The Blues Blogger

In many of my past articles I often reflect on the different genres of music that surrounded me while growing up. I recall my parents listening to Ray Charles and fondly remember how his music caught my imagination back then. There was always a brilliant blend of vibrant energy that could take an otherwise dull day and change it into a delightful scene in a finger snap. It was some of Ray’s tunes that influenced many of my earliest creative writing projects I worked on as a kid… I was reminded of some these eclectic moments while watching Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis Play the Music of Ray Charles DVD…

Music is a journey to me… I love taking the educational tour down that creative road and exploring all the intersections as they form into one soulful passage. You may not always like everything you see along the way, but there’s usually something interesting to talk about.

I decided to view this DVD in my home gym and get in a work out at the same time. As a writer I find exercising helps me work through some of those thought processes… Unfortunately my golden retriever Lucille had to look on with sadness as she knew a walk was not a reality at this moment. Eventually she closed her eyes to the steady burr of the treadmill and the “diverse grooves” that set my mind in gear…

Originally Filmed and Recorded in February 2009

This DVD featuring country music legend Willie Nelson and Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz artist Wynton Marsalis is the second collaboration for the duo. The first occasion was two years prior and resulted in the album “Two Men With The Blues.” This time they show even more in common by sharing their admiration and mutual respect for the late music mastermind Ray Charles.

There are three great musical art forms in America that really come from the grassroots, and that’s jazz, country and blues. All three intersect together in Wynton Marsalis, Willie Nelson and Norah Jones. It’s a perfect collaboration, and each one of them is a leader in their own art form.
~ James Ackerman

Frederick P. Rose Hall

Commonly known as “The House of Swing,” this hall is the world’s first performing arts institution devoted entirely to jazz. And it’s New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center home and the setting for this rare two-night performance. Along with the charming and talented Norah Jones, all these wonderful performers explore the legacy of Charles by weaving a collection of 15 songs that tell the story of a love affair through its many stages. This cool blend of musical styles creates a unique atmosphere that I found very intriguing indeed.

The tone is set with “Hallelujah (Boy I Love Her So),” featuring Nelson’s long time harmonica player Mickey Raphael along with some improvised guitar riffs by Willie and company. Norah Jones is introduced for the song “You Are My Sunshine,” which is played in an exclusive and dissimilar manner. Nelson then leaves the stage for Jones to sing lead for the number “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Mellower than the previous selections, it brings to mind those smoky fifties jazz club metaphors. “Unchain My Heart” one of my favorite tunes Ray Charles recorded features extensive solos from Raphael and drummer Ali Jackson.

Musicians

Vocals and Acoustic Guitar:
Willie Nelson

Trumpet and Vocals
Wynton Marsalis

Vocals:
Norah Jones

Harmonica:
Mickey Raphael

Piano:
Dan Nimmer

Bass:
Carlos Enriquez

Drums:
Ali Jackson

Saxophone:
Walter Blanding

Set List

01. Hallelujah Love Her So
02. You Are My Sunshine
03. Come Rain Or Come Shine
04. Unchain My Heart
05. Crying Time
06. Losing Hand
07. Hit The Road Jack
08. I’m Moving On
09. Busted
10. You Don’t Know Me
11. Here We Go Again
12. Makin’ Whoopee
13. I Love So Much (It Hurts)
14. What’d I Say
15. That’s All

The entire show has a very loose, spontaneous vibe. From “Crying Time,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “You Don’t Know Me” to “What I’d Say,” and the closer “That’s All,” there’s some fantastic moments on this DVD that take the viewer on a sundry adventure.

Bonus Features Include

never before seen rehearsal footage, interviews and photos that documents how this historic event came to play… More appropriately suited for a relaxing evening sipping wine by the fire rather than a treadmill workout, I still found Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis: Play The Music of Ray Charles and this interpretation of his work very satisfying. The music brought back early memories of my childhood when I would pretend I was a screenwriter and make up all kinds of crazy scripts. During those moments I would often use the songs of Ray Charles to help my imagination drive the scene. His legacy will always have a meaningful significance to so many of us, and this DVD continues to remind us that his spirit will forever live on through time…

What words come to mind when you think of the work of Ray Charles? Do you have any favorite songs of Ray Charles that bring back memories for you? Your comments are always welcome.

The Blues Blogger

Tags: Blues Reflections, Jazz News, Jazz Reflections, New Releases, Reflections, Reviews, blues by The Blues Blogger
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Congratulations to Marcel L and John G. They have both won a copy of Joe’s DVD. You’re gonna love it! Thanks to everyone who entered…

I vividly recall my first audible memory being the song “Hideaway” from John Mayall and the Blues Breakers 1966 LP (commonly known as the Beano album) with Eric Clapton. Over the course of time that record along with Clapton’s influential and extraordinary playing is reflected upon by so many musicians and fans as a major influence in their love of music. Joe Bonamassa is one of those guys inspired by Clapton’s playing. And he also notes his father’s copy of Cream’s Farewell video and Clapton’s performance from that footage as a mesmerizing and defining moment in his career… So imagine the feeling Joe must have had when on May 4th,2009 he headlines a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall and gets to perform with his idol?

