JUNE – AUGUST 2008

SPECIAL DOUBLE-ISSUE

Issue 196 Contents

Voices From Chicago
By Scott Barretta
Photos by Bill Steber

Living Blues sent writer Scott Barretta and photographer Bill Steber on a mission to find what Chicago has to offer blues fans on a random week in the middle of the winter. Rather than "the death of the blues," they found a vibrant and active blues scene seven nights a week.

Voices From Chicago—The Profiles
By Scott Barretta
Photos by Bill Steber

Chicago musicians recognize the importance of blues education and conveying the language of the blues to the next generation. We profile eight artists and educators who have made it their mission to pass the torch.

Chicago Through The Years—Albums And Singles
By Jim DeKoster

Veteran LB reviewer Jim DeKoster put together lists of some of the best Chicago blues releases by year. Other lists can be found throughout the issue and on page 103.

The Chicago Blues Festival—Through The Years
By Jim O'Neal

LB founding editor Jim O'Neal traces the history of the Chicago Blues Festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Northern Southern Soul—The Chicago Scene
By David Whiteis

Soul music has been a significant part of Chicago's music scene since the 1960s. Author David Whiteis provides an overview of Chicago soul today.

Shadows of Maxwell Street
By Justin O'Brien

Maxwell Street, long the funkiest market in Chicago and the home to countless street musicians, is no longer what it used to be. Post-gentrification, we asked, what is left of the old Maxwell Street?

Billy Boy Arnold—Remembering Chicago
By Scott Barretta

Veteran blues musician Billy Boy Arnold gives Scott Barretta and Bill Steber a tour of Chicago blues sites from back in the day.

Chicago Blues History—A Timeline
By Justin O'Brien

Author Justin O'Brien traces Chicago blues back to its roots, citing major events along the way.

Restvale Cemetery—Where The Blues Goes To Die
By Steve Sharp

Restvale Cemetery is home to the graves of more bluesmen than any other Chicago cemetery.

Record Reviews

New releases by Elmore James Jr., Billy Boy Arnold, and Walter Wolfman Washington.

Reissues from Andrew Brown and Music Maker.

New DVDs by Rory Block, Paul Geremia, and Carlos Santana.


Editorial
Letters
Blues News
Awards Ballot
Chicago Blues Album Essentials
A tourist's guide to Chicago
Obituaries
Radio Charts

Issue 195 Contents:

The Mannish Boys – L.A. Blues All-Stars

By Lee Hildebrand

The California-based band the Mannish Boys have quickly become one of the most popular blues bands in the country. The four-year-old band is a sort of blues "supergroup" featuring some of the hottest California blues musicians as well as three venerable frontmen/vocalists, Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, and newest member Bobby Jones. Our story follows the band in the studio recording their fourth and introduces us to each of the current members of the band.

Larry Johnson - My Story Should Be Told

By Barry Lee Pearson

Acoustic bluesman Larry Johnson has been plying his trade for over 40 years now. Schooled by some of the masters—Reverend Gary Davis, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, and others—Johnson soon became an accomplished performer. Always keeping true to his vision of the blues, Johnson’s life story is the unique tale of a post-war solo acoustic bluesman making it in New York City.

Big T Williams and Wesley "Junebug" Jefferson – They Jukin’ Hard

By Mark Coltrain

Tried and true Mississippi Delta musicians, Big T Williams and Wesley "Junebug" Jefferson have recently paired up to create their own rockin’ juke joint sound. With their first CD out, the pair has begun traveling around the country playing their music, but you might just as easily find them playing in their hometown Clarksdale, Mississippi juke joints, which is where we caught up with them.

Harmonica Shah - Motor City Mojo

By Dave Ruthenberg

Detroit native Seward "Harmonica" Shah has been honing his harp blowing skills for over 30 years in the rough and tumble Motor City. A former Ford Motors factory worker, Shah has watched his hometown fall into decay, taking with it a once vital blues scene. But Shah is struggling hard to keep the voice of the blues alive in Detroit.

Record Reviews

New releases by Honeyboy Edwards, Eddy Clearwater, and Liz McComb.

Reissues from B.B. King, Mosaic Records, and Tompkins Square.

New DVDs of Howlin’ Wolf and Albert Collins.

Editorial

Letters

Blues News

Breaking Out – Elmore James Jr.

