| MIDWEST BLUES BEAT |  |
BLUES COLUMNMIDWEST BLUES BEATby Eric Steiner
BACK TOP SCHOOL BLUES...
By the time these words hit the pages and these bytes hit the screens of Midwest BEAT, my daughter Jessica will have begun eighth grade, and it’s quite likely that she won’t be enrolled in any blues classes. I dedicate this month’s Midwest Blues BEAT to everyone who’s returning to the classroom, because I truly believe that there’s a link between learning and earning, whether that results in a few more shekels in our pockets or a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us. Whether you’re wrapping your little fingers around a Crayola for the first time at the Allen J. Warren Elementary School in Highland or aspire to be a Redhawk or a Steelhead at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, I want to give you some blues pointers to make the 2004-2005 academic year a successful one. At least in terms of your blues education; don’t call me with any trigonometry or algebra questions, ya hear? We’ll start out with some required listening, followed by a brief survey of two recent blues releases, and preview next month’s lecture with two esteemed blues professors who will make blues history a reality, David “Honeyboy” Edwards and Earwig Records’ Chief Executive Officer (and a fine harp player) Michael Frank. Let’s get to the required listening this month.
Callin’ Scott Bradbury
Tear Drop Records is a small, Midwestern boutique blues label out of that has helped nurture the careers of bluesmen JB Ritchie (Power Blues), former member of the Shadows of Knight -- Joe Kelley (The Blue Shadow), and the late Hip Linkchain (Change My Blues). Producer Frank Bandy (aka “Right Hand Frank”) plays bass, and has got an ear for first-class Chicago-style blues. When I first heard Badboy Scotty, I was taken aback by his command of the blues, whether he’s playing original cuts like “Clybourn Avenue” or “Don’t Turn Your Back on the Blues” or Johnny Otis’ “Country Girl” Scotty’s blues education includes work with John Brim, Sam Lay and a world tour with Jimmy Rogers. Scott Bradbury’s Callin’ All Blues is a refreshing blast of authentic Chicago blues from a solid harpist and songwriter; there’s 11 top-notch songs on this Tear Drop CD. Callin' All Blues is one of my favorite blues releases of the year so far. More info: www.teardroprecords.com
Give Me the 3rd Degree
The dog ate my homework. I wasn’t copying answers over the cute blonde’s shoulder. My alarm was broken. I’ve used those excuses in school over the years, but I’ve got no excuses for sitting on a great blues rock CD from Mokena, Illinois’ 3rd Degree. Truth be told, the self-released Burn the Man is a fun blend of ‘70s-influenced rock and blues that showcases the considerable chops of Todd Beebe on lead guitar and vocals and Connie Johnson on keyboard, flute and vocals. The engine room of John McShane on bass and Steve Yarbrough in drums heats up 3rd Degree, and when Todd and Connie aren’t playing as part of 3rd Degree, they play in a South Suburban musical collective called Acoustic Thing. Check them out: www.acousticthing.com/3rd_Degree.htm
Professor Honeyboy?
At a recent Blues Foundation benefit, I turned to David “Honeyboy” Edwards and asked him to sign his autobiography, The World Don’t Owe Me Nothin’ (Chicago Review Press). He picked up his black Sharpie, looked at the point, and smiled, “Call me Doctor Honeyboy,” as he slowly formed letters into words as he signed the front page. As he finished his bottle of Alaskan Amber Ale, I wished him a happy 89th birthday. This slim volume tells the story of a self-taught Mississippi bluesman, and it traces Honeyboy’s journey from the cotton fields to his current Chicago home. Even though Honeyboy’s book is seven years old, it’s story is timeless. Next month, we’ll learn more about Honeyboy and what to do when the blues bug bites with Earwig Records’ founder, and Honeyboy Edwards’ manager, Michael Frank.
Prerequisite Classes in September
Those Steepwater Band boys are busy this month. Pick up The Steepwater Band’s new Dharmakaya (Funzalo Records, also home to blues-roots guitarist Tony Furtado) at one of their Labor Day weekend shows. The boys will be found in Gary at Lake Etta County Park, up in LaCrosse at the aptly-named Nighthawks on the 11th, and at Cronies Gin Mill in Kouts, Indiana on the 24th. Next month, Steepwater bring their own brand of blues home to Leroy’s Hot Stuff in Porter on the 23rd. Show your solidarity with Teardrop Records’ JB Ritchie at the United Auto Workers Labor Fest in Janesville’s Labor Day Weekend, and then Harry’s Bar in Lake Geneva on the 11th. Also on the 11th at Buddy Guy’s Legends brings the father-son blues team of Carey and Lurrie Bell back together supporting their new all-acoustic release on Alligator Records, Second Nature. Second Nature is an incredible exploration of acoustic blues, fueled by Carey’s legendary harp and son Lurrie’s nimble picking. Canadian bluesman Colin Linden reunites with Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson as Blackie and the Rodeo Kings on the 8th at Schuba’s – check out B.A.R.K.’s blend of roots-rock that features three of the finest players from North of the border! Finally, one of my favorite acoustic acts is back on the road. Backporch/Virgin recording artists Over The Rhine, named after their Cincinnati neighborhood, shares a bill with Thea Gilmore at the Old Town School of Folk Music on the 25th. Expand your musical horizons with an Americana twist on the blues by going Over the Rhine. Until Rocktober, Let’s play the blues! | ||
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