Born on Robert Johnson’s birthday on May 8th, 1977 in Utica, New York, Bonamassa began playing guitar at age five on a short-scale Chiquita given to him by his father. Graduating to a full scale guitar, he began mastering Stevie Ray Vaughan licks. At 11 years of age, he was mentored by Danny Gatton; learning country, jazz as well as heavy rock. And at the age of 12 he opened for blues legend B.B. King and officially began his professional career.

This Past Weekend

I finally got the opportunity to watch Joe’s Live From The Royal Albert Hall DVD. My 14 year old son insisted on watching with me, and he was anticipating his cue to crank the volume the second he heard his favorite Bonamassa number “The Ballad of John Henry.” My son’s keenness shows not only is Bonamassa gaining the respect from the more seasoned music listener, but is also generating a new segment of younger music fans that appreciate his masterful touch.

Watching the intro “The Road To The Royal Albert Hall” setup what was ahead, we both felt this overwhelming sense of enthusiasm and pride as Joe started to play the elegant and harmonious “Django,” while walking on stage to a sold out crowd of close to 5000 people… This is more than just a concert video; it’s the realization of a life long dream after 20 years of dedication and hard work. And the DVD captures that moment in time beautifully.

Disc #1 — Joe Bonamassa: Live From the Royal Albert Hall

1. The Road to the Royal Albert Hall [2:38]
2. Django [3:28]
3. The Ballad of John Henry [6:47]
4. So It’s Like That [2:54]
5. Last Kiss [7:18]
6. So Many Roads [6:20]
7. Stop! [5:42]
8. Introducing Eric Clapton [1:18]
9. Further On Up the Road [5:38]
10. High Water Everywhere [5:07]
11. Sloe Gin [8:22]
12. Intermission [:22]

Disc #2 — Joe Bonamassa: Live From the Royal Albert Hall

1. I First Met B.B. King [1:22]
2. Lonesome Road Blues [4:35]
3. Happier Times [6:51]
4. Introducing Paul Jones [:59]
5. Your Funeral My Trial [4:16]
6. Blues Deluxe [9:16]
7. Story of a Quarryman [5:16]
8. The Great Flood [8:04]
9. Just Got Paid [11:26]
10. Mountain Time [10:53]
11. Asking Around for You [11:06]
12. Credits [1:14]

More than a dozen cameras focusing on all possible angles are perfectly timed with broad shots of the stage and hall, helping give you the sensation of being there. But be forewarned, the results may make your heart skip a couple of beats.

There are so many great songs and moments on Live From The Royal Albert Hall that’s its impossible to go through them all in one blog post. Whether it’s Sloe Gin, Stop, Blues Deluxe or Mountain Time, the highlights here are many. Everyone who views the DVD is going to have their personal favorites. For me, I love the opening segments on both discs, the bonus features, and of course the introduction of Eric Clapton to perform “Further On Up The Road” (the first song Joe learned to play) is first rate.

Bonamassa & his band’s performance here is absolutely fantastic. The addition of veteran drummer Anton Fig together with a horn section adds a dimension that takes the music to a cool new level. Still only 32 years of age, Bonamassa shares his gift with an adoring touch along with a knowledge and respect for many of the great blues/rock artists before him.

Musicians

Guitar and Vocals
Joe Bonamassa

Keyboards, Tambourine and Backing Vocal
Rick Melick

Bass Guitar
Carmine Rojas

Drums
Bogie Bowles and Anton Fig

Brass Arrangement and Trumpet
Lee Thornburg

Saxophone
Sean Freeman

Trombone
Mike Feitham
(Photo by: Christy Goodwin)

Bonus Features Include

an interview with Joe shot on his tour bus. Bonamassa talks about several of the songs he performed on the DVD and plays segments from them that help enhance the story of their initial creation. He also includes the bonus acoustic number, “Woke Up Dreaming.”

It’s difficult for anyone who appreciates music in general not to be impressed here. Bonamassa’s whole team deserves a lot of credit for putting together a first class DVD package. This isn’t something stuffed into a cardboard box. It’s a well thought out project with a great graphic layout complete with a 28 page insert.

I enjoyed this DVD in a big way. This is a magical event taking things to a level of mystical proportions that defines the stuff dreams are truly made of. This is a definite must own for anyone looking to be swept away in a solid dose of positive and entertaining energy.

If you’re looking for the latest tour schedule or any further information regarding Joe Bonamassa, you can go to Joe’s website by clicking here. Given the opportunity you will not want to miss Bonamassa and his band perform when they come to your area.
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Want To Win A Copy Joe Bonamassa’s Latest DVD?