Obituaries

Radio Charts

 
DECEMBER 2007

Issue 193 Contents

Lurrie Bell – Surviving The Blues

By Deitra Farr

The life journey of bluesman Lurrie Bell has been one of intense highs and desperate lows. The son of blues harp master Carey Bell, Lurrie was born into the blues. The young rising star was making marks for himself in the blues world when drugs, alcohol abuse, and mental illness brought his world crashing down. But through love and determination Lurrie Bell began to rise again, only to be devastated once again this year by the deaths of his life partner and his father. But Lurrie Bell's life story is one of survival, not defeat. Strong, healthy, and determined Lurrie has just released a new album on his own label. Last month Lurrie Bell sat down with longtime friend and fellow blues performer Deitra Farr to tell his story.

Mac Arnold – Cornbread And Collard Greens

By Tim Holek

Greenville, South Carolina–based Mac Arnold has toyed with fame all his life. His first band included a young piano player named James Brown; after moving to Chicago he recorded with Otis Spann; later that year he ran into Muddy Waters when he was looking for a bass player and was hired on the spot. After moving to California he hooked up with his old friend Don Cornelius and the two launched a TV show called Soul Train. Arnold even played bass on the Sanford And Son theme song. But these days Arnold is the one out front. And with his second album just released, Mac Arnold is enjoying the role.

Pops Carter – 88 Years In The Making

By Jon Black

Hidden in small towns across America are local blues legends—men and women who for one reason or another never recorded, moved to the big city, or became national stars, but who are adored by their local fans. One such local hero is Pops Carter. At 88 years old Carter has just cut his first album and is living large in the North Dallas community of Denton, Texas.

Shakey And I – Memories Of Chicago And Big Walter Horton

By Charlie Musselwhite

When a young Charlie Musselwhite moved from his hometown of Memphis to Chicago in 1962 he suddenly found himself surrounded by the very musicians he had been hearing on record for years. Already a gifted harp player, Musselwhite soon found himself sharing the stage with these bluesmen. In 1963 Musselwhite was introduced to Big Walter Horton, and the two formed a friendship that lasted for two decades. This story is Musselwhite's personal remembrance of those years.

"Bad Bad" Leroy Brown – Perhaps Not Quite So Bad After All

By Justin O'Brien

"Bad, Bad Leroy Brown/Baddest man in the whole dang town," sang Jim Croce on his 1971 hit. Was Chicago's LeRoy Joyce one and the same?

Record Reviews

New CDs by Lurrie Bell, Sharrie Williams, and Howard Tate.

Reissues from Gatemouth Brown, Magic Slim, and the Staple Singers.

DVDs from Stax Records, Willie King and Solomon Burke.

Editorial

Blues News

Breaking Out

Obituaries       

Radio Charts

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2007
Issue 192 Contents

Cover photo: James "Blood" Ulmer at the Pocono Blues Festival, 2005.
Credit: Joseph A. Rosen

James "Blood" Ulmer – There Is Power In The Blues
By Mark Camarigg

The odyssey of James "Blood" Ulmer has been a long and curious one. Starting in gospel groups in his native South Carolina, Ulmer later moved to Pittsburg to play R&B, then he went to Detroit and played jazz. During the 1970s Ulmer played guitar with Ornette Coleman and released a string of albums under his own name. In 2001 Ulmer was coaxed into the studio by friend and Living Colour frontman Vernon Reid do what has turned out to be a four album journey into the blues.

Marie Knight – If It Don't Come Up From The Inside, Forget It
By Lee Hildebrand

The former musical partner of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marie Knight had a long and fruitful musical career of her own. After leaving the music business nearly twenty years ago to become a minister in the Gates of Prayer Church, Knight has recently been coaxed out of retirement to record a stunning album of Reverend Gary Davis' songs with former Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell as guitarist and producer.

Sharrie Williams – One Heart, One Beat
By Scott Bock

Saginaw, Michigan based blueswoman Sharrie Williams is making a name for herself in Europe as well as in the United States. With two current releases out this looks to be a big year for Willaims.

Blind Lemon Jefferson – Draft Card Blues
By Jonathan Black

A newly uncovered 1917 government document sheds light on some of the mysteries surrounding pre-war Texas blues legend Blind Lemon Jefferson.

Record Reviews

New CDs by Nappy Brown, Bettye LaVette, Corey Harris, and Nathaniel Mayer.

Reissues from Vee-Jay Records, John Lee Hooker, and Arthur Alexander.

