bluesinthenorthwest.com

In keeping with those in the previous four years, the blues night arranged by Dave and Shirley Sawyer as part of the Lymm Festival was well supported by a very enthusiastic crowd. On this occasion, the music was provided by the Tommy Allen Band, two members of which, Tommy himself on Fender guitar, mandolin and bass drum and harmonica player Johny Hewitt, set matters running with a stimulating set of acoustic blues. The duo shared the vocals and, amid an array of variously-paced shuffles, they delivered particularly fine versions of “Mean Old ‘Frisco” and “Nine Below Zero”, with Tommy on vocals on the former and Johny on vocals and beautifully delivered wah-wah-drenched harp on the latter.

After a short break, the band’s splendid rhythm section joined the fray - Mickey Barker on drums and Chris Lomas on bass guitar. In full band mode, Tommy Allen delivered the vast majority of the lead vocals, starting with the rousing “Texas Love” and “Listen To Me, Baby”. Johny Hewitt provided the vocals for “Can’t Stop Loving Her”, which afforded him and Tommy the opportunity to strut their stuff with wonderful solos. The first set also included a couple of shuffles and a country-style ballad, but the pick of the session were two Robert Johnson numbers: a lovely rendition of “Milk Cow Blues” and a tremendous, extended version of “Walkin’ Blues”, complete with wailing harp and a cameo performance from drummer Mickey Barker.

The second set began with a medium-paced shuffle, followed by a couple of upbeat rockers, the first graced with a tremendous guitar solo and another taste of magical harp and the second featuring a splendid bass line from Chris Lomax. After a couple of slow blues, the pace was regenerated with “Livin’ In The Belly Of The World” and brought to a climax with a driving delivery of “Mystery Train”. An encore was loudly demanded and the band responded with “Johnny B Goode”, “Little Queenie” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, topped off with a whopping dose of boogie, which saw the previously uninhabited dance floor awash with dancers. Without doubt, a blues night is now an essential feature of the Lymm Festival, and performances like this one can only reinforce that development.

Lionel Ross
(photograph by Gill Fox)

Bob Koester of Delmark Records and Jazz Record Mart in the NY Times.

“Happily Seduced by the Blues”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/arts/music/28roht.html?pagewanted=all

With great picturess and full song streams of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Eddie C. Campbell, Muhal Richard Abrams, Big Joe Williams, Roscoe Mitchell and Sleepy John Estes.

Quotations from Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, George Lewis, and Bruce Iglauer

I’m off to Sevilla for a couple of days.  It’s really hot there, none of this 30 degree nonsense.  Back late on Friday; the site is on automatic mode until then.  See ya…..

Today should have been the first day of the two part review of the excellent Worthenbury Festival from last Saturday however I didn’t do my part.  Grahame and Lionel both worked very hard to get the reviews to me to publish along with some photos but I spent the whole night last night watching the tennis.  So it will be tomorrow.

Ry Cooder is playing at The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday, 11th July. If you want tickets to see be quick because it will be a sell-out.

I’m looking forward to the Worthenbury Festival today.  A chance to see some old friends and make some new ones.  It’s a great event and is highly recommended.

The weather forecast is not perfect but it is not bad, a bit of drizzle early on then fine later.

http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com/index.php/2009/06/12/gig-worthenbury-festival-sat-27-june-2009/

See you later.

THE STUMBLE

“The Houngan”

(Star Jam Music: STU 475986-4)

As promised here’s a review of one we missed out on at release time – the second album from The Stumble – currently riding high as one of these shores finest bands, with their explosive live shows putting them on equal footing with anyone on the blues circuit at the moment – with the added bonus of them being firmly North West based as well!

“The Houngan” follows on from the excellent “The World Is Tough” – a 13-track mix of rocking blues, funky soul, a touch of country, and more – all impeccably performed and played by the band – Paul Melville (vocals), Colin Black (guitar and harmonica), Jonny Spencer (guitars), Simon Anthony (saxophone), Dave Heath (bass) and Boyd Tonner (drums).

Colin Black has long been one of my favourite guitar players and his slashing slide opens the album on the storming “It’s A Lie”, with a sort of Duane Allman meets Elmore James feel to his playing; the next track, “Bus Stop” sees the band in soulful mood, with a 60s Stax feel – Simon Anthony’s sax prominent here and customary gritty vocal from Paul Melville.

The pace is taken down on the lovely “Flesh and Bone” – firmly in soul territory again, with a hook to die for and ensemble backing vocals from Messrs. Anthony, Tonner and Melville, with blistering solo from Colin Black. The sinister title cut, “The Houngan” – a High Priest in the Voodoo religion in Haiti – rides on a guitar groove courtesy of Jonny Spencer and Boy Tonner, with Colin Black switching to harmonica – very fine indeed!

