Howlin' Wolf - Moanin' in the Moonlight and Howlin' Wolf ("Two on One" CD)

I have several Wolf compilations, but wanted to get this to see how his first two albums (that were the basis for many of the British blues revivalists' set lists) were sequenced to understand how this powerhouse was first heard by most white folks. This CD is available (as of this writing) at $5.99, so regardless of any other Wolf you own, this is one to have, as well.

Included are many of his most famous numbers, from "Little Red Rooster", "Wang Dang Doodle", "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", "How Many More Years", "Smokestack Lightnin'", "Evil", "I Asked for Water" and more to some of his lesser known (but no less great) like "You'll Be Mine", "Tell Me", "No Place to Go", etc.

Two songs herein were recorded at Memphis' Sun Studios with Ike Turner overseeing and playing piano (on one), though the rest were done at Chess with the incredible Hubert Sumlin on guitar and most with songwriter Willie Dixon on bass. That trio of musical giants should be enough to make you want this CD, but the magical music within will make ya play it over & over.

It's the Wolf - need I say more? This is a must-have!

Esquerita - Vintage Voola

It's another classic "chicken-or-the-egg" question - who came first, Little Richard or Esquerita? Both had strong New Orleans influences, both were heavy piano pounders, both had outrageous stage personas and both utilized the wild "Oooooh!" shrieks. But in the end, does it really matter as we get to enjoy them both through their fabulous recordings.

Born Eskew Reeder Jr. (at least by some accounts), he started as a South Carolina gospel pianist before finding his mythical "voola" in rock'n'roll. "Discovered" by Paul Peek from Gene Vincent's Blue Caps in 1958, he relocated to Dallas and cut the demos that appear on this CD. Taken from the only surviving acetates, these are rough'n'tumble rock'n'roll numbers, ranging from wild boogies to (comparatively) slow blues. Definitely rawer than anything that would have meant to be released, this is still coola, voola high-energy!

This CD is filled out with a couple of extra obscurities and even a Little Richard interview acknowledging Mr. Rita. Short, but great - well worth it!

Fuzz SoLow, the Psyatics, Urban Disposal - Motor City Cafe April 26, 2013

Another great free show at Motor City that few people took advantage of. I know that the local media ignores the music scene in town, but I hope that the people here in Vegas will wake up and discover the talent that lies within and the cool places to hang that exist here.

Opening this night was one-man-band Fuzz SoLow (get it?), Mr. James "Fuzz" Berg on guitar and bass drum, hi-hat and suitcase! Generally blues-based, he started and ended the set with a version of Howlin' Wolf's "Built For Comfort", ran through some cool originals, took on Hendrix's "Manic Depression" (He told me he was named after Jimi), played a home-made 3-string slide cigar-box guitar and, with the help of delay boxes, created a "rap" that gave out his phone number to the ladies! Highly entertaining - he plays pretty much anywhere that he is allowed so make sure you see him!

Our pals the Psyatics were up next and plowed through their usual strong set of avant/garage ramblin's and yelpin's. Definitely one of our fave bands in town and one of the most unique, guided by bassist/singer Rob Bell's lyrical visions, aided by Jack Ball's finely dissonant guitar lines, and powered by Jimmy Krah's polyrhythms, they turn garage rock inside out, add some post-punk and create the Psyatic sound. Their debut CD will be offered at their May 11th Double Down Saloon record release show, so be there!

Urban Disposal is a heavy, semi-hard-core punk band with bassist Santo Kevin, who I knew "back in the day" as the guitarist for LA's wackily fun Electric Ferrets. This is a bit more "serious", though they did throw in a cool Misfits cover. Not what I normally listen to these days, but strong musicians and a tough set.

I know this gets said a million times, but get out there and support the cool acts that Vegas has to offer and the fab and fun Motor City - one of the more comfortable places to see a band.

 (Psyatics and Urban Disposal pix by Melanie Coffee)

Mississippi Fred McDowell - My Home is in the Delta

Subtitled "Blues and Spirituals by Fred and Annie Mae McDowell", you know what you're getting here. McDowell's simple, but powerful, slide playing and haunting voice gives his blues an unique flavor and his spiritual duets with his wife are quite passionate.

There are so many McDowell reissues out these days that there are bound to be some overlap and some of the gospel numbers also appear on the phenomenal Amazing Grace CD that includes Annie Mae and other members of their church. But, these are always terrific to hear and are some of the highlights of this release - "Get Right, Church", "Amazing Grace", "Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dying Bed" and plenty more.

