Tuesday 8 June 2010

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter. Rhythm Room All-Stars, Amanda's Harmonica Show, Memphis Recap, RIP Willie Pooch,

May 14, 2010
The proceedings started on Wednesday with the Hall Of Fame dinner, which recognized great people, works of literature, and recordings. After a reception, where many greeting were exchanged, I sat in-between Louisiana Red, and the now 19 year old blues boy wonder Marquise Knox, at a table that also included Thomas Ruf and Ira Leslie from Ruf Records, Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent and Eden Brent. The event was emceed in fine form by presenters Bill Wax, Bob Porter, and Jay Sieleman. Many wonderful speeches were given: Maria Muldaur honored Gus Cannon. Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records gave a heartfelt testimonial on Fenton Robinson. Dick Waterman gave a nostalgic award presentation to a tearful Bonnie Raitt whose acceptance speech was just eloquent. Bruce Bromberg told the story of his work with Robert Cray as the album Strong Persuader was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame. Charlie Musselwhite's acceptance speech was filled with southern charm and humility. The legendary "Sunshine" Sonny Payne spoke of his 60 years broadcasting on KFFA out of Helena, Arkansas and recalled Sonny Boy Williamson I, and Robert "Jr." Lockwood. Lonnie Brooks shared a story of his career path in music. Many other speeches were part of this glorious night. It was great to see Louisiana Red and Bonnie Raitt talking after the event. At that point many went to the Rum Boogie, where Nick Moss was hosting a celebrity jam. All accounts were that it was a spectacular, star driven night. I opted to have a rowdy, late night hotel room jam session with Red, Little Victor and Marquise Knox in Red's hotel room.
The next day started with a sound check at the Cook Convention Center. I would be performing in the 11pm slot at the BMAs with Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint, which in addition to Red, Victor, and myself, included David Maxwell, Alex Pettersen, William "Billy T" Troiani, and Haakon "The Hawk" Hoeye. This was the band that performed on Red's CD Back to the Black Bayou, and everyone is a solid player. I have to thank my friend, Memphis harmonica ace, Billy Gibson for once again lending me his vintage Supro amp for my use while I was in Memphis. While at the sound check I got to spend some time with Eddie C. Campbell and his wife Barbara, and wished Eddie a happy birthday. Everywhere you went was bustling with blues people, and greetings were many. It was impossible to get through the hotel lobby without running into many friends.
Before I knew it, the time had come to go to the BMAs at the Cook Convention Center. This year the preparty was on the first level, and everyone was dressed to the nines in their best attire. It appeared that almost everyone in the blues world was there and the greetings were non-stop! I had the thrill of meeting Latimore whose music I have been a fan of for years. When everyone made their way upstairs to the dining area I found that I was seated at the table with Lynn Orman, Elaine Lazarus, Kevin Stanton of Shure Microphones, Terry Buckalew, BillyT and his wife, Alex, and the Hawk. Many great performances happened by artists such as Candye Kane, Eddie C. Campbell, Duke Robillard, Super Chikan, Johnny Rawls, Saffire, Buddy Guy (who was presented a lifetime acheivement award at the ceremony by Bonnie Raitt) and many more! I did not see all the performances as I was alternating between the show and the social gathering of the lobby area. The highlight performance of the night for me was Billy Boy Arnold singing and playing the Sonny Boy Williamson I song "My Little Machine" during the set by Chicago Blues; A Living Tradition (a great set all the way through). I would perform two songs with Louisiana Red and Little Victor's Juke Joint which were very well received. Red had just received his two awards before our performance slot, and it was such a great moment to share with him. Bill Wax and Big Llou Johnson (both from Sirius / XM''s Bluesville channel) did a top notch job of hosting the event.
Chicago Blues was given a strong presence at the awards: The traditional female blues artist award became the Koko Taylor award. Veterans like Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Bob Stroger, and Buddy Guy were all part of the proceedings. Delmark Records had a set that featured Zora Young, Shirley Johnson, and Eddie C. Campbell, and the label won an award for best blues DVD with a great acceptance speech by Delmark's Kevin Johnson that included a dedication to the late Little Arthur Duncan. Many members of the Windy City Blues Society were present, Rob Stone, Chris James, and Patrick Rynn were in attendence, and Patrick was a first time nominee in the bass player category.  The nomiation of Chicago Blues: A Living History brought out Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller, John Primer, Kenny Smith, Billy Flynn, Johnny Iguana and the great Billy Boy Arnold.
In the past I have listed the many important blues people that I ran into at the awards but the list is just too long to even get started. At the end of the night Louisiana Red, Little Victor and I were all hanging out, not wanting the night to be over. I got to carry Red's awards for him as we went across the street to the Marriott Hotel where we were staying. Simply a great night! To see the Blues Foundation's summary of this event click here. To see the winners of this year's BMAs click here. To see Arnie Goodman's great photos of the event click here.
On Friday Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint (with David Maxwell and myself) had the privilege of a high profile Blues Foundation show from noon to 2pm at Alfred's on Beale Street. It was very satisfying to have this show as the night before we only performed two songs, and we needed the outlet to let some more blues out. Though early in the day the place was packed and Red was in terrific form. We had guest appearances by Mookie Brill, Evan Caleb (Candye Kane's son and drummer) Kid Andersen and the great Rick Estrin. Later that day we went to Leeway Music Recording Studio to record Louisiana Red's next CD on Ruf Records, produced by Little Victor. After a year filled with great recognition Louisiana Red was in just amazing form and Little Victor's insistent energy made for a great production. We went back in the studio, and from what I could tell, we ended up with a great Louisiana Red album to look forward to. At the end of  allthat I was fully depleted but satisfied. I flew home on Sunday and hosted my radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, on Sunday night on KJZZ. It was great week!
-Bob Corritore

  • RIP Willie Pooch - 1937 to May 5th, 2010 Columbus, Ohio based blues singer Willie Pooch passed away on May 5th, 2010 from  diabetes complications. He was 72. Born William Johnson in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1937, Willie grew to be a spectacular vocalist and entertainer. He was a huge part of the Columbus, Ohio Blues Scene and will be greatly missed by his community. He recorded and great CD with Cadillac Zak called The Blues Do Something To Me which is available on Zack's website by clicking here. For more information on Willie Pooch, including some nice video clips, click here.

  • Robert Pete Williams On Myspace! Louisiana country bluesman Robert Pete Williams performs his atmospheric, spell binding blues on these wonderful film clips: Performing "Scrap Iron Blues" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Baby Please" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Better Listen To Me" part 1 (click here to see): And part 2 (click here to see),  and performing "Old Girl At My Door" (click here to see).
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