bluesletter of natchel’ blues network • … o’keefe, nick vandergrift, ... that play blues and...

Bluesletter of Natchel’ Blues Network • www.NatchelBlues.org • Vol. 30 No. 3 May/June 2014

summertimeBlues

Celebrating30 Years!

May/June 2014 • www.NatchelBlues.org

Natchel’ Blues NetworkP.O. Box 1773Norfolk, VA 23501-1773

BLUES NEWSPublished bi-monthly by the NBN, Inc. ©2014 All Rights Reserved.

BLUES NEWSThe official publication of theNatchel’ Blues Network, Inc., a501(c)(3) non-profit organization,run by volunteers dedicated topromoting the blues as America’sone true musical art form.

EDITORBeth Jarock

ASSOCIATE EDITORCathy Dixson

DESIGN & LAYOUTJay K. Dooling

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSCathy Dixson, Fusaro Designs, Jackie Merritt, Nick Vandergrift

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBrian Beachum, Jack Campbell, Cathy Dixson, Beth Jarock

2014 NBN BOARD OF DIRECTORSCathy Dixson, Emma Inman,Jeff Miller, Joyce Marie Morrin,Paul O’Keefe, Nick Vandergrift,John Vukovich, Susan Vukovich

2014 NBN OFFICERSCathy Dixson, PresidentJeff Miller, Vice-PresidentEmma Inman, SecretarySusan Vukovich, Treasurer

WEBMASTERJeff Miller

The views & opinions expressed in this publication by individual writers are not necessarily the opinions of NBN or Blues News. The staff cannot guarantee the return of submitted material. Dates, times and venues are subject to change without notice.

[email protected]

Words From the President ContentsInterview with Jackie Merritt .......... 5

Around Town ............................... 6-7

Blues Bits ......................................... 8

2014 Blues Hall of Fame ................. 9

Hampton Acoustic Blues Revival ............................ 10-11

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival ....................... 12

Blues Jams .................................... 13

CD Reviews .............................. 14-15

New Members .............................. 16

2014 Maple Blues Awards Winners ........................... 17

Local Bands ................................... 18

Recipient of the Keeping The Blues Alive Award for Blues Organization of the Year 1998

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Hello fellow NBN members and blues lovers everywhere. I want to take this opportunity to apologize to our members, advertisers, clubs and music labels. We had a major snafu. Our previous designer of the Blues News had his computer crash and we lost everything. We have been scrambling to find a new designer and get the paper back out in the community and in your mailboxes. I do want to send out a huge thank you to Jeff Miller for his continuing dedication and years of service to the NBN and especially his exceptional design and web talents. Without Jeff Miller, we would not have the stunning NBN website nor the previous issues of Blues News looking as good as they do. We have several great and important events on the horizon – the Bayou Boogaloo this June, the IBCs (International Blues Challenge) in July, and our premier event of the year – Blues at the Beach in September. We will need volunteers for Bayou Boogaloo and especially for Blues at the Beach. You can volunteer at the NBN website and if you are a member, you will probably be getting a phone call asking for your support and help. At the first board meeting in January (where I was elected President), the board agreed that our three (3) main goals for our organization are to engage the membership more, raise much needed funds, and bring the NBN back to the community. I have to admit that we have been slack in all three of these endeavors but we are working to change that. The NBN will be having quarterly membership/socials and will sponsor Blues Jam Fundraisers on Sunday afternoons. If you would like to host one of our quarterly membership/socials, please let me know. I want to again thank all of our loyal members and volunteers for keeping the NBN going strong for the last 30 years. This organization was formed in 1984. If you visit the NBN website, you can read a history of how this blues club began. Time flies when you’re having fun! One last thing – remember to go out and support the clubs that play blues and your local musicians.

Til’ next time….

Cathy DixsonPresident

May/June 2014 • www.NatchelBlues.org 4

Blues News BluesletterBeth Jarock, Editor: [email protected]

Advertisement Reservation Deadline: 6 weeks prior to publication.

Advertisement Copy Deadline: 5th of month prior to publication

Blues News is published bi-monthly by the Natchel’ Blues Network Inc. (NBN), Hampton Roads’ Blues Society. Blues News is a source of information concerning blues music with articles on national and local artists, show reviews, local spotlights, CD & DVD reviews, and items of interest to blues lovers. It contains the only complete listing of blues events in the Hampton Roads area. Size of the newsletter is 11 3/4” x 11 1/8” newsprint.