Editorial
Blues News
Breaking Out
Obituaries
Radio Charts

191 Contents

Cover photo: Nappy Brown, Charlotte, North Carolina, June 2007.
Credit: Gene Tomko


Nappy Brown –
By Scott M. Bock

One of the last of the original "blues shouters" from the 1950s, Nappy Brown is still going strong. Brown, who just recorded a new studio album, was one of the most popular blues vocalists of the mid-1950s with hits like Don't Be Angry, (My Heart Goes) Pitter, Patter, and his most popular number, The Right Time—better known to most fans as Night Time Is The Right Time. Brown looks back over a 50-plus-year career from his hit-making days with Savoy Records to his 1980s comeback and his continued success as a live performer.


"Gorgeous" George Stancell-
By Steve Sharp

Milwaukee-based bluesman George Stancell has spent a lifetime grinding out the blues in a working-class town. Stancell, a self-taught guitarist, has played in blues bands since the early 1960s. His music combines deep blues guitar, original songs, and his rich baritone vocals into a winning sound.


Blues In Black And White: The Landmark Ann Arbor Blues Festivals—The Photography of Stanley Livingston, Part 2.

In 1969 Stanley Livingston, a talented young photographer and budding blues fan, had the opportunity of a lifetime. The legendary Ann Arbor Blues Festival was happening in his hometown. With unlimited access, Livingston took over 9,000 photographs at the 1969 and 1970 festivals. The lineup was a dream list of blues who's who from prewar legends like Son House and Roosevelt Sykes to contemporary giants like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker. These never-before-seen photographs are an un-mined gem of blues history. This is part two of a photo essay begun in LB 190.


Malcolm Chisholm—Inside the booth at Chess Records
By David Whiteis

From 1955 to1973 Malcolm Chisholm was the primary recording engineer for the famous Chess Records. Chisholm was responsible for recording the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Ahmad Jamal, the Dells and even Chuck Berry's classics Maybellene and Johnny B. Goode. His story offers a fascinating look behind the studio glass at one of the most important labels in music history.

Record Reviews

New CDs by Bobby Rush, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, Joe Louis Walker, and Duke Robillard.

Reissues from Muddy Waters, Carla Thomas, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson.

Editorial
Blues News
Breaking Out
Radio Charts
2007 Living Blues Awards

Check out the latest issue of Living Blues! Subscribe today at www.livingblues.com!

#190 Contents

Cover photo: Luther Allison, Ann Arbor Blues Festival, 1970.
Credit: Stanley Livingston

Splash – 2007 LB Awards Ballot of pg. 79

Blues In Black And White: The Landmark Ann Arbor Blues Festivals—The Photography of Stanley Livingston.
Introduction by Michael Erlewine

In 1969 Stanley Livingston, a talented young photographer and blues fan, had the opportunity of a lifetime. The now-legendary Ann Arbor Blues Festival was happening in his hometown. With unlimited access, Livingston took over 9,000 photographs at the 1969 and 1970 festivals. The lineup was a dream list of blues who's who from prewar legends like Son House and Roosevelt Sykes to contemporary giants like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker. These never-before-seen photographs are an un-mined gem of blues history.

Big James Montgomery
By Tim Holek

Big James Montgomery, two-time winner of the LB critic's choice award, fronts one of the hottest Chicago blues bands—and does so with a trombone as his lead instrument. Montgomery cut his teeth playing in the bands of Little Milton, Albert King, and others and today blends a refreshing mix of blues, funk, and soul into a unique sound.

Wallace Coleman
By Larry Nager

Cleveland-based harp player Wallace Coleman honed his skills watching Sonny Boy Williamson (II). Later he landed a decade-long gig as a sideman with Robert Lockwood Jr. On his own now, Coleman has released four CDs and is touring heavily.

The Lee Boys
By Scott Bock

The Lee Boys are carrying on the sounds of the Florida-based branch of sacred steel music. Rooted in the sounds of Reverend Glenn Lee, Henry Nelson, and the Campbell Brothers, the Lee Boys are mixing the secular influences of soul, R&B, and rap with their gospel roots, bringing a fresh take on sacred steel music.


Big Maybelle's Roots
By David Freeland

Maybelle Louise Smith, "Big Maybelle," was one of the most popular vocalists in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her hit Candy still sounds scorching today. But Maybelle's life was a complex and often dark journey.

Record Reviews

New CDs by Koko Taylor, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Denise LaSalle and Big T and Wesley Jefferson.

Reissues from Gatemouth Brown, SPV Records, and the Numero Group.

