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from IllinoisBlues.com

January 16, 2008           

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News, reviews, live Blues show links AND MUCH MORE at Bottom! - Scroll Down!


Hey Blues Fans,

We are sorry to report that Bob Enos, longtime trumpet player for Roomful of Blues, died in his sleep in his hotel room in Douglas, Georgia, early Friday morning, January 11, 2008 of suspected heart failure. He was 60. Roomful of Blues had played the Douglas Country Club the previous night. The band was on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday to perform on The Legendary Blues Cruise. Roomful of Blues is continuing its current tour with former band member John Wolfe taking Enos's place. To read the full Alligator Records press release, CLICK HERE

Bob Enos

Roomful Of Blues Trumpet Player
July 4, 1947 - January 11, 2008

New to the Blues Blast & IllinoisBlues.com CLICK HERE to go directly to the IllinoisBlues.com list of Live Blues Music. Click a link for more Blues content.   Reviews  Links  Audio Interviews  Photos Videos  Blues Radio   To advertise your blues shows or event for FREE Click HERE!   To see The Blues Blast Archives Click HERE

 Blues Link of the Week

http://www.alligator.com/

If you love the Blues you already know that Bruce Iglauer is a Blues icon. His Alligator Records is the 900 lb gorilla of Blues record companies. With a catalog of over 200 titles, Alligator Records is the largest independent Blues record label in the world. If you want to expand your Blues CD collection this is a good place to start.

CLICK HERE to read how Mr. Iglauer went from a young man hooked by the Blues when he first heard the great Mississippi Fred McDowell to the planet's Blues record mogul.

For more Blues links  CLICK HERE to visit the IllinoisBlues.com Links Page

If you know of a COOL Blues link, please send it to


 Streaming Blues Link of the Week

SWEET HOME CHICAGO - (France)

 http://perso.orange.fr/shc/

This site is in French! Not really a live streaming station but a one hour Blues radio program that you can listen to anytime via a stream. They talk in French. They play some great Blues. Click Here to listen to the most recent show.

Check out other great Blues Music Streams Click HERE

 Other IMPORTANT News   Help Save the music! CLICK HERE to Keep Blues Radio Alive!


 Featured Blues Reviews 

James “Skyy Dobro” Walker , noted Blues writer and Blues Blast contributor reviews a CD by Popa Chubby - Electric Chubbyland Volumes 1 & 2

Popa Chubby
Electric Chubbyland Volumes 1 & 2

Blind Pig Records
www.popachubby.com

By James “Skyy Dobro” Walker

Volume 1: 12 songs; 64:38 minutes; Meritable
Volume 2: 10 songs; 67:11 minutes; Meritable

New York City native Ted “Popa Chubby” Horowitz claims that playing the “Hendrix stuff” made him self conscious, but it did get him back to why he started playing music in the first place – the excitement and the raw power.

Jimi Hendrix expanded the limits of electric rock guitar more than anyone before or since. Hendrix was a master at squeezing all manner of sonics from his instrument, often with early wah-wah pedals and innovative amplification experiments that produced incredible feedback and space-time distortion. But, as you may recall, not everyone liked the over-the-top guitar excess of Jimi Hendrix, and to be honest, some of what he played, especially live, was terrible. Some of this project equals both extremes.

So, why Play Hendrix? “Good Question” said Popa. “In 1996 a Dutch promoter [created] a Jimi Hendrix music festival. Over the next several years I was slammed with fan requests to play and record Hendrix. In 2005, the blues and rock thing came together like never before. In 2006, I decided to record the project at a club in Middletown, New York. Electric Chubbyland was born. From the start it was a record for the people. Requested by the fans and played live to make sure that special spark of energy... came through. I love playing Hendrix with my own spin. Loud and proud for all the people!” 

Those Popa Chubby fans to which he refers will undoubtedly enjoy these CDs the most; Jimi fans next, and after that is unclear. But, do not dismiss Chubby without a listen. Certain I was not going to like him, I saw him live at the 2006 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Popa Chubby turned my head around with his deft guitar playing. About as wide as he was tall, Horowitz played a first for me, “Keep On The Sunny Side” arranged as a scorching Rock and Roll number.