Circulation and distribution:

Printing and distribution consists of approx. 2,500 copies each publication. These are available to NBN members, blues societies, national recording companies, and blues professionals. Additional copies are distributed locally to record stores, music stores, restaurants, nightclubs, NBN events and other locations.

Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc.

NBN is a non-profit 501c3 corporation formed in 1984 in Norfolk, Virginia. NBN has been dedicated to promoting the Blues as a true American art form. All advertisements are accepted by publisher upon representation that the advertiser will hold the publisher unaccountable from claims or suits based on contents or subject matter of such advertisements. Rates effective 1/1/10, subject to change. Ads are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Print Ads are to be submitted as JPGs, PDFs, or EPSs. Ads must be created to correct size without bleeds. Ads that are not at the correct size will be resized to fit the ad space.

Ad sizes Premium color ads Black & white ads

Back page 10.125”x 10.25”

Full page 10.125”x 9.75” Inside front, inside back 10.125”x 9.75”

Half page

Horizontal 10.125”x 4.75” 10.125”x 4.75”

Vertical 5”x 9.75” 5”x 9.75”

Quarter page

Horizontal 10.125”x 2.25”

Vertical 5”x 4.75” 5”x 4.75”

Eighth page 2.375”x 4.75”

Advertising opportunities: www.natchelblues.org/BluesNews

June1 Lafayette Leake Mose Vinson2 Baby Doo Caston3 Memphis Minnie Jimmy Rogers4 Tinsley Ellis6 S.P. Leary Raful Neal8 James Harman Les Paul9 Skip James Johnny Ace10 Hattie McDaniel Howlin’ Wolf12 Kenny Wayne Shepherd15 Eddie Hinton18 Sara Martin Jimmy Cheatham19 Jerry “Boogie” McCain20 Lazy Lester Johnson22 Ella Johnson23 Helen Humes Lucille Spann25 Clifton Chenier26 Big Bill Broonzy27 Big Moose Walker28 David “Honeyboy” Edwards30 Roy Buchanan

★

★

★Blues BirthdaysMay1 Big Maybelle Little Walter Jacobs3 Homesick James James Brown5 Blind Willie McTell7 James “Sparky” Rucker8 Robert Johnson Papa John Creach Phil Wiggins9 A.C. Reed Bob Margolin11 Kansas Joe McCoy12 Guy Davis15 Larry Johnson16 Cleveland Chenier17 Taj Mahal18 Big Joe Turner19 Jimmy Thackery20 Sterling “Satan” Magee26 Mamie Smith27 Junior Parker28 T-Bone Walker


Interview with Jackie Merritt(harmonica, bones, guitar & songwriter with M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio)by Jack Campbell

Where were you born?Norfolk, VA

What was your earliest exposure to music?I grew up listening to Nina Sim-one, Mahalia Jackson, Count Basie and others. My mom and her sisters have always sung in church choirs and those that can, still do to this day. Music was always be-ing played in my home. I actually took piano lessons when I was 4, lasted about a year.

What attracted you to roots music, and at what period in your life did you discover it?I’ve been playing electric blues with Blues Xchange for at least 30 years. And yes, we’re still together...unofficially. Around twenty-five years ago, I experi-enced Elizabeth Cotton in concert at Virginia Wesleyan College.

The opening act was Cephas & Wiggins. That night changed my life, musically. The honesty and vulnerability of the music they performed totally overwhelmed me. That amazing concert started my journey into roots music/acoustic blues.

Who are your current inspira-tions professional or otherwise?On harmonica, Phil Wiggins for blazing new trails in harp styles/ techniques, and varying genres. Then, I would have to say, Tom-my Parker for being my musical muse. He taught me bass and before Blues Xchange, we played in a band called Hobart M. Cable Company. Now, he’s giving me guitar lessons. Tommy’s a great musician, teacher and best of all, my friend.

Where and when did you meet your current band mates?Resa and I met Miles at Augusta Blues Week in Elkins, West Vir-ginia. It’s a weeklong acoustic blues music camp that we’ve been attending now for at least 17 years. I wanted to take harmonica lessons from Phil Wiggins, whose harmonica style was and still is, so different from anyone else’s. Resa took vocal performance lessons from Gaye Adegbalola and Miles was taking guitar from, I believe, John Jackson. It was our first time attending camp when we met Miles. Actually, Resa and Miles formed a duo and were actively performing

with the Archie Edward’s Blues Heritage Barbershop Foundation, in Washington, D.C. before I was ever asked to join the group. Because of Bluesweek and Archie’s Barbershop, I have over the years, been fortunate to study with so many of our heroes, sheroes and mentors of acoustic blues. I learned how to play bones from the late Mr. Richard “Bones” Thomas from the Barbershop. He was in his 80’s at the time.