I have ranted'n'raved many times about this man and his work, so you know I'm gonna recommend this and damn near whatever else you can find by him, but this is especially good!

Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup - Mean Ole Frisco

It is a pity that many of the old blues masters are known more for the song(s) that rock'n'rollers took from them than for their own great talents. Crudup is another example - having given us "That's All Right (Mama)" for Elvis Presley to use as a springboard for his own career, few people know Crudup's name. But thankfully we have great reissues such as this to remind us of the originals!

While Crudup worked and recorded from the 40's on, these sides were cut in a 1962 session, but still sound as fresh and rough'n'tumble as anyone could ask for! Arthur was a fairly rudimentary guitarist, but a fine songwriter and singer and with the minimal rhythm section he still sets fire to the tunes. The arrangement for "That's All Right" is practically identical to Presley's, so there is no doubt as to where Elvis' hit came from. That is followed by "Rock Me Mama", the obvious predecessor to "Rock Me Baby" and "I'm In the Mood" shows where John Lee Hooker got his idea from, as well!

This whole CD is solid - super songs and what a voice! I will definitely be getting more from this man. Find what you can and support the originals!

Billy Boy Arnold - Back Where I Belong

Billy Boy Arnold never became the household name that many other Chicago blues stars did, and that is a damn pity because his talents lay up there with the best. He was one of the first bluesmen to actually be born in Chicago (as opposed to moving up from the south) and he was tutored by none other than the original Sonny Boy Williamson. He worked with Bo Diddley - authoring "Diddley Daddy" and recording "I'm a Man" and "Bo Diddley" - before moving on to a solo career on Vee Jay records. But stardom never came his way and he eventually settled into day jobs and played more for a hobby than a living.

But on this, a 1992 Alligator Records comeback album, he shows that he was still as strong as ever. Backed by a group of LA blues musicians (Guitarist Zach Zunis, pianist Andy Kaulkin, bassist Tom Leavey and drummer Lee Smith), they plow through some terrific numbers.

Of course, the song Arnold is best known for is "I Wish You Would", due to the innumerable cover versions by r'n'r bands, and this is the opener here and it is a stomper! "Move on Down the Road" owes more than a little to Chuck Berry's "Almost Grown" (nothing wrong with that!) and it gives all of the players a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff. They slow things down for a sultry blues in "Fine Young Girl" but then swing back into a groove with "You Got Me Wrong" and "Fool For You" (with hints of "Scratch My Back").

Continuing to mine his Chicago roots, "Wandering Eye" is "borrowed" from "Hootchie Kootchie Man" and then they really get jumpin' with Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips", giving Arnold a chance to really blow. Zunis' guitar comes to the forefront a bit more in "Whiskey, Beer & Reefer" cutting some sharp riffs around Billy's harp. "Prisoner's Plea" is a re-make from Billy Boy's Vee Jay years (thought it sounded familiar!) but given a new rhythm - just enough of a twist to make it fresh.

"High Fashion Woman" is a fine, mid-tempo blues groove decrying the overly skinny female form while they slow down again for "Young and Evil", telling the age-old tale of an unfaithful woman, which again gives everyone some room to move. "Shake the Boogie" is a pretty self-explanatory boogie-blues, while pianist Kaulkin gets to highlight some barrelhouse piano work in the standard "Worried Life Blues" and then they close the proceedings with Arnold's "Streetwise Advisors" - giving advise to the youngsters over a uptempo blues with some hot guitar.

It's a shame that Billy Boy never really got his due, but he has left behind a great body of work and has forever influenced r'n'r and blues musicians. This is a good 'un!

recommended gigs

Friday April 26th - The Psyatics with Fuzz Solow and Urban Disposal at the Motor City Cafe
Friday April 26 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Onyx Theater
Friday April 26 - Bogtrotters Union with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar

Saturday April 27 - Fuzz Solow at Winchester Skate Park 2:00pm
Saturday April 27 - Fuzz Solow at the Dillinger, Boulder City 8:00pm

Saturday May 11 - The Psyatics Record Release Party at the Double Down! With Fuzz Solow and the Tinglerz!

