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[Peter Meyer] [Blues Kings] [Tony Glover-Little Walter] [Scott Miller] [Lonsome Dan Kase] [Ronnie Lake Band] [Dixie's] [Icebox] [Cool Disposition] [Lotus] [Arnellia's] [Blues Alley] [Delta Rhythm Kings] [Boom Boom Steve V.]
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you saw a harmonica player playing with a "Meat and Potatoes" hat on his head or playing solo in a reclined position on the floor whilst pedaling an imaginary bicycle? You might answer "last Sunday" if you frequent the Sunday jams at Inn Kahoots. Jam leader, Everett Smithson, starts the jam around 8 PM. Eight to ten jammers is common. Chuck Wagner, a frequent visitor at these jams, says "the VFW and American Legion have no customers on Sunday nights because they are all at Inn Kahoots!" And, to put a new spin on the traditional jam, the host band (Phil Schmid, Michael Carvale, Marcus Bohn and Everett Smithson) has an open fifth-seat that gets filled by a different guest musician every week Sunday night. One additional twist on the jam is a pledge to get the jammers up and playing starting with the first set. Rumor has it jammers get treated to a free cold beverage. Inn Kahoots also has some of the traditional bar food, such as pizzas, hot dogs and chips. A "rebirthed" jam isn't the only thing new in Everett's world. Although Everett has been playing for 12 years with Alley Katz, he has recently formed the Everett Smithson Band and released a new CD, A Big Fat Back. The new CD has some originals as well as cover songs. Perhaps we'll hear some rumblings about a CD Release Party in the not-too-distant future.
NEXT TIME YOU SEE PETER MEYER around town, be sure to say congratulations! Peter is graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Music Therapy and he will be starting an internship soon .. either in Texas or here. While in school, Peter has also had a job as Teacher's Assistant (TA) within the College of Music's Department of African American Studies. Additionally, Peter continues teaching guitar lessons to 40-50 students every year. He has been giving lessons for 10-12 years now. Peter, together with Bill Finke, put out a demo CD of country-style blues: I Shall Not Be Moved., recorded at Bruce Hoff Recording Studios, 2000. As if this isn't enough to keep one person busy, Peter has been performing regularly, on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, at the Chatterbox Pub in South Minneapolis. The Chatterbox is described by owner, Steve Miller, as "your cozy corner retro lounge" serving "gourmet style pub food." The pub is located at 2229 East 35th Street. In addition to the classic live Delta Blues every Monday night, this pub has darts, numerous board games, and over 60 Atari games to play.
BLUES KINGS CD RELEASE It was quite a party at Durkin's in Anoka Friday night! Regular performers at the club, the Blues Kings, had their new CD release party. The house was packed all night. I (Bill Gausman) felt lucky that I didn't find a seat all night, because I could stand up and move to the tight blues. Jay Wilkins, Jeff Hester, Jack Taylor and Dave Larson were joined all night by guitarist John Franken, and for a few songs by harp player Steve Grosshans and guitarist Dan Schwalbe. It was a great time. Their new CD, "Keep On Rollin," is first rate. The Blues Kings are having another CD party at Schullers on Friday, the 25th of April.
A Winner With GTCBMS!!
MORE THAN 200 ENTRIES were submitted for this year's awards. Blues With a Feeling did not make it as a finalist, but remains a winner with the GTCBMS! The finalists in the category of Music and Art are: The B-52's Universe, Mats A. Sexton, author (Minneapolis)Plan B Books; The Gag Family: German-Bohemian Artists in America Julie L'Enfant, author (Golden Valley)Afton Historical Society Press; and, The Minnesota Orchestra at One Hundred: A Collection of Essays, Sandra D. Hyslop, co-author (Minneapolis) Gwendolyn M. Pappas, co-author (St. Paul) Minnesota Orchestral Association. One of these three will be selected winner mid May.
THE 2003 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS judges are busily reading and reviewing more than 200 books entered for this years competition. The Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society nominated Tony Glover for one of the awards, in the Arts & Music Category, for his book Blues With a Feeling. Judges received the books mid-February and they must vote by April 1st. The Minnesota Humanities Commission will announce the finalists for each category on Sunday, April 13. We all know that Blues With a Feeling is already a winner, but if this book and its authors do get selected as a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award, that celebration will take place Friday, May 16th, 7 PM at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Stay tuned as this unfolds.