Elsewhere the boys rock out on “Maudie” – dominated by Simon Anthony’s sax, with a great solo, before a lovely arrangement of the timeless “Nobody’s Business”, with Colin Black showing his mastery of all things Peter Green / BB King, with beautiful guitar work and tone, and an aching vocal from Paul Melville – quite superbly performed recently at the Warrington Blues Festival.

“Your Love For Me” is a dip into the late, great Bo Diddley’s style, with this time, Jonny Spencer laying down the fine slide guitar; the country blues of “Georgia Sun” is another album highlight, with Jonny Spencer on Dobro and Colin Black again switching to harmonica.

“Headshot” is again reminiscent of classic Stax soul with another truly convincing vocal from Paul Melville, with the album finishing in rampant style with a romp through Howlin’ Wolf’s “Meet Me At The Bottom” – ending as it started with Colin Black’s slashing slide.

Anyone who has caught the band live don’t need telling by me how good they are, and it’s nice to report that this second cd truly reflects how good their show is – having seen the early incarnations of the band several times, it is gratifying to see how they have progressed to the ‘top of the tree’ – long may they prosper!

GRAHAME RHODES

www.thestumble.com

Here’s the latest press release from Fruteland Jackson who recently played at the Worthenbury “Goin’ Up The Country” Club.

Chicago, Illinois- . Three time Blues Music Award nominee, and KBA recipient, Fruteland Jackson recently completed a three week , twenty venue tour throughout the United Kingdom including a trip to Belgium to perform at the Ecaussinnes Blues Festival .  All venues were held at art centers or theaters except for two clubs The sold out theater was located on the Isle of Wight and was a first time expierience for Fruteland. The performance  was video taped for television veiwing in high definition format. Here’s some program information.
http://www.fruteland.com/ukreviewsmall2009.pdf

Fruteland credits “Britain’s Best”Boogie Woogie pianist  Bob Hall and his wife Hillary Blythe who performed and organized the tour with making it a success.
He also repeated  a recording session at the BBC as he had  on a previous tour which was heard on a nationally syndicated blues program.Fruteland was interviewed by actor/musician Paul Jones (of Manfred Mann fame) which helped bring out the fans. Fruteland also presented a BITS program at Haworth primary school sponsored by the Bronte Blues Club.

Fruteland returned home from the worldwind tour and is currently standing in for David ‘Honeyboy” Edwards at the June 26/27. 2009 Rapperswil, Blues’n'Jazz Festival Rapperswil - in Switzerland .

FRIDAY JULY 17th  LISA MILLS & IAN JENNINGS   £10

Mississippi born Lisa, our favourite American female blues singer makes a welcome return with Big Town Playboys double bass player Ian. Likened to a mix of Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and Janis Joplin, Lisa has actually played with Big Brother and The Holding Company. She has also performed with Robert Plant, Jeff Beck and Jools Holland and appeared at Glastonbury

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18th  THE GUY TORTORA BAND   £10

Pasadena native but now living in London, Guy brings his four piece band playing one set acoustic and one electric. A superb guitarist he has built up a strong reputation and has  over the last two years played on stage with Eric Clapton, Jon Cleary, Eric Bibb and Pee Wee Ellis.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23rd    LITTLE TOBY WALKER   £10

Back by popular demand after an amazing gig last year, Toby from New York makes a very welcome return. A superb acoustic guitarist and vocalist who learnt his trade at the feet of Mississippi’s finest - RL Burnside, Eugene Powell, Son Thomas and Jack Owens.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6th WOODY MANN & TOM DOUGHTY   £12

This is a major scoop for us -Woody Man has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading jazz guitarists but was taught blues by Rev Gary Davis and played with Son House, Bukka White and John Fahey. On a UK tour at many major theatres (Including Theatre Clwyd)and Arts Centres, we are the smallest venue on the tour so early booking required.

Check his website www.woodyman.com.

Tom Doughty from Cheshire is a very remarkable man. Severely injured in a rta as a teenager, he only restarted playing guitar a few years ago with the instrument attached to his wheel chair. Even with restricted movement he is an amazing guitarist and has developed a superb technique whilst becoming a firm friend of Woody.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21st THE HOKUM HOTSHOTS AT BANGOR ON DEE HALL

This is a gig we’ve arranged for The Bangor Academicals, a charitable group in Bangor. There will be a limited number of tickets available near the date to see these funtime Geordie Blues musicians. More details nearer the date.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4th DAVE KELLY   £10

Top UK guitarist Dave leaves Paul Jones and The Blues Band at home for this solo gig when he will play all sorts of songs and tunes that have influenced him and made him the UK blues legend that he is.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 18th THE DERRIN NAUENDORF BAND   £12

Top Aussie acoustic guitarist Derrin was one of the 1st musicians to play at Worthenbury and is long overdue. This time appearing with his trio, a band that took last year’s Maryport Festival by storm, Derrin is now one of the biggest names on the world blues/roots scene and this will be a memorable night – again cancel all Christmas parties for this night!