Wednesday May 15, Thee Swank Bastards at the Griffin

Thursday May 16, Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Friday May 17 - Tiger Sex and The Psyatics at Favorites

Saturday May 25 - the Tinglerz at LV Country Saloon with the Detroit Cobras, Throw Rag & the Muffs

Wednesday May 29, Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Saturday June 1 - The Swamp Gospel at the Double Down

Tuesday June 18 - Fuzz Solow and Voodoo Organist at Favorites

What have I forgotten? Lemme know!

I'll add more as I hear about them! Friends - lemme know and I'll list gigs here, for what it's worth!

Joe and Rose Lee Maphis - Ridin' the Frets

Obviously, I picked up several Maphis recordings recently, but this one is a bit different than the others. Here the concentration is on vocals (though he still gets to kick out the hillbilly jams now and again) as he duets with his lovely-voiced wife Rose. This is much more country oriented (though, again, there are plenty of bluegrass influences) and highlights the vocal blend of this couple.

The banjo is prominent on this recording, so Joe's guitar prowess is not pushed to the forefront as much, even on the several instrumentals included. But, it is the vocal, country tunes that are the basis for this album and Joe has a fine voice that works well with Rose's. There are a couple of overly goofy tunes (especially "Henhouse Serenade"), but overall, the songs are quite good.

Maphis gets to work out on a few tunes here, but this is more of an album for lovers of C&W singing than high-energy bluegrass dazzlement. But for that, it is a great one!

Joe Maphis - King of the Strings

This is another terrific instrumental album, aptly named for the C&W/Bluegrass "king of the strings". Here he shows off, once again, his blinding speed and precision and demonstrates how he influenced many musicians to follow.

Plenty of bluegrass influence here, as usual, but lots more, as on "Hot Rod Guitar", the obvious basis for Commander Cody's hit "Hot Rod Lincoln" (with vocals added). Joe is quite at home on banjo in "Banjo Boogie Shuffle", and dedicates a tune to his pal Merle Travis, picking up some of his techniques, on "A Little Bit of Travis". "Double Neck Boogie" explores the two necks of his custom Mosrite guitar while "Invitation to the Blues" is one of his most country-influenced (as opposed to bluegrass) numbers. On "Sweet Rosie" (dedicated to his wife, who he often teamed up with) he shows that he can play gut-stringed, acoustic guitar as well as electric and gives it a jazzy-style. "Coffee Break" is one of his insanely manic tunes, done in a single take, utilizing the full extent of his Mosrite!

Fiddle was Joe's first instrument and he is nearly as fast on this, as is evident on "Scalping the Indians" but he goes back to what he is known for on "Fiddlin' on the Guitar" - taking high-speed fiddle runs and adapting them to guitar. Wild stuff!

While Fire on the Strings would be my first choice as a recommendation for someone looking into Maphis, this is another excellent outing!

Joe Maphis - Fire on the Strings

Joe Maphis is a master - and innovator - of electric bluegrass guitar, and a man who has influenced the sounds of bluegrass, country, surf and rock'n'roll, although he is far from a household name.

Growing up as a Carter Family fan, he taught himself guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin and fiddle and one day while playing rhythm behind a fiddler at a square dance he thought to himself, as the liner notes here say, "why can't a guitar player flatpick fiddle tunes?" He learned how and never looked back!

He had a custom built double neck Mosrite guitar with the top neck shorter so it could be tuned an octave above the standard neck, allowing him access to even more notes! His dazzling speed never lacked finesse or sacrificed tone as he spewed "flurries of twang" (to once again quote the liner notes). I'm tempted to say that he is the Alvin Lee of bluegrass, but I think he is even faster and more precise than Lee!

This record is entirely bluegrass instrumentals and all are excellent, with Maphis blazing on guitar, mandolin and banjo, while backed by a crack team, including fine fiddling, steel guitar and rhythm section. Besides the original album, this CD includes an EP that Maphis recorded with Larry Collins, of the Collins Kids, whom Joe mentored and who was quite the student!

All in all, a stunning example of some of the finest bluegrass playing that you're likely to even here! Prepare to have your mind blown!

Reverend Gary Davis - From Blues to Gospel

I have ranted'n'raved about the Reverend several times in the past and this is another great one. This CD is from a recording session done in 1971 - the year before he died - with just Davis and his 12-string Bozo guitar. His fire and passion come through on some of his better known songs ("Samson & Delilah", "Lord I Wish I Could See") and on some true gospel numbers ("Children of Zion", "I Heard the Angels Singing") and he even plays harmonica for a couple of numbers ("Lost John", "Crow Jane") - no virtuoso on that instrument, but still very effective.