HIT REVERSE and bring yourself back to September 18, 2002. The time is 7:30 PM and the place is Ruminator Books in St. Paul. Easily, more than 50 people are gathered in the back room to listen to an author's reading. Add Tony Glover to the mix, and it becomes a refreshingly unique blues event! The reading was from The Little Walter Story, Blues with a Feeling by Tony Glover, Scott Dirks and Ward Gaines. Tony explained how the book got started as a discography and how Cyd (Tony's wife) found Scott Dirks in a chat room and how Ward Gaines contacted Tony about a video documentary. The book is the end result, five years later. The process included interviews, research and genealogy studies. Tony noted that some interview opportunities were lost as more people died during that time period (notably Junior Wells and Jimmy Rogers). Tony gave an introduction to each reading. The readings were augmented with music samples. Tony helped personify Little Walter by telling us how he liked to play chess and how he was a fan of Lawrence Welk. Those in attendance at this reading were also treated to some memoirs of Tony. We learned that Tony started to play harp around the age 14 or 15. He first heard the blues on the radio on clear channel out of Texas. His source for records back then (when LP's, 33 1/3 RPM records cost $4 and 45 RPMs cost 89 cents) was Melody Records located on 7th and Hennepin, Minneapolis. The Book Reading ended and most everyone lined up, book in tote, to get an autograph. Thank you, Ruminator Books, for scheduling this Book Reading. This book is truly a gift for any season, reason or celebration. And, if you happen to catch Tony out and about, taking it easy (as shown here in the photo by Tom Asp at the Rischell & Raines concert at Mayslacks), stop by and let him know your impressions of his book!
- In the photo, clockwise starting at the 8:40 position are Paul Rishell, Doug Anderson, John Koerner, Tony Glover and Annie Raines.
THE OTHER SIDE, Scott Miller's new CD, features his barrelhouse piano and rich vocals in a mix of Louisiana beats and soul ballads. This is Scott's first release since touring with Big John Dickerson and it's getting great notices. According to David Adler, freelance writer for Down Beat; All About Jazz, "The Other Side" is on the money! What fun to hear those barrelhouse, boogie, and blues elements coming together - shades of Little Feat, The Band, Dr. John. (Miller's extensive touring with Big John Dickerson has surely paid off.) Paul Mayasich's tasty National Guitar licks really grab and keep one's attention. Miller's soulful, limber piano playing is matched at every step by his infectious singing voice, full of personality, grit and humor. The release party was Thursday, February 13th, at Famous Daves, Uptown. Additional info can be found on Scott's web site www.scottiemiller.com
ONLY 10 YEARS OF PLAYING? SELF TAUGHT? WOW! Newer to the Twin Cities, Dan Kase is making heads turn in Northeast Minneapolis as he dutifully arrives at Dusty's Bar every Thursday evening to perform solo to the bar patrons. Originally from Hillsdale, Dan got intrigued with country blues after hearing music by Blind Lemon Jefferson and Reverend Gary Davis. Dan traveled on to Denver, where he lived for almost five years. While in Denver Dan played with the 32-20 Jug Band. It was also in Denver, at age 24, that Dan added an experience to his "dream catcher" when he opened a show for Paul Rishell and Anne Raines AND got to jam for two hours with Paul Rishell in Mary Flowers home.
Check out Dan's website at www.lonesomedan.com to check his play schedule. Dan also plays other spots around town, including the Viking Bar. In addition to his solo gigs, Dan plays country blues with a trio named Crush Collision (a name from a Scott Joplin song) with Matt Yetter on mandolin and Mikkel Beckman on washboard. Those who attended the annual meeting of the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society on December 5th were invited to stay to hear Dan play after the meeting. Some of the tunes heard were Gary Davis' Get Right Church, I Am the Light of this World, Blow Gabriel, You Got to Move; John Jackson's Railroad Bill; and Willie McTell's Honey It Must Be Love. If you are in Northeast Minneapolis on some Thursday night, stop in Dusty's and pay a visit to Dan. This 28 year old is in the process of getting discovered!