I’m giving all email subscribers of The Blues Blogger anywhere in the world the opportunity to win 2 possible copies of Joe’s DVD “Live From The Royal Albert Hall” in yet another giveaway…

The Rules Are Simple

You will need to subscribe to my e-mail list at the top of the page where it says “Receive Updates by Email.” Enter your email address and press click here. When you submit the form, you will receive a verification message in your in-box. Once you respond to this message you are subscribed. That’s it! I promise no spam and you can always unsubscribe at anytime… All current Blues Blogger subscribers are automatically entered. This random prize giveaway will end November 30th, 2009 at 11:00 pm eastern time in the U.S. When the winners are notified, they’ll have 24 hours to respond or a new name will be drawn.

How familiar are you with Joe Bonamassa’s work? Have you ever been fortunate enough to see him perform live? Is there a favorite album in particular that you enjoy? As usual I love hearing from you. If you leave a valid comment regarding Joe and his band, the DVD or anything about his work over the past 20 years, I will give you an extra 2 entries into the random draw for a total of 3 possible ballots.

Good Luck and Let’s Hear From You,

The Blues Blogger

Tags: Blues News, Blues Reflections, New Releases, Prize Giveaway, Reviews, blues by The Blues Blogger
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The following article was written in the summer of 2008. It was a little untimely then, as it was just 39 years since The Allman Brothers Band’s debut release, and still many months before the 40th Anniversary tour. So I’m re-posting for those who missed it. And to commemorate the LP’s release 40 years ago this week.

Many years have passed since I heard The Allman Brothers Band 1969 release. So this weekend I gave it a listen. Right from the very first cut “Don’t Want You No More” I was hooked once again. And for the next 35 minutes I took a reflective trip back through time.

Towards The End of 1969

My family hit some hard times and out of necessity sold the house where lots of my early childhood memories began. As a result, we ended up all squeezing into a small apartment. My brother and sister (who at the time were in their late teens) would have no part of apartment living. So it really wasn’t a surprise when they moved on and opened new chapters in their lives…

The Saturday afternoon rehearsals with my brother’s band were no more, and the vibrant household I once knew was now filled with a close stressful silence… For me, I would eventually discover new creative ways to occupy my time, and in the process drive my poor father crazy.

At nine years old, I truly knew one thing for sure; music was going to play a big part in my future. It always motivated me and also eased the pain when challenging times struck… When I look back I can think of several albums that have been embedded into my memory banks, and The Allman Brothers Band’s first LP in 1969 is one of them. I also recall pinching my brother’s copy of the album before he left town. It seemed to help fill the void I felt when he moved out of town… So I flooded my new bedroom with the sweetest sounds I could find.

I recall how my father thought it was just plain strange that a 9 year old could get so into listening to this stuff. But he never shared a room with a guitar player who practiced these blues and jazz riffs all day and night. It must have been an innate necessity for me. It also helped me focus my nervous energy on something. Besides, somebody had to play some tunes, because the silence was far too deafening.

It’s impossible to sum up the almost 40 years of The Allman Brothers Band illustrious history in a few paragraphs. One thing for sure, right from the start, the band had so many challenges… In the beginning years, they endured the deaths of band members Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Drugs would take its toll on most of its members. On again off again separations and re-unions resulted…

Through All the Years

from their 20th Anniversary re-union in 1989, to 1995’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction, 1996’s Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental performance for “Jessica,” the band has endured the test of time… In 1999, The Allman Brothers Band celebrated their 30th anniversary with an 18-night stand at New York’s Beacon Theater… The 21st Century also saw Dickie Betts part ways, but still the band continued to perform, playing their special blend of brilliance for their fans and curious newcomers.

It’s interesting to note that in 2003 out of Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 100 guitarists of all time; four are Allman Brothers alumni:

#2 Duane Allman
#23 Warren Haynes
#58 Dickey Betts
#81 Derek Trucks ( the youngest player on the list )

The Allman Brothers Band were the principal architects of Southern Rock. They combined many elements of music and helped advance the rock genre as a medium for improvisation along with bands such as Cream. The band remains a force to be reckoned with. I strongly suggest you see them if the opportunity arises. They’re an amazing band with a rich history and incredible musicians that will soulfully rock you through the past and into the future…

As a note of interest, in November of 1979 ten years after my first introduction to the music of The Allman Brothers Band, I made this crazy decision to move to New York. When I got there, I stayed with a friend who lived in Park Slope. Several months later my brother moved there too, and we ended up finding an apartment together. A new respect and alliance started to form. And the music continued once again.

The videos I chose in this post features two songs from The Allman Brothers Band November 1969 debut album; a then and now perspective of this amazing band. Notice original drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson as they continue to shoulder the band after 40 years…

Now I think it’s best to turn the ball over to the readers of this article. Do you have a favorite Allman Brothers song, album or moment you’d like to share? Where we’re you in 1969 as The Allman Brothers Band were carving their niche on the music world?

The Blues Blogger

Tags: 1969, Blues News, Blues Reflections, Reflections, The Seventies, The Sixties by The Blues Blogger
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