Davis is one of the finest finger-picking guitarists of any style, so I will always recommend his work, but this is particularly solid and cohesive album.

Link Wray & the Wrayman - Slinky - the Epic Sessions '58-'61

While there are many, many Link Wray compilations out there, this is one that should be a given - it compiles all of his Epic Records output and adds 16 unreleased (demos and alternative takes) tunes. Link is joined by brothers Doug on drums and Vernon on rhythm guitar/piano, along with Shorty Horton on bass to give us the classic line up of the Wraymen.

It's Link - you know what you're getting - raw, distorted guitar, primitively effective backing and tons of energy and passion! This has plenty of his best-known instrumental work combined with some terrific vocals by Wray, who lost a lung to tuberculosis so didn't sing much, though he had a cool, r'n'r voice.

What else can I say? This is 46 tracks of Link at his best, and you even get a groovy, informative booklet in the package. Sundazed does it again!

The Astaires, John Fallon and Kaleidoscope - the Bunkhouse, April 22, 2013

Psyche-pop is definitely not common in Las Vegas, so this show, promoted by local scenestress Teresa Kidder, with help from man-about-town John Fallon, was a fine change of pace for our local scene. Hopefully, we will see a growth of 60's-inspired outfits and gigs in our future.

For now, we have our fave teenage garage group, the Astaires, kickin' out the three-chord, fuzz-ridden jams. Young, sharp-dressed, and over-flowing with piss and vinegar (or underage drinking, maybe), the Astaires do their best to tear up any place they play. This night there were a few technical and tuning issues which slowed down the set, and the fact that this was an early show - they started before 9:00pm - meant that the crowd was still arriving during their set. This was the last gig with drummer Ron Paul, so let's hope for bigger and better things when the newest line-up is revealed.

Ex-Steppes John Fallon helped to organize this night and for his set he was backed by son Cromm (Astaires lead signer/guitarist) on bass along with Rob Campanella (ex-Brian Jonestown Massacre) on guitar and Nelson Bragg, from Brian Wilson's band, on drums. Rob and Nelson are Steppes fans who have covered John's tunes in other configurations, so they were a super backing band. The set was relatively short, but filled with cool Steppes tunes, the Stones' "The Last Time" and plenty of fuzz licks and feedback! Bragg is a stellar drummer and added some spectacular power to the party and Rob pulled out hip, melodic guitar lines.  Unbelievably, the four never had a chance to practice together, but they thrilled the crowd (that had filled out by then) and left them wanting more!

Kaleidoscope was a 60's psych band led by singer Peter Daltrey, somewhat in the mold of Syd Barrett-led Pink Floyd, but highly original. He has gathered together a group of stellar musicians to replicate the sounds of the records, including Rob Campanella again, this time on bass. Unfortunately, I don't have everyone's names, but there was a remarkable female drummer (found her - Cheryl Lynn Caddick), a guitarist/keyboardist (who played a Mellotron along with a second keyboard I didn't recognize) and an acoustic/electric guitarist (Christof Wolfgang Certik). This tight conglomeration was able to bring these psychedelic sounds to our humble Bunkhouse - with plenty of vocal and instrumental harmonies and a wide array of interesting and intriguing tones.

As I said, there is not much of a 60's/psych scene in Las Vegas, but regardless, those who were in attendance will be sure to remember this night of fine music!

RIP Richie Havens

Richie Havens, Folk and Woodstock Legend, Dead at 72
 ---
So sad - I was always a big fan after seeing his dynamic performance in the Woodstock movie. He was a great talent.

Defendants, Black Jetts, Pat Todd, Lucky Cheats - Triple B, Saturday April 20

Las Vegas can always use more music venues, so we were happy to hear about Backstage Bar & Billiards (Triple B) opening a few months ago, though this was the first night we were able to make it out to the club. It's a nice, new space, dark and black, outfitted with Anvil cases as furniture and with a good stage with lights and a real sound system. Fair drink prices (not cheap but not expensive, either) and nice staff made it a reasonably comfortable place to go out, though I'm still more at home at dive bars!