THE RONNIE LAKE BAND promised a party Thanksgiving Eve and they delivered to a "standing-room only" crowd at Floyds in Victoria. The band members include Veronica Lake (guitar), Kathy Smithson (accordian, vocals, shakers and washboard), Geoff Elwell (drums), and Doug Hanson (bass). As an added surprise this particular evening, Everett Smithson (harp) and Todd Warner (washboard) got up and played with the band for a couple of songs. So, how does one describe zydeco blues? It's not completely zydeco sounding and it's not completely blues sounding so perhaps one can call it a special blend - sort of like a pair of blue jeans, but with flair legs. The band has a CD, recorded live at Floyd's in September, 2002, available for sale. Next time you're looking for blues with a punch, check this band out.
DIXIE'S ON GRAND
Dixies on Grand's Grand Old Day show this year will feature the Reverend Horton Heat. The opening acts are Vibro Champs and Big George Jackson. Grand Old Day is Sunday, June 1st 2003.
DIXIE'S ON GRAND always serves up some rightly-spiced foods featuring authentic Southern Cuisine. Monthly specials feature food from a different Southern State. October featured North Carolina's cuisine. Nothing new here, but the music on Wednesday nights is a new addition. Recently, Dixie's on Grand started featuring jazz, blues and folk music Wednesday evenings. Now, Manager Michael is saying they may expand the music to Monday evenings as well. You can come on down to take in the music and eat a meal (Dixie's serves late). The band on Wednesday, October 24th, was a live recording of a trio consisting of Papa John Kolstad (guitar and vocals), Sam Fiske (trumpet and bass) and Dean Mikkelson (guitar). Clint Hoover (harmonica) was an extra treat, who sat in as a guest player with the trio. Papa John Kolstad also had the 2001 CD reissue of the original 1975 vinyl release of "Beans Taste Fine" available for sale. Dixies says that their music fare is quite jazzy, but there were plenty of folksy-bluesy sounds with songs such as Beans Taste Fine, Mill City Blues, Trouble in Mind, Black Dog Blues, and Viper Drag.
This recent event was part of the Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization's Art on the Town that ran September 26th through October 3rd. The Icebox Gallery in Northeast Minneapolis featured photography by Shawn Michienzi. If TVs Watched US was the title of this series. Simultaneously Charles & Ed played in the front area of the gallery. Not a bad combination-photos for the eyes and music for the ears. An instrumental-original that Charles & Ed simply call the Chicken Song was a huge crowd-pleaser that resulted in everyone leaving the gallery and migrating to the music area to watch and listen to Charles & Ed! It isn't unique to have a blues band provide entertainment at an art show (for example, on May 12, 1979, the Lazy Bill Lucas Band played at the Landmark Center for the opening of a new Twin Cities Artists Show), but an art gallery is not considered your run-of-the-mill venue for hearing some blues! Charles & Ed have also played at the Icebox during the annual Northeast Minneapolis' Art-A-Whirl weekend. This is the same Charles Lawson and Ed Petsche who are known for their "Maxwell Street" styled blues-gigs at the Viking on Thursday evenings. Here's a tidbit of history - Ed played with Paul Oscher back in the '60s.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, FOUND Cool Disposition kicking up some dust at Famous Dave's in Uptown. From the start of the first set, they launched into their trademark up tempo mode and barely slowed down for the better part of 90 minutes. Warmly received by a lively Monday night crowd, it was obvious the band was having a great time. The band presented a tasty choice of cover tunes, along with original favorites like Joyride, and Too Much Rhythm, the latter complete with a comical story and eliciting a crowd sing along. With the slick voice of Mickey Bauer out front, Little Walter-esque Harold Tremblay on harp, and Greg Beach (bass) and Dwight Christensen (drums) driving the swings and shuffles, the band was firing on all cylinders. That's a good thing, because the tapes were rolling, and the band is considering releasing a live CD. Oh did I mention the "hired hand" for the night? Cool Disposition was assisted in no small part by the amazing work of local blues guitar icon, Dan Schwalbe. With Dan unleashing his hollow body, and a guest appearance by Mike Deutsche on piano later on, the band had hips shaking and feet flying - literally!! With several swing dancers attracted to the dance floor to put on quite a show themselves, flipping , flopping and flying, it was a highly entertaining night.