Born Ted Horowitz, in 1990 the “Popa Chubby” Band was born. The name was taken from an impromptu jam with Bernie Worrell of Parliament-Funkadelic. “He was singing a song called 'Popa Chubby' and he pointed at me.” The name captured the essence of what his music has come to represent. “Popa Chubby basically means to get excited [and/or sexually aroused]. The core of my music is about excitement. I think music should make people feel alive.”

Some of the Hendrix songs will bring back good memories as Chubby re-creates Jimi’s power trio with AJ Pappas on bass and Chris Reddan on drums. He even throws down a couple of Blues numbers, “Catfish Blues” and a slow burning “Red House,” amid classics like “Manic Depression” and “The Wind Cries Mary.”

If you are not at all familiar with Popa Chubby, but you are now curious enough to give a listen, I would recommend starting with, rather than Electric Chubbyland, Booty and The Beast. This Tom Dowd engineered/produced album was released in 1994, and the single, “Sweet Goddess Of Love and Beer,” soon swept the country and became a summer radio hit coast to coast in 1995.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.

 


IllinoisBlues.com also features a  book review by Blues Songwriter, Musician, DJ and Journalist, Ben Cox.

Can’t Be Satisfied: The Life & Times of Muddy Waters
by Robert Gordon

320 Pages

Memphis musicologist Robert Gordon undertook the gargantuan task of recreating a legend that would belittle even the most researched and most knowledgeable. How can one simply recreate a man who single-handedly brought the world the electric blues and defined Chicago blues in the fifties? In all honesty, you really can’t. Gordon, however, realistically does put the argument to the test and has raised the bar for any biographies of blues legends to come after it.

Spending years of gleaning information from interviews, reviews, and music history and then taking on the task of gathering information from his contemporaries and family; Gordon adds a human element to the blues legend that had never hitherto been captured. Reading like a narrative textbook with citation after citation and quote after quote, the reader may be encumbered and stumble along the way as far as readability is concerned. However, Gordon does well to depict a strong motif that was a reality in the blues world, a man and musician who leads a dual life. Gordon, through the eyes of both close friend and family (illegitimate or otherwise), does well to show McKinely Morganfield the hard worker and the provider and Muddy Waters the partying adulterer. Gordon also does well to depict the master-worker Waters translated from the Stovall Plantation to the studios of Chess Records. The biography subsequently upset the Chess Family, but Gordon minces no words when it comes to Waters’ recording career.

The Notes section at the back of the book gives a very good scope of the Waters discography and recommended listening. It also provides the subsequent list of resources Gordon put to use and provides a definitive “To-Read” list for any would-be blues historian. There are also some fine pictures located in the middle of the book that shed some light on both the origins and puts the infamous name with a face.

Gordon only falls short, in what a grammar school teacher would say is the breadth of the subject. He does well in what he covers, but there are some obvious parts missing and skewed, maybe sugar-coated a little too much. Yet, giving Gordon the benefit of the doubt, the book is an extravagant introduction for those who don’t know the blues world or Muddy Waters well. By placing Waters in his place and time throughout the book, Gordon helps those who were around when he was alive to remember the place and time and the impact he had on the world of music. For those of us who didn’t have the privilege of being around when Waters was still the living myth, it opens the eyes and ears when one of his iconic songs comes on our CD player or one of his protégés strike into a cover or lifts a riff here and there. And for those who don’t know the blues at all, this would be the perfect cultural, musicological, and anthropological place to start.
 


 Chicago Blues Update

Live Blues reviews by Chicago Blues editor Lordy

Blues Beat: Chicago (Photos by August Lord)

Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack  at Harlem Avenue Lounge

My first visit to Harlem Avenue Lounge in 2008 was to see Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack. When I first saw Nigel’s show he was including Chicago as part of his busy touring schedule, but since about 2003 Nigel has been calling Chicago his home. From this point on then, ChicagoBluesBeat will be referring to this bluesman as a Chicago act. With my love for the city, that is a high compliment. Residence aside, Nigel has long had a great sense of Chicago blues.