This night was a Rank Outside Records showcase - a label run by ex-Lazy Cowgirl leader Pat Todd, who has put out CDs by all of the bands on the bill this nights along with many others. Opening was an LA group, the Defendants, a tight pop-punk-ish group whose sound was sorta a mix of the Lazy Cowgirls and the Zeros. Unfortunately, the sound throughout the night never really jelled so the songs didn't really stand out, but a good way to start the night.

Local Vegas heroes the Black Jetts followed with the debut of new members, including cool cat Davis, the Cowtown Guitars' guitar tech, keyboardist Bess (I hope I got her name right - nope, it is Beth, not Bess) and sit-in monster drummer (borrowed from the Lucky Cheats) Larry Reha (and Larry is their permanent drummer), aiding and abetting guitarist Roy Page (Cowtown's amp tech) and singer Gabe (again - hope I got the name right - you guys need to put more info on your Facebook page!). The sound was still muddy for the Jetts, but they are a heavy punk'n'roll group, loud and aggressive with lots of power and real songs. There were some equipment issues and I wish that the mix was a little clearer cuz I think that they have some real possibilities with two guitars and keys, so I can't wait to see them again! Nice people too!

We've known Pat Todd from about the time he moved the Lazy Cowgirls to LA from Indiana in the mid-80's and it's great that he is still rockin' along and playing the music that he loves. The current Rank Outsiders is slightly less punk and more country than the Cowgirls, but still sounds like Pat! He now has original Cowgirl bassist Keith playing with him and I believe that was the Creamers drummer Bob sporting a beard behind the kit along with guitarists Nick and damn, I still can't find the other guitarist's name - update your Facebook page guys! Anyway, classic Todd songwriting, nice vocal harmonies, some added acoustic guitar on a couple tunes in the middle of the set, and cool r'n'r fire.

Closing the night was our pals, the Lucky Cheats, who I've gone on & on about countless times and who are one of our fave bands in town. By the time their set time came along, a couple of the guys had imbibed a beverage or two, but were still playing spot-on, but were hollerin' and stompin' a little more than when they get up on stage cold. Another equipment problem marred the set when Jeffrey's harp amp broke, meaning he had to play into a PA mic and the soundman could never get it high enough in the mix - and, of course, the harp sound was quite different, as well. But they soldiered on and were the one band that really got the people up and dancing.

Once the room sound gets dialed in a bit better this could be a really fun venue. Hope to see more here soon!

recommended gigs

TONIGHT - Thursday April 18 - Benefit for Push Forward at the Beauty Bar with the SWAMP GOSPEL and Crazy Chief

Friday April 19 - Tiger Sex (featuring Kei from the Tinglerz) with the Gashers at the Double Down

Saturday April 20 - Record Store Day - be sure to pick up the Zia Records compilation with the Swamp Gospel's "The Devil Got Religion"!
Saturday April 20 - The Lucky Cheats, Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders, Black Jets and Defendents - Triple B

Monday April 22 - Kaleidoscope UK, the Astaires and Steppes jam with John Fallon (Steppes), Rob Campanella (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Nelson Bragg - Bunkhouse

Wednesday April 24 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Friday April 26th - The Psyatics with Rob's daughter's band, the Hecks, along with Urban Disposal at the Motor City Cafe
Friday April 26 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Onyx Theater
Friday April 26 - Bogtrotters Union with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar

Saturday May 11 - The Psyatics Record Release Party at the Double Down! With Fuzz Solow and the Tinglerz!

Friday May 17 - Tiger Sex and The Psyatics at Favorites

Saturday June 1 - The Swamp Gospel at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know!

I'll add more as I hear about them! Friends - lemme know and I'll list gigs here, for what it's worth!

Buck Owens - All Time Greatest Hits

As I have said, I am only recently starting to appreciate C&W music and have been exploring some of the music of the bigger stars in the field. Buck Owens was a pioneer of the "Bakersfield Sound", the r'n'r influenced country music emanating from the California city of the same name. As Wikipedia says "His signature style was based on simple storylines, infectious choruses, a twangy electric guitar, an insistent rhythm supplied by a drum track placed forward in the mix, and high two-part harmonies featuring Owens and his guitarist Don Rich."

This collection starts with the song most known by rock'n'rollers due to the Beatles covering it early on (with a goofy Ringo Starr vocal), "Act Naturally". Truthfully, I don't know many of the other songs here, although many of them were #1 C&W hits for Buck.