There is nore information in the full programme that you can download from here.

Gary Fletcher Band (feat Bernie Marsden)

Southport Arts Centre

4 July 2009

There is a late, and rather exciting, change to the date with Michael Roach, at the Southport Arts Centre on Saturday 4 July…

Rock Legends Step Into the Breach

A last minute hitch, followed by frantic round of phone calls, has created an unexpected treat for Blues and Classic Rock fans at Southport Arts Centre.

Internationally acclaimed Blues star Michael Roach will head back to Southport in July on a star-studded double-bill also featuring The Gary Fletcher Band, with a one-off line-up including former and current members of The Blues Band, Dire Straits and Whitesnake.

The Michael Roach Band wowed the audience at a gig at Southport Arts Centre last year and the full band were due to return until ex-Wizzard star Roy Wood poached Michael’s horn section. So the frontman is coming to perform a solo set, on Saturday, July 4, at 8pm, and Arts Centre Programme Manager John Sprackland has pulled a rabbit out of the hat by adding Gary Fletcher’s band, with special guest Bernie Marsden, to the bill.

Roach, originally from Washington DC, is an internationally acclaimed blues artist, with a soulful voice and fantastic personality and will play a solo set at the Arts Centre before making way for the fantastic Gary Fletcher Band.

Gary Fletcher recently played with The Blues Band to a packed out Crosby Civic Hall, so his fans are in for a treat when he returns this time to Southport Arts Centre with his other band.

The Gary Fletcher Band line up will feature Pick Withers (Dire Straits) on drums, Jack Fletcher on bass, Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake) on lead guitar and Gary Fletcher (Blues Band) on guitar and vocals.

 John Sprackland, Performing Arts Programme Manager at Southport Arts Centre, says: “They say every cloud has a silver lining and the circumstances that brought this amazing line up together proves it! When Michael Roach found out at short notice that his band were not going to be able to make the date I jumped at the chance to put the Gary Fletcher Band on, only to find that Gary’s regular guitarist was unavailable. Then, a few phone calls later, Gary told me that he’d persuaded Whitesnake legend Bernie Marsden to join him for one night only! So, there you have it * a genuinely unique not-to-be-missed event.”

 Tickets are £10 or £8 for concessions, available by calling Southport Arts Centre box office on 01704-540011 or by logging onto www.seftonarts.co.uk

Bernie Marsden picture from Stellacart

Press release from his agency….

Sorry to have to let you know that Tony McPhee has had a stroke. He is doing well in recovery, but has lost the ability to speak…. We are working on this and he is already starting to show some improvement. It is typical that he waited until Dave Anderson was really well after his heart attacks!

Unfortunately we are having to pull out of some gigs planned namely Cardiff, Globe this Thursday (please check with venue, that this might still be going ahead with STRAY) and the festivals in Spain & France (no tan this year then). After that we will have to see how the recovery is progressing. The new album will also have to be a bit on hold as well, but the decisions on that will have to wait till we see how quickly he is recovering.

At the moment we are hoping that he will be well enough to tour in the autumn, I will keep you up to date with that nearer the time.

Tony is able to pick up emails from his iphone, (although we seem to be having problems replying) but feel free to send messages through this email address.
Regards
Joanna

Joanna Deacon

http://www.thegroundhogs.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/tonymcpheethegroundhogs

Thanks to Paul Farmer for the news.

I love this stuff.  Blues mashups extrodinaire.  The whole album available for free and it’s great.  I especially like the Michael Jackson Texas Shuffle. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iT79fxzE54

Nobody seems to know who Gutbucket Slim is there are various rumours around on the net but nobody really know.  Tell you what though.  It sounds great.

http://www.myspace.com/gutbucketslim

I received this contact from a bluesinthenorthwest.com reader.  Can anyone help?

Hi there, any idea if Peter Price has a website or means of contact? I saw him recently in Ireland and thought he was fantastic and would love to find out more about upcoming dates, but can’t find much online. Any help appreciated!

In Dangerous Rhythm: Big Joe Louis On BBC Radio 2.

Maryport Blues Festival is proud to announce four superb workshops with top-rated performers.
-Harmonia workshop with Giles King, of Hokie Joint, top British Harmonica player.
-Acoustic guitar workshop with Dave Kelly, of the Blues Band, five times Best   Acoustic artist in the BBC polls
-Vocal workshop with Keri Farish, award-winning singer of South Quay.
-Songwriting workshop with highly acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist Sean Webster

When and where
Workshops take place on either Saturday or Sunday, start at 10.30am and last one hour. Tickets are available, priced £5 each, from The Wave and the Blues Festival Office (The Maritime Museum).

http://www.maryportblues.co.uk/