Here’s a link to an interview of us by Frank Matheis. This should help explain a lot about our history and connection to the Barbershop/Bluesweek: http://www. thecountryblues.com/artist-re-views/m-s-g-acoustic-blues-trio/

What percentage original music do you perform versus cover tunes? We average about 50% Original – 30% Traditional – 20% Contempo-rary Covers (it really depends on our audience, but if you total up the songs on our CDs, it’s around 52% of originals). We are writing more and more.

What do you feel were some of the highlights of your career?Having the opportunity of

playing the Kennedy Center twice. First with The Archie Edward’s Blues Heritage Foundation and then, M.S.G. was asked to perform in concert on the Millennium Stage. We have performed the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol, TN four times. It’s one of the largest Bluegrass/Roots festivals in the country.

Where do you see yourself and the band headed over the next few years?Life is Good! I see us growing more as musicians and song-writers. In 2013, we joined the Wepecket Island Recording Label. We’re included on a Pete Seeger tribute album!

What is something not everyone knows about you?I’m a nationally recognized visual artist and teacher. The art came before the music.

If you had one piece of advice to other musicians, what would it be?The gift of music is a blessing that must be cherished, shared and passed on.

Thanks, Jackie! n

phot

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Fus

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Des

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Self-portrait in pastel

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Cutty SarkAnthony Rosano and Tom Dikon had an acoustic gig at the Cutty

Sark Marina in Norfolk on February 13, 2014.

Anthony Rosano

Tom Dikon

Anthony Rosano, Pat Seay, harp player and Tom Dikon

Sandler CenterBB King headlined the show at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach on January 10, 2014. The show sold

out. Seth Stainback and Roosterfoot opened for BB.

Seth Stainback BB King Jackie Scott of Jackie Scott and the Housewreckers and Bruce Gray of the Bartones sat in for a few. Both great vocalists!

Mojo BonesA Sunday afternoon blues jam to benefit the Blues Camp kids at Mojo Bones in Ocean View was hosted by Ron Hanchin’s

newest band – The Groove Cats.

Photos ©2014 Cathy Dixson


Blues CampFernando Jones held a blues camp at the American Theatre in Phoebus during the summer

of 2013. The Blues Kids had a show at the American Theatre on February 22, 2014 to showcase their talents. A big thank you to Jackie Scott for getting Fernando Jones to bring his Blues Camp to the

American Theatre and to Bobby “Blackhat” Walters for emceeing the event.

Tyler Bevington on keyboards

William MoBetter Ledbetter

Fernando JonesKyle McKeanAll the Blues Kids on stage at the American Theatre in Hampton

Cole Layman Logan Layman at the after party celebration at Sarah’s Irish Pub in Phoebus

The American Theatre marquee

A killer horn section More of the horn section

NorVa“Nothin’ But the Blues” at the NorVa in downtown Norfolk

on April 18, 2014.Anthony Rosano Paul Warren Shayne McKean of SoulshineJack Campbell and Anthony Rosano

Scott Smith


Blues Bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .n The Jewish Mother is back at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront! The Jewish Mother’s popular omelets, deli sandwiches and milkshakes are once again being served. The restaurant reopened May 1st at the Oceanfront, ac-cording to Scotty Miller, owner. The restaurant has moved into the space under Peabody’s Night Club on 21st Street, about a block from the ocean at the eastern most end of Interstate 264. Miller plans to open the restaurant half of the 8,000-square-foot space first and will offer light acoustical enter-tainment. The other half will eventually be used for larger shows. “We’ll bring back national acts,” said Miller.

n Planet Full Of Blues’ new release, Hard Landing, release date was set for Saturday, May 17, 2014. Will be available on CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com, and other places in the universe.

n 2014 Veer Magazine Local Music Awards. Congratulations to Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot and Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos! The awards were presented at the NorVa on Febru-ary 3rd. “Best Blues” was awarded to Anthony Rosano & the Con-queroos. The big winner of the evening was Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot, who won for “Song of the Year” (“Burn You Down”), “Best Rock Band” and “Best Live Performer.”

n 30th International Blues Challenge Winners – Memphis, TN (January 25, 2014). The 30th International Blues Challenge (IBC) – the world’s largest gathering of blues acts – concluded its five-day run on world famous Beale Street in downtown Memphis with a full day of performances before a full house at the Orpheum Theatre. Narrowed from a record 255 acts from 40 states and 16 countries (and four continents), the 8 solo/duo and 9 band finalists vied for the top prizes before an esteemed panel of judges.