Due to the harmony vocals, there is a similarity - to me, at least - between some of these numbers and the Everly Brothers - a good thing, for certain! There are plenty of traditional, twangy guitar solos, some nice pedal steel guitar and good pop songwriting. The production is pretty slick - I generally like a little more grit in my music - but I suppose that is standard for most C&W.

I would say that this would be a good place for rock'n'rollers looking into good, traditional country music. And thankfully, he avoids the overt corniness of some C&W - despite being the host of Hee Haw for a number of years! Nice stuff.

Ike & Tina Turner Live in '71 (DVD)

Got this DVD somewhere (surprised that I haven't written about it before) but just watched the concert on NetFlix and was once again blown away! Someone please let me know if there is any act today doing a revue that is even close to this! I love the whole structured revue, including the MC who introduces Ike, then the Ikettes, then Tina. Classic!

I have heard some Ike & Tina concerts where the band was a little thin, but that is certainly not the case here. Besides Ike's tasty guitar licks, there is another hot lead guitarist, bass, drums and a full horn section. This really brings to life songs like their take on Sly Stone's "I Want to Take You Higher" and their revision of Tina's hit with Phil Spector, "River Deep, Mountain High".

The set includes some of their classic covers like "Come Together", "Honky Tonk Women" and, of course, their biggest hit, "Proud Mary". Plenty of other great tunes, as well, though no "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter", even though the MC mentions it!

Of course, the star of the show here is Tina, with her incredible voice and fantastic moves, but the Ikettes add quite a lot to the visuals. They are all stunningly beautiful and amazingly sexy with super-short mini-dresses that don't allow for bras. The choreography really gives a whole 'nother dimension to the songs and simply moves can be highly sensual or crazily frantic. And judging from the fact that the majority of the audience here was male (and mostly white, but this was recorded in Holland, which could explain that), I'm sure these women were a big reason why many were in attendance!

All is all, a pretty perfect example of a rockin' soul revue!

Neil Young - Fork in the Road

I am a huge Neil Young fan, but, as with any artist and especially one as prolific as Young, not everything is going to hit with everyone. This is one of those cases. Not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but just not top Young.

The topic here is cars and conservation and the record is eco-car-centric, which I can appreciate, but few of the tunes really stick with you. The title cut is a nice "rolling down the road" number, but not much else is memorable.

This is another CD that I got from our local library so it did not include the DVD that makes up the package, so I can't comment on that.

Good, but not great, Neil. There are lots better albums by the man, but even his worse is better than some others at their peak. Really for fans only, I'd say.

recommended gigs

Saturday April 13 - Thee Swank Bastards - Double Down

Sunday April 14 - Crazy Chief at Triple B

Wednesday April 17 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Griffin

Thursday April 18 - Benefit for Push Forward at the Beauty Bar with the SWAMP GOSPEL and Crazy Chief

Friday April 19 - Tiger Sex (featuring Kei from the Tinglerz) with the Gashers at the Double Down

Saturday April 20 - Record Store Day - be sure to pick up the Zia Records compilation with the Swamp Gospel's "The Devil Got Religion"!
Saturday April 20 - The Lucky Cheats, Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders, Black Jets and Defendents - Triple B

Monday April 22 - Kaleidoscope UK, the Astaires and Steppes jam with John Fallon (Steppes), Rob Campanella (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Nelson Bragg - Bunkhouse

Wednesday April 24 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Friday April 26th - The Psyatics with Rob's daughter's band, the Hecks, along with Urban Disposal at the Motor City Cafe
Friday April 26 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Onyx Theater
Friday April 26 - Bogtrotters Union with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar

Friday May 17 - Tiger Sex and The Psyatics at Favorites

Saturday June 1 - The Swamp Gospel at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know!

I'll add more as I hear about them! Friends - lemme know and I'll list gigs here, for what it's worth!

The Miracle Workers - Live at the Forum

The Miracle Workers were one of my favorite bands of the late 80's/early 90's (and good friends) and a precursor to what is now known as "punk'n'roll", though they were simply taking the garage-punk that they had always played and filtered it through Detroit high-energy. Great songwriting, great playing, cool stage presence - they were the complete package. It's only because it is an unfair world that they never hit big.

This live record is a document of their tour after releasing Primary Domain - one of their best albums. They had been to Europe before (we toured together on the first Euro tours for either of our bands) and the audiences there loved them and treated them like stars. The enthusiasm does really shine through on this recording, unfortunately - apparently this is a board recording so the audience is barely heard. But the group is on fire, as per usual, and this is a souvenir that I know many of their fans cherish.