The Blues Attack presented as a trio that included Vic Jackson on bass and harmony vocals and Andrew “Blaze” Thomas on drums. Nigel Mack alone is a trio if you consider his proficiency on vocals, harp and guitar (which includes a stinging slide). Nigel is also an accomplished tunesmith, and he presented some, as yet unrecorded works. One song in particular included a reference to dead presidents, and is all the reason I need to buy the next CD when it comes out. Pat Smillie stopped by and treated us to some of his trademark gutsy R&B singing. Already I’m thinking that this is going to be another great year in Chicago blues. Guitarist, vocalist and all around showman Toronzo Cannon stood in for the third set. It’s always good when Zo shows, but this time he also freed Nigel from his guitar duties, and allowed him to flex his harp muscles.

Also in the house was photographer Kurt Swanson (Soulful Impressions). I have said many times that I am not a photographer, but rather a fan with a cam. You can tell this in person as well, because I use a flash which is both tacky and obnoxious. Besides, what photographer stays for all three sets and drinks a lot? Kurt has some very nice pictures of Nigel Mack on his site, as well as the cover picture of Lurrie Bell on the current Illinois Entertainer. I really have to thank Kurt and the other real photographers I meet every week for their tolerance and yes, support of my passion.

Along with the musicians, and the venues, the photographers are yet another reason to love live blues in Chicago. Bring on 2008!
 

 CLICK HERE to visit Lordy's website at ChicagoBluesBeat.com

To see a Chicago Area list of upcoming events CLICK HERE

If you know of a Chicago Blues event or news, please send it to


 Featured Advertisers

MARCH 19 to MARCH 23rd
THE 6th ANNUAL ST. JOHN BLUES FESTIVAL
Coral Bay Ball Field – Coral Bay
Starring:

Tab Benoit
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band
Waylon Thibodeaux
Sean Carney & The Sean Carney Band

For further information contact Steve Simon at 340-693-8120
stevesimonlive@yahoo.com  or go to www.stjohnbluesfestival.com

6 live Blues shows over 5 days beginning on March 19th and running through March 23rd.


Reverend Raven

New CD

 "BIG BEE"

Rev Raven- Guitar, Vocals
Benny Rickun- Harmonica
P.T. Pedersen - Bass guitar
Spencer Panosh - Drums

http://www.myspace.com/reverendraven

To hear some song samples or purchase this CD now - CLICK HERE

 


Kilborn Alley Blues Band

New CD
"Tear Chicago Down"

Nominated for
"Best Contemporary Blues CD"
by the Blues Foundation

"From the opening chords and boogie beat of the first track you know you’re in for some deep blues!"   -   IllinoisBlues.com

 To purchase this CD now CLICK HERE or visit your favorite local music shop and support music in your neighborhood.

 

(To read the full review of this CD CLICK HERE.)


MALKUM GIBSON and THE MIGHTY JUKE

"REAL BLUES.......REAL HOT"
Our CD's - "HooDoo Blues" & "Its Gonna Be Alright

Top 100 CD's list for the last 9 months in Real Blues Magazine

Mr. B.B. King said of Malkum "This guy is marvelous. He has a rare talent".

“solid blues.. good shuffles.. good harp tone.. vocals have a lot of personality…the whole band plays with a lot of verve and good energy..” Bruce Iglauer Alligator Records and Artist Management

“Malkum’s harp sounds unique…across between Jr. Wells, James Cotton and Snooky Pryer…with Sonny Terry melodic passages. Malkum blows his face off.”  Andy Grigg Editor, Real Blues Magazine

Coast to Coast  Booking  by - Handlebar Productions handlebarprod@dragonbbs.com
Oh Whata' Records
www.handlebarproductions.com

www.myspace.com/malkumgibsonandthemightyjuke

 

 


Featured Events



 Quad-Cities "only Blues" venue!

