Air Canada Center

08/26 Phoenix, AZ w/ ZZ Top US Airways Center.

08/27 Saratoga Springs, NY w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center

08/28 Darien Lake, NY w/ Crosby, Stills and Nash Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
September 2010
09/16 Tampa, FLw/ ZZ Top St Pete Times Forum

09/18 Raleigh, NC w/ ZZ Top Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek

09/19 Charlotte, NC w/ ZZ Top Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

09/21 Dallas, TX w/ ZZ Top Superpages.com Center

09/23 Tulsa, OK w/ ZZ Top BOK Center

09/24 Houston, TX w/ ZZ Top Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

09/28 San Diego, CA w/ ZZ Top Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
October 2010
10/01 2010 Los Angeles, CA w/ ZZ Top Hollywood Bowl

10/02 Irvine, CA w/ ZZ Top Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre


			

				

			
		



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


			

				

			
		



Delmark Records: It Ain’t Over
The Blues Blogger — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:50:00 +0000

The Blues Foundation will present the 31st Annual Blues Music Awards (formally known as “W.C. Handy Awards,”) on May 6, 2010, from the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Artists, industry reps and supporters from around the world will have the opportunity to celebrate the finest in Blues recording and live performance from 2009. 
Growing up in the sixties many of the vinyl LP’s that were spinning around the house featured artists on Delmark Records. It was Delmark’s class acts that inspired so many of us, and as a result would contribute to my initial introduction to the blues. Today any discussion regarding the genre and its illustrious past would not be complete without mentioning this historic label. 
When I write about the blues I always tend to reminisce. It never fails whenever I hear a particular song or do some research; I seem to have some snippets of metaphors that have me drifting off… 
Flashback 1967
Our car soared through the stillness of the dawn. Inside the vehicle you could hear my brother playing his lone acoustic guitar; recreating those classic sounds with tunes from blues legends like Junior Well’s “Hoodoo Man Blues” and Magic Sam’s “All Your Love.” The music captured the spirit of the moment and would inevitably be embedded into my earliest memories. 
My father was taking my brother and me on one of our trips to visit family in Chicago. The three of us always left first thing in the morning, and I don’t mean 7 am. Some of that innate behavior my dad was known for (no doubt where I get it) had us on the road by at least three.



Hours later with the sun gradually rising, I opened my eyes to these sweet soulful sounds. My brother always took his position in the backseat where he had more room to do his thing. A young teen at the time with many years of practice under his belt, my bro played songs from LP’s he and my father had collected. Many were familiar to me as I heard him play it before in the room we shared while growing up… My brother’s guitar playing always compelled my dad to reach into his pocket and take out his harmonica. Of course he continued driving while playing his part as safely as possible. Just like a roller-coaster, the upbeat moments from our past are always the most treasured. 
Back to the Present – Delmark’s 2010 Blues Music Award Nominees 
Yes, The Blues Blogger is primarily a reflective blog indeed. But while these posts have me reminiscing about the past, I thought it might be cool to now take a look at some of the artists presently on Delmark’s roster which are currently nominated at the 2010 Blues Music Awards. The following lists of nominees have brilliant soulful backgrounds with strong links to the past. Their creative energy, commitment and talent are truly extraordinary. 
DVD of the Year Nominee
  
In the spring of 2008 Delmark sponsored a 55th Anniversary party at Buddy Guy’s Legends club in Chicago featuring several of their artists. They celebrated the past while forging into the future, and created a moment with a DVD/CD compilation highlighting the night’s event for all to enjoy and forever recall. 
Let’s Not Forget – The Sideman of the Year -
Bass player of the Year- Bob Stroger (on It Ain’t Over)

Drummer of the Year – Kenny Smith (on It Ain’t Over)

Guitarist of the Year – Lurrie Bell (on It Ain’t Over)

Harmonica player of the Year – Billy Branch (on It Ain’t Over)

Horn Player of the Year – (sax) Eddie Shaw (on It Ain’t Over)

Album of the Year Nominee
  
Sharing the stage in the late fifties and sixties with fellow guitarist like Magic Sam and Luther Allison, Eddie C. Campbell is one of the last of the “West Side” blues artists remaining. His name is not as prominent as other blues performers of the past, but his resume is impressive. He schooled his craft playing behind greats like Little Walter, Jimmy Reed and Howlin’ Wolf. He was also a member of Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars band. 
Tear This World Up is Eddie’s first album in a decade, and with a current nomination for “Album of the Year” at this year’s 2010 Blues Music Awards, It’s obvious that Campbell hasn’t lost a step in the creative process… 
I should also note that on May 6th, 2010 the same day as the BMA’s, Eddie C Campbell will be celebrating his 71st birthday. Now wouldn’t taking home the award be the icing on the cake? 

 Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year Nominee
Shirley Johnson
Getting her start singing gospel music in church at six years old in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, Johnson has been singing all her life. She eventually moved to Chicago in 1983 and continued her love for the blues.


In 2002 Delmark Records released her American debut CD Killer Diller; a record with a wonderful variety of gospel, R&B and soul. With her latest CD Blues Attack, Johnson attests that if you like your blues with lots of soul you’ve come to the right place. With this year’s nomination, the future for Shirley Johnson continues to look bright.        
Zora Young 
Like Shirley Johnson, Zora Young grew up singing gospel. Re-locating from her West Point, Mississippi home to Chicago at the age of seven, Young continued her gospel roots attending the Greater Harvest Baptist Church. A relative of blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, Young had music in her blood from day one.



As time moved on, she got inspired by R&B and would eventually progress into the strong blues vocalist she is known for today. Young has performed with artists such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Albert King and B.B. King. She has also recorded with Hubert Sumlin, Mississippi Heat and Willie Dixon among many others. Zora also has 30 tours of Europe to her credit as well being a featured performer six times at the Chicago Blues Festival.
The French Connection her latest release is collaboration with French multi-instrumentalist Bobby Dirninger. The CD showcases 14 tracks featuring three different bands and includes five live songs with nine studio recordings. The live tunes on the disc are from three different shows from Young’s 2008 tour in France. An eclectic record with half acoustic and the other half electric, The French Connection is a wonderful showcase of Young’s array of talent.      
So there you have it… 
A mixture of personal memories from yesteryear, a look at some of Delmark’s artists from the past and present, as well as a peek at the label’s nominations at this year’s 2010 Blues Music Awards. Good luck to all the nominees! 
Are you familiar with any of the artists and their music featured in this post? Do you have any Delmark favorites that you would like to discuss? I’d love to hear from you! Your comments are most welcome and help broaden the subject matter which can’t be delivered in one post alone. 
The Blues Blogger