With a set list combining songs from throughout their career mixed with Workers-ized covers, this gives you items that you won't hear anywhere else. They learned "Evil Woman" from Black Sabbath's version (as opposed to the Crow original) and I hope that they did not have to live through that tale! They also blast through "Slow Death", "You Got Your Head on Backwards" (remembering their garage roots), and "No Fun" (they could perform just about any Stooges/MC5 song at this point) along with originals like "She Came to Stay", "Patron Saint", "Ninety-Nine", "Memory Lane", "Already Gone" and "That Ain't Me". All amazingly rockin'!

Any fan of 80's garage, punk'n'roll or just good music should own this! Makes me miss this time!

PS - the cover shown is completely different that the original, which was a drawing from cartoonist Joe Sacco, who toured with them and created a comic book from the experience which captured the guys perfectly! I guess the anatomically correct Centaurs might have been a bit much for some sellers!

Muddy Waters - Classic Concerts (DVD)

Oh yes, Muddy "Mississippi" Waters - one of the giants among men and an innovator of the electric blues sound that is still the standard today. This DVD takes clips from three eras of the man's career to give us 90 minutes or so of classic Muddy along with some interview clips.

The first show is the legendary Newport Jazz Festival from 1960, where Waters is supported by James Cotton (harp), Otis Spann (piano), Pat Harae (guitar) along with a groovin' rhythm section. Most blues lovers will be familiar with the footage of "Got My Mojo Workin'" and "Hoochie Coochie Man", but here the sound has been synced up with the stereo sound from the album that was recorded this day to give a greater experience. But this also includes previously unseen clips, such as the band's version of "Rollin Stone" (on record, this was just Muddy) and the finale of "Mean Mistreater" where most of the blues performers appearing at the festival come up on stage for a raucous closing.

Secondly, we get to see Waters' group in 1968 in Copenhagen, where they are a little more modernly styled (turtlenecks and small afros) and outfitted with Guild guitars - they had an endorsement deal then. The sound & video quality is much improved here and the performances - a couple hits and a number of lesser known, but still great tunes - are top notch!

Finally we get the band that helped foster his 70's revival (along with Johnny Winter) on his Hard Again album, performing here at Molde Jazz Festival in 1977. This is yet another whole different line-up but again are stellar players, including stand-out harpist Jerry Portnoy, guitarist Bob Margolin (who did the liner notes for this and the CD re-issues of his come-back albums) along with fellow legend Pinetop Perkins.

What can I say? Muddy can really do little wrong and these are some terrific performances. Yes, you should own this!

The Lucky Cheats at Bar 702, Las Vegas, 4-6-13

This local dive bar has had an identity crisis for a while now. After years as the Sand Dollar (where it made its name as a blues club), it then became the Bikini Bar, which was short-lived, reverted to the Sand Dollar and is now the unfortunately-named Bar 702. Sorry, cats, but Sand Dollar is a much better name!

In any case, this club is still hosting blues events, such as this blues jam that had the Lucky Cheats as the house band. I have ranted'n'raved about this cool blues combo before and will many more times, I am sure.  Always a fun time, always friendly cats and always rockin'!

Propelled by drummer Larry Reha, the group's dynamics really make the songs, as they power through covers such as "Do the Do", "I Wish You Would" and "Shake Your Hips". Repetitive, hypnotic riffs that never get boring as Reha plays off the rest, bassist Luke Metz holds down the fort and harp player Jeffrey Koenig and guitarist Wade Braggs trade licks. These tunes are ingrained into their souls and because of that they can play off of each other and actually enjoy themselves on stage. It is kinda refreshing to see people on stage laughing and having a good time as one or another tries something new and brings something different to the tune.

