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