Here are the results:

Band – 1st Place: Mr. Sipp, Vicksburg Blues Society; 2nd Place: Ghost Town Blues Band, Memphis Blues Society; 3rd Place: Billy the Kid & Regulators, Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Gibson Guitarist (top guitarist among band finalists): Mr. Sipp, Vicksburg Blues Society.

Solo/Duo – 1st Place: Tim Williams, Calgary Blues Music Association; 2nd Place: Lucious Spiller, Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas Inc.;

St. Blues Guitarist (top guitarist among solo/duo finalists): Tim Williams, Calgary Blues Music Association.

Lee Oskar Harmonica Player (top harmonica player among semi-finalists): Jerome Godboo, Toronto Blues Society.

Best Self-Produced CD: Account to Me – Hank Mowery, West Michigan Blues Society.

n 56th Grammy Award Blues Winner – Blues album: Get Up! by Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite. n Alligator Records announced the signing of Clinton, Missis-sippi’s award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, 29-year-old Jarekus Singleton. He is one of the brightest, most exciting young stars on the blues scene today. His cutting-edge, streetwise music – melding contemporary and tradi-tional blues with rock energy and hip-hop wordplay -- turns audi-ences of all ages into devoted fans. With his blazing guitar licks and strong, soulful voice, Singleton brings his up-to-the-minute take on the blues to every song he writes and performs. From ferocious and funky to slow and steamy to smoking hot, Singleton is a young blues master carrying the blues into the future. Singleton’s label debut, Refuse To Lose, is set for a May 2014 release. The album of all original songs was produced by Alligator Records president Bruce Iglauer along with Singleton, and recorded at PM Music in Memphis, engineered and mixed by veteran engineer Pete Matthews. Editor’s Note: Singleton will perform at NBN’s Blues at the Beach festival this September! n

“ Hearing the blues changed my life.”

– Van Morrison

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2014 Blues Hall of Fame InducteesDuring the first 34 years of the Blues Hall of Fame balloting, only one saxophonist, Louis Jordan, was elected. The Year of the Saxophonist has come, however, in 2014, as three sax men – Big Jay McNeely, Eddie Shaw, and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – blow their way into the Blues Hall. Two other performers – Mississippi hill country patriarch R.L. Burnside and the intense and inimitable Robert Pete Williams – were also inducted in May.

Among the other individuals to be recognized by The Blues Foundation for their behind-the-scenes contributions: The Rosebud Agency’s manager and booking agent par excellence Mike Kappus, Houston music mogul and label owner Don Robey, and prolific Chicago record producer and writer Dick Shurman.

The book Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke by Peter Guralnick is the literature entry into the Blues Hall of Fame this year. This is Peter’s fourth book inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

These albums were honored: Hawk Squat (Delmark, 1969) by J.B. Hutto and Moanin’ in the Moonlight (Chess, 1959) by Howlin’ Wolf.

The following singles were inducted during the ceremony: “After Hours” by Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra (Bluebird, 1940); “Catfish Blues” by Robert Petway (Bluebird, 1941); “High Water Everywhere, Parts I & II” by Charley Patton (Paramount, 1930); “It’s Tight Like That” by Tampa Red & Georgia Tom (Vocalion, 1928); and “Milk Cow Blues” by Kokomo Arnold (Decca, 1934). n

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The induction

ceremony was held

Wednesday, May 7,

at the Sheraton

Memphis Down-

town in Memphis,

Tennessee, the night

before the 35th Blues

Music Awards. With

living musicians like

B.B. King and Buddy

Guy, and legends

like Muddy Waters

and Koko Taylor, the

Blues Hall of Fame

consists of blues

music’s best and

brightest stars.

The Blues Foundation is now in the final stages of raising the

capital needed to showcase these legendary performers and their

work with Blues Hall of Fame exhibits at its 421 S. Main head-

quarters in downtown Memphis. The Blues Hall of Fame will honor

inductees year round, provide interactive and educational exhib-its, and create a place for serious

blues fans, casual visitors, and students to congregate, celebrate

and learn more about the Blues. The Raise the Roof! Campaign

hopes to raise the remaining funds necessary to commence

construction in June of this year.