I never tire of seeing these guys and if you haven't, you don't know what you're missing! Their next show will be a good one - April 20 at the Triple B with Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders and the Black Jetts. Be there!

recommended gigs

First Friday April 5 - Crazy Chief at Cowtown Guitars

Saturday April 13 - Thee Swank Bastards - Double Down

Sunday April 14 - Crazy Chief at Triple B

Wednesday April 17 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Griffin

Thursday April 18 - Benefit for Push Forward at the Beauty Bar with the SWAMP GOSPEL and Crazy Chief

Friday April 19 - Tiger Sex (featuring Kei from the Tinglerz) with the Gashers at the Double Down

Saturday April 20 - Record Store Day - be sure to pick up the Zia Records compilation with the Swamp Gospel's "The Devil Got Religion"!
Saturday April 20 - The Lucky Cheats, Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders, Black Jets and Defendents - Triple B

Monday April 22 - Kaleidoscope UK, the Astaires and Steppes jam with John Fallon (Steppes), Rob Campanella (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Nelson Bragg - Bunkhouse

Wednesday April 24 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Friday April 26th - The Psyatics with Rob's daughter's band, the Hecks, along with Urban Disposal at the Motor City Cafe
Friday April 26 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Onyx Theater

Friday May 17 - Tiger Sex & The Psyatics at Favorites

Saturday June 1 - The Swamp Gospel at the DOuble Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know!

I'll add more as I hear about them! Friends - lemme know and I'll list gigs here, for what it's worth!

Vee Jay - The Definitive Collection

Vee Jay is probably best known as the first label to license the Beatles in America as well as releasing The Four Seasons' hits but they had so much more! This 4 CD set is a mix of fantastic blues, amazing doo-wop and cool early rock'n'roll.

Some of the stars included here are Jimmy Reed - his terrific and essential hits were with Vee Jay - the early (fantastic) Staples Singers, John Lee Hooker, and an amazing array of others. Vee Jay had an impressive number of hits - besides the blues records, there were doo-wop smashes like the Spaniels' "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight", El Dorados' "At My Front Door", the Dells' "Oh What a Night", "For Your Precious Love" and "Make It Easy on Yourself" by Jerry Butler & the Impressions, the fairly incomprehensible "Shambalor" by Sheriff & the Ravels, Jerry Butler's classic "He Will Break Your Heart", the hits "Raindrops" by Dee Clark and "Every Beat of my Heart" by the Pips, Gene Chadler's massive "Duke of Earl", and plenty of others.

This set has some dynamite blues, though - Floyd Jones' "Ain't Times Hard", LC McKinley's "Blue Evening",  Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You Would" (that was covered zillions of times from the 60's on), Eddie Taylor's "Bad Boy", the jump blues classic "Hands Off" by Jay McShann, the rockin' "Oop de Oop" by Earl Phillips, Al Smith's Combo's groovy "Fooling Around Slowly", the hoppin' "Rock'n'Roll Mama" by Camille Howard, the great Pee Wee Clayton's "Telephone is Ringing", Elmore James' "It Hurts Me Too", the sultry "Blues Get Off of My Shoulder" by Bobby Parker, Memphis Slim's stompin' "Steppin' Out" (made famous by Cream), Roscoe Gordon's "Just a Little Bit" (innumerable covers), Christine Kittrell's "I'm a Woman", and, yes, lots more!

Gospel is also represented, such as the oddly named Highway QC's and their "Somewhere to Lay My Head", the Staples Singers powerful early work, such as "Uncloudy Day" (love this stuff that's just voices and Pops Staples' guitar), the Harmonizing Four's "Farther Along", the Original Five Blind Boys doing "Leave You in the Hands of the Lord", "Mary Don't You Weep" by the Swan Silvertones, "Old Ship of Zion" by the Sallie Martin Singers, and, you guessed it - still more!

There are a few oddities, like the jazz-pop of "Exodus" by Eddie Harris, the leap onto the surf wagon (or board, I suppose) in "Body Surf" by Aki Aleong and the Nobles, the early soul/pop of Betty Everett with the original "You're No Good" and the "Shoop Shoop Song", the early British beat/rock'n'roll of "Have I the Right" by the Honeycombs (one of the first pop bands with a female drummers), the country-rock of Hoyt Axton's "Bring Your Lovin'", Gloria Jones' soul rocker "Tainted Love", Billy Preston (long before he was hanging out with the Beatles and the Stones) doing the swinging instrumental "Billy's Bag" (showing he had his style early on), and the whole shee-bang ends with the fabulous Little Richard doing a wonderful gospel-styled soul tune, "I Don't Know What You Got But It's Got Me".

Looking at it from the modern day of mega-record-companies that require millions of dollars of promotion for any record to become a hit, it is pretty damn amazing that this small, independent label was responsible for so many huge records. This fantastic 4 disc set goes a long way in showing their legacy. Unfortunately, I don't have the booklet that accompanies this, but the music alone is well worth it.