SUPPORT ONE OF OUR NEWEST LOCAL MUSICIANS- Lotus, age 19, will have her debut performance at Deans Tavern on December 28th. The music starts at 9 PM with the Hawthorn Brothers opening this festive gig. You may have heard Lotus wielding her brand of funky Blues guitar at the open jams around town or doing cameo appearances with Debbie Davies, Buddy Guy or Junior Watson's band. A highly motivated triple-threat Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter who credits Albert Collins, Freddy King and Aretha Franklin along with local mentors Ted Larson and Moses Oakland. Lotus has put together her first four-song Demo CD. Currently receiving airplay on KFAI, as well as numerous Internet Blues stations, she's been interviewed on Rollin' and Tumblin' and is scheduled back on the show in early December. The fact that Lotus is one of our newest kids on the local blues scene is just one good reason to pencil this December 28th gig into your calendar. Another reason would be because Lotus has promised to make it into a "BIG arse party!" If you are interested in getting a free promo CD or just want more information about Lotus, you can visit her website at www.LotusBlues.com
THERE IS A NEW JAM happenin' at Arnellia's on Wednesday evenings at 8 PM until 12 Midnight. Jacquie "Lady J" Maddix is the host of this jam called the Diamond Blue Revue. Open stage for Twin Cities talent - just show up. Address is 1183 University West (at Lexington Pkwy & University Avenues) in St. Paul. Telephone 651-642-5972.
And, if the Wednesday slot doesn't work out for you, you can try this group at ANOTHER NEW JAM that is being hosted by Lady J and the Diamond Blue Revue on Tuesday nights, 8:30 PM at Blues Alley in downtown Minneapolis at 15 Glenwood Avenue North (across from Target Center). Telephone 612 -333-1327.
The other band member's names are Wendell Kirk-bass, Kim Crisler-keys, Dan Kuzs-sax, Curley Martin-drums(Wed only) & Matt Reiman-drums(Tues only), Don King-guitar(Wed only) & Mickey Lewis-guitar(Tues only).
Update - "WE PLAY THE BOURBON-SMOOTH BLUES for ya'll." That's a motto and a promise by "The Brothers Curtis," formerly known as The Delta Rhythm Kings and they have kept their promise for the past three years every Tuesday at the Triangle Bar's Jam in Vadnais Heights. At the jam, the band players are Curtis Marlatt, guitar /vocals; Curtis Blake, harmonica/vocals; Scotty Danger, bass and Doug James, drums/vocals. They have been described as, smooth and jazzy, hard and blue and rock-retro funky. Look for them playing in local clubs and watch for their new CD, Its You Thats Got To Go, to be released early in 2004. This CD has original songs written by the Curtis's as well as some cover tunes played their way like you've never heard before. Check out their web site.
STEVE STARTS OFF with Juke when he plays, and it's no different on the newly released CD From the Shadows created by Boom Boom Steve V. & the Knockout Blues Revue. This rendition of Juke is dedicated to Pete Cottrell - a nice touch. The CD includes four of Steve's own creations: The Cost of Your Love; Minor Mother; My Party Song and Boyz Will be Boyz. If you were at the CD Release Party at Whiskey Junction on September 14, 2002, then you know that Whiskey Junction was shakin' and the crowds were dancing both on and off the dance floor! Cool Disposition got things going nicely during the first set. The sizzling Soulmates played with Boom Boom Steve V. the last two sets of the night and they kept the party going right on through closing. The crowd was treated to cameo appearances from sax player Steve Clarke and vocalist Mary Rancone who are two of the many terrific local musicians on this new CD. Nothing beats getting out and hearing the music live and then taking those tunes home with you on CD. You can visit Boom Boom Steve's website at www.bluesonstage.com/stevev to learn more about the CD.
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