On May 9, the night after the Blues Hall of Fame inductions,

The Blues Foundation presented the Blues Music Awards for the 35th time. Performers, industry

representatives and fans from around the world celebrated

the best in Blues recording, songwriting and performance from the previous year at the

Memphis Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis.


Thank you to everyone who came out for our annual acoustic blues music festival which was renamed a few years ago to honor the memory of John Cephas – the master of Piedmont Blues. This year’s event, again held at Thomas Nelson Community College in their acoustically per-fect Mary T. Christian auditorium, was headed up by Herbie Desseyn of Herbie D and the Dangermen. Thank you to Herbie and the bands that generously offered to play for the NBN – M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio; Herbie D and the Dangermen and the Jukes Boogie Band.

The headliner this year, Doug MacLeod, put on a terrif-ic show and workshops were conducted by Tom Dikon (har-monica) of the Juke Boogie Band, Sal (drums) of Herbie D and the Dangermen and Doug MacLeod gave a guitar workshop. Although we didn’t have nearly the anticipated audience we were looking for, those who were there were treated to an afternoon/ evening of some exceptional music. Thank you to the volunteers who gave their time to hand out programs and staff the NBN table. We can’t do these events without our volunteers. And a HUGE thank you to Jeff Miller for video taping the event.

All photos ©2014 Cathy Dixson except where noted.

M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio

Tom Dikon of the Jukes Boogie Trio

Herbie Desseyn, Herbie D and the Dangermen

Doug MacLeod

13th Annual Hampton Acoustic Blues Revival: A Tribute to John Cephas

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Manning the NBN table – dedicated volunteers: Nick Vandergift and Robin and Jim Kruger.

The Dangermen crew.

Doug MacLeod draws the winning ticket for the Anthony Rosano custom-made cigar box guitar raffle while Nick Vandergrift holds the ticket jar.

Doug MacLeod and Nick Vandergrift

NBN Blues News editor Beth Jarock and long time NBN member Bob Mahan.

John Vukovich aka Elwood Blues pitching the raffle for the cigar box guitar Anthony Rosano custom made for the NBN.

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Winner of the custom-made Anthony Rosano cigar box guitar

raffle was Manny Nofplot.

phot

o by

Nic

k Va

nder

grift


25th Annual AT&T

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food FestivalJune 20-23, 2014 Town Point Park, Norfolk, Virginia The six-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dr. John will be among the musicians playing the main stage at the 25th annual Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Fest at Town Point Park.

Friday, June 20MISSING KIDNEY STAGE

Rosie Ledet, zydeco ........................... 5:30 p.m.

Jon Cleary, funk and R&B .................. 7:30 p.m.

MAIN STAGE

Honey Island Swamp Band, Bayou Americana............................... 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 21MISSING KIDNEY STAGE

Pine Leaf Boys, Cajun and Creole ...... 2:15 p.m.

Chubby Carrier, zydeco ..................... 5:00 p.m.

John Mooney, American blues guitarist and singer ............................ 7:15 p.m.

MAIN STAGE

Slide Brothers, Sacred Steel .............. 3:45 p.m.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band, blends R&B, jazz, funk, Afro-Latino grooves, some Caribbean flavor and even a Rhianna cover .................................... 6:00 p.m. (and again at 12:30 p.m. June 22)

Dr John, six-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee ................................... 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 22MISSING KIDNEY STAGE

Bonerama, brass funk rock band ........................................... 1:30 p.m.

MAIN STAGE

Dirty Dozen Brass Band .................. 12:30 p.m.

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Creole ................................................ 2:15 p.m.

Dumpstaphunk, quintet playing in the Big Easy tradition ..................... 4:30 p.m. NBN is looking for volunteers

to staff their Merchandising Tent (Friday-Sunday) and Beer Tent (Saturday only). You will receive Free admission to the festival for the day that you volunteer.

