The Blues Blogger

A dollop of Janis Joplin, a slice of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a big load of soulful individuality. That’s Wonderland, a seething-hot Texas singer-guitarist. And she can write too. ~ Boston Herald

Early Sunday Morning

The alarm accidentally went off at 5:00 am, the same time it usually does every weekday morning. Reaching quickly to stop the shrilling sound, I felt a cool sense of ease knowing I didn’t have to get up if I didn’t want to. Of course Lucille, my golden retriever was now sitting beside the bed panting and looking at me with that hopeful gaze. She had different ideas, and preferred I didn’t sleep in on my birthday.

Getting up, I carefully shut the bedroom door trying not to wake my wife TBBW. I went outside onto the deck and collected my thoughts. It was still too early for some of the projects that needed to be done, and the cool summer breeze wasn’t going to last too long today… So I loaded some tunes on my MP3 player from two of Carolyn Wonderland’s CD’s; Miss Understood from 2008 and an earlier one entitled Bloodless Revolution. I grabbed Lucille’s leash and we headed out on our morning jaunt.

My thoughts then turned to how impressed I was with Wonderland’s talent and driving energy. And how lucky people seeing her perform at The San Jose Jazz Fest on Sunday August 15th were; especially those who may be unfamiliar.

Carolyn Wonderland

Wonderland is an outstanding and versatile artist. Not exactly a stranger to the music world, (especially around Texas) she has developed into an incredibly talented singer, songwriter and guitarist who can definitely groove.

“I still get to play most every night, so the adventure continues. Every musical interlude is a new page, another chance to jump into the Ether.” ~Carolyn Wonderland

Along the way Wonderland has generated fans like Bob Dylan and Ray Benson, founder of Asleep at the Wheel. She has been a collaborator with Benson for many years, and he produced her latest CD Miss Understood. Wonderland also gives credit to Austin singer/songwriter Terri Hendrix for inspiration and covers two Hendrix songs on the album.

Carolyn likes to weave different styles from the blues, to country, soul, gospel and some swing to her repertoire; creating catchy soulful tunes along the way.

Born Nov 9th, 1972 in Houston Texas, she first started writing songs while in elementary school at the age of eight. Growing up with music in her blood, Carolyn picked up her mother’s forbidden Martin guitar whenever she’d get the opportunity; further cementing her passion.

Over the years Wonderland has toured with blues greats like Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter, and jammed with mentors and friends like Bob Dylan, Eddy Shaver and Ray Benson. She’s also co-written songs with Ruthie Foster, Candye Kane and Guy Forsyth.

Wonderland’s virtuosity has earned her an appearance on Austin City Limits. Carolyn has also had her music used on NBC’s “Homicide” and Fox’s “Time of Your Life.” At the 2007 inaugural Road To Austin festival, she was accompanied by Bonnie Raitt, and performed to high praise with Kris Kristofferson and Delbert McClinton, backed by Stephen Bruton’s all-star band.

Her Resume Includes Many Awards Like:

Best Female Vocalist – 2009 Austin Music Awards
Best Blues Band – 2009 Austin Music Awards
Best Female Vocalist – 2000 Houston Press Music Awards
Best Blues Songwriter of the Year – 1999 Houston Press Music Awards
Best Blues Band – 1996 Public News Music Awards

And that’s just to name to a few…

SAN JOSE JAZZ FEST

is a 23 year old mission-driven arts organization that produces culturally diverse performance and educational programs designed to build a stronger, more vibrant cultural atmosphere in San Jose and the Silicon Valley. In 1989 the organization produced its first jazz festival, and in 1993 produced its first youth education program. Today the organization is a well-managed, year-round arts organization that produces 9 educational and 4 performance programs annually. San Jose Jazz brings music to over 5,700 school children a year, and produces hundreds of concerts and events.

With this year’s festival and the many acts it features, including class performers like Carolyn Wonderland, the future has never looked brighter. If you’re in the San Jose area next weekend, make sure you stop by The Blues Stage on Sunday August 15th and catch Carolyn and her band.

Several Hours Later

The music from this morning’s outing continued to play as I walked back into the house. While taking my earphones off, I looked up and there was TBBW and my son smiling and waiting with a fresh cup of coffee and a small gift in hand… Taking a sip of my coffee, you could hear Lucille take a deep expressive sigh of relief as she found a cool spot on the kitchen tile to chill. Hmm, perhaps the alarm this morning wasn’t an accident after all.

Is there anyone who is going to the San Jose Jazz Fest next weekend? Are you planning on stopping by and catching Carolyn Wonderland? If you are, I’d love to hear your comments regarding the show or her music in general.

Hope your summer is going well,

The Blues Blogger

Tags: Blues News, Blues Reflections, Festivals, Soul, blues by The Blues Blogger
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“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

Tags: Blues Music Awards, Blues News, Blues Reflections, New Releases, Reviews, Soul, blues by The Blues Blogger
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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

Tags: Blues Music Awards, Blues News, Blues Reflections, New Releases, Reflections, Reviews, Soul, The Sixties, blues by The Blues Blogger
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