Editorial
Blues News
Catching Up With…Big Pete Pearson
Radio Charts

Hello dear friends and fans of blues!

Since the latest issue of Living Blues is just out, we've decided to offer all our Myspace pals a special limited time offer to subscribe to the magazine.

From April 11, 2007 until April 20, 2007, you can get a year's subscription to Living Blues for only $18.00!

That's $7.95 off our usual rate!

Just surf over to www.livingblues.com and enter the coupon code, BLU and a year's worth of the best in blues journalism, photography, and album reviews will be yours with only a few clicks of your mouse!

Subscribe today!

Thanks,

LB Staff

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST ISSUE!!!

 

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Mississippi Hill Country Blues – The Next Generation

By Scott Barretta, Mark Camarigg, Mark Coltrain, and Bill Steber

Photography by Bill Steber

 

Over the last two decades Mississippi hill country blues has become increasingly popular. With the successful late careers of R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Otha Turner most blues fans tuned into the driving, often hypnotic sounds that come out of this little corner of Mississippi. With the passing of the elders, LB decided it was a good time to check on the scene in our own back yard. We found it still vibrant, vital, and growing. In this issue we profile eight artists who are all children (real or "adopted") or grandchildren of the early masters.

 

Hill Country Blues

By David Evans

 

David Evans, the foremost authority on Mississippi hill country blues, gives an overview of the history of the scene and examines what makes the music unique.

 

A Tribute To Robert Lockwood Jr.

Compiled by Mark Coltrain and Mark Camarigg

 

 

2007 Annual Living Blues Festival Guide

 

Our annual festival guide is back and better than ever. Plan your blues vacations for the entire year.

 

 

Record Reviews

 

New CDs by James "Blood" Ulmer, Phillip Walker, Jimmy Burns, Mavis Staples, and more.

 

Reissues from Stax Records, Mercury Records, T-Bone Walker and others.

 

Editorial

Blues News

Radio Charts

Hello all you wonderful blues fans and musicians!

Check out Living Blues' newest #1 friend: Highway 61 Radio. It's a weekly blues show produced for Mississippi Public Radio and it runs every Saturday night all over our fair state not to mention being hosted by Scott Barretta, former editor of Living Blues.

2007 is the year of Mississippi Blues for Highway 61! They're profiling Mississippi blues artists past, present, and future all year this year. You can listen to archived shows online by surfing over to www.highway61radio.org. And if you want to listen on Saturday nights, there's a link to MPB's online broadcast website.

Check them out and add them to your friends list!

You won't be sorry.

Thanks and keep bluesin' it up!

Living Blues Staff

PS - Be on the lookout for our latest issue in just a couple weeks! We're profiling the second generation of North Mississippi Hill Country Musicians!!!

 

Hello dear friends,

 

Our latest issue of Living Blues is out! Get one hot off the press or go subscribe at www.livingblues.com.

 

Details about #188 are below.

 

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Mel Waiters

By Scott Barretta

 

Reigning king of southern soul Mel Waiters tells us his story and why he is in it for the long haul. Waiters discusses his upbringing in San Antonio, Texas, singing in the church choir, learning to play the drums, and playing in his first band. During the 1970s–'80s, Waiters was a popular local DJ and began to cut records of his own. Over the last decade his career has surged since signing with Jackson, Mississippi–based Malaco Records and releasing his huge hit Hole In The Wall. Waiters talks candidly about the stigma of the blues label, southern soul, and the future of his music.

 

 

Phillip Walker

By Lee Hildebrand

 

California-based blues guitarist Phillip Walker is back on the scene with a hot new record and a renewed touring schedule. Writer Lee Hildebrand talked with Walker about his days in Clifton Chenier's band, his early years in the California blues scene, and the changes he's seen over the years.

 

Willie Young

By Steve Sharp

 

Chicago sax player Willie Young has spent over five decades backing some of the biggest names in the blues. Young began his blues career blowing behind Otis Rush in the early 1950s, followed by an eight-year stint with Howlin' Wolf. Over the years Young has backed numerous others including Elmore James, Johnny Littlejohn, Magic Sam, Eddie King, and many more. At age 84 Young is still blowing the blues.

 

 

Record Reviews

 

New CDs by Otis Rush, Keb' Mo', Otis Taylor, and more.

 

Reissues by John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, Bobby Powell, and others.

 

 

 

Editorial

Blues News

Obituaries

Radio Charts