3303 Brady St. Davenport, Iowa  * MAP *  (563) 324-4619

Friday, January 16 5:00 p.m. Jack Wessels Band   9:00 p.m. Creekside Allstars

Sunday, January 20  7:00 p.m. Steady Rolling Blues Band

No Cover Charge!


Shemekia Copeland

January 24th, 2007

The New Lafayette Club
1602 South Main Street
Bloomington, IL (309) 828-1212
w/ opening act Blueskillet Band

Tickets $20 in advance

Tickets available at www.ticketweb.com, The New Lafayette Club
and Growing Grounds(309) 827-4343 in Bloomington, IL

 

 


 Blues Society News


 Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:  


Reno Blues Society - Reno, NV

Mardi Gras 2008 - Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Feb 2nd, 2008 at the Holiday Inn on 6th St from 7-12. Doors open at 7, music starts at 7:30 with Blue Haven. The headliner is Mark St. Mary Blues & Zydeco Band. They will play 2 sets beginning at 9. Tix are $15.00 in advance $20.00 at the door. Costume party as always.

The Columbus Blues Alliance - Columbus Ohio

The 13th Annual Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival, Saturday February 23, 2008 featuring Honeyboy Edwards, Moreland & Arbuckle, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Cliff Starbuck & Colin John, Sonny Moorman, and more  Live acoustic music from 3pm – Midnight  Go to our website for all the information! www.ColumbusTradFest.com

Illinois Central Blues Club Springfield, IL -  Blue Mondays

Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover

Jan 21 - Bill Lupkin & the Chicago Blues Coalition w/ Barrel House Chuck
Jan 28 - Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat from Texas      Febru
ary 4 - Deak Harp Blues Band     Feb 11 - The Groove Daddies      Feb 18 - The Sofa Kings
Feb 25 - The Todd Wolfe Blues Project originally from PA - guitarist for Sheryl Crow 1993-1998

 


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Live Blues Calendar

 

Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

IllinoisBlues.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

CLICK HERE - for the Latest Complete Blues Calendar on our website at: IllinoisBlues.com.

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Advertise in the Blues Blast in 2008!

Hey Blues fans,

The new year starts us all planning what to do with our vacation time come the warmer Blues season. Why not plan on a Blues trip to see some live Blues at a festival near your vacation destination?

Also with the new year, Blues festival promoters and Blues societies begin work planning a great 2008 Blues season for all. Festival committees are hard at work booking Blues performers, planning their advertising budgets and getting ready to put on the next great Blues show.

For those of you doing the planning for these great Blues events, remember that the Blues Blast & IllinoisBlues.com's website are great ways to promote ANY Blues event or product. In fact we believe we just might have THE best Blues advertising vehicle anywhere to promote YOUR event!

For less than the cost of  one small display ad in your local newspaper, you can advertise your festival, club show, new CD or any Blues product to a VERY targeted Blues audience. We promise great results getting the Blues word out for you.

Blues fans WANT to know about your Blues event of product. Call Bob at (309) 267-4425 or send an email to for a confidential quote today! 

 

Click Here to become A proud sponsor of IllinoisBlues.com

llinoisBlues.com covers Blues all over the US - NOT just in Illinois!

IllinoisBlues.com also offers paid/sponsored advertising for Festivals and Club Owners, Recording Companies and Performers selling their own music or performances. We can put your Blues advertisement on our homepage at: http://www.illinoisblues.com  either as a sponsored event or as a featured event, product, recording or merchandise .

We have a very large and growing email list of over 6600 Blues Fans, Musicians, Recording Companies, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Festival Promoters in all 50 states and in 12 countries. We send out weekly Blues Blasts of Blues events and news. With paid advertising we can feature your event or product in these emails. We are getting an enormous amount of visitors and hits. Our rates are very reasonable.

You can also post your events and performance dates on our website for FREE at:

http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm  If you list your performance dates they will go to thousands of Blues fans in the next Blues Blast emails. They will also be listed on the Blues Shows page at http://www.illinoisblues.com/bluesshows.htm 
 

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