To volunteer, visit www.natchelblues.org


1st Sunday Monthly Blues Jams

Mojo Bones Ocean View, Norfolk

◆

Open Mic Nights!Tuesdays:

Boar’s Nest, Norfolk

Thursdays:Mojo Bones

Ocean View, NorfolkHosted by David Welsh

Mary Helen’s, HamptonHosted by Black White Blues

or Jones & Company

◆

Acoustic Blues JamVictorian Station

Phoebus

Calendar of Events

Thursday, June 5 • 7:00 p.m. NBN Board of DirectorsMeeting

Ocean View Library – Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch

111 West Ocean View AvenueNorfolk, VA 23503

◆

Friday, June 6 • Urban Hill Mojo Bones – Ocean View, Norfolk

◆

Go to www.NatchelBlues.org for latest listings

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Blues Radio ShowsWHRV 89.5 FMOut of the Box with Paul ShugrueMonday-Thursday 7-9 pm Saturday: 1-5 p.m.

Blues Stage with Melvin Van PeeblesThursday: 12:00 a.m.

A Shot of the Blues with Paul ShugrueFriday: 8-10 p.m.

Blues Before Sunrise with Steve CushingSunday: 1-6 a.m.

WHOV 88.1 FMNothin’ But the Blues Wednesday: 7-10 p.m.

WFOS FM 88.7Blues Traffic Jam with Jerry Carter Mon.-Fri.: 3-7 p.m.

WRVS FM 89.9Elizabeth City, NC www.cooolcat.com


DEB RYDER Might Just Get LuckySelf Release • www.debryder.com

When I first put a CD in the play-er to review, I never really know what to expect. Now, I’d dug around a bit on Deb Ryder to learn she’s been around the block for a while. Even though this is her debut release (and I cannot figure out that one – read on to see why), she comes out of the gate like a freight train at full stream. With her hard-driving vocals and well-written tunes (she penned all of the cuts on this CD), she really makes a heck of an impression. With all that said, she even brings a strong band in to back her up. The musicians include her hus-band, bass player Ric Ryder. Deb has been heading the Southern California band The Blues Ryders for over twenty years, so she’s not new to the music scene. Her style is deeply rooted in Chicago-style blues and you can pick up some Etta James in her styling, who she has worked with in the past. Theband is full of talent and she even-brings in legendary blues guitarist, Albert Lee, on a couple of cuts, just for good measure. She kicks off this powerhouseCD with “Get A Grip.” Kirk Fletcher lays down some nice riffs

on the guitar, the horns kick itup, and Larry David adds a nice touch on blues harp while Deb just punches her vocals off the charts. This tune sets the tone for the whole CD. Hold on, folks, this is gonna be a two-ticket ride! “Blue Collar Blues” gets Ryder swingin’ and jivin’ with a great dance number that features Albert Lee on guitar just for some extra spice. Stan Behrens adds some sax just to take it over the top. “Really Gone” is a hot lil’ number that lets Ryder cut loose and Stan Behrens add some nice harp. Fletcher kicks up the tune with some sweet guitar licks. “Might Just Get Lucky” slows things down but turns the heat up about a thousand degrees. Jazzy and sweet. Nice keyboard work by Greg Hilfman. I needed a drink with this one. Another nice slow-roller on the CD is “Bad Bad Dream.” This is a great torch song that shows off Deb’s strong vocals that work well with Kirk Fletcher’s strong guitar riffs. “Love Stealin Liar” turns up the tempo and more. Deb’s vocals are raw and mean, and Dave Dills steps up on the guitar work and nails it, mak-ing it a killer cut. “These Hands,” the last cut on this ten-tune CD, reminds me of spiritual sung in an old Southern church on Sunday morning. Great acoustic guitar work from Fletcher, too. One other observation on this CD, and this is a personal one. Guys, as we know, a lot of blues tunes are from a guy’s point of view. Well, this CD is from the other side. Listening to Deb’s lyrics reminds me of the Mel Gibson movie What Women Want, where Mel could hear what women were

thinking. Well, here’s your chance! Deb puts down a lot of her tunes on this CD in a woman’s point-of-view when it comes to the blues and about life. Listen and take notes! OK, the question remains. Why did Deb Ryder wait so long to release this CD? I have no idea. I only know I’m glad she finally did. This one is outstanding! I hope you like it as much as I did.

TINSLEY ELLISMidnight BlueHeartfixer Music HFM 1011www.tinsleyellis.com

When I picked up Tinsley’s lat-est release from Heartfixer Music, his second on his new label, I was in anguish about what I was going to hear. It’s only been a year since his last release Get It! on Heartfixer Music, which he named for his former band. Well, my friends, this left no question in my mind when this CD finished spinning. While only his second release on his own label, this is Tinsley’s fifteenth release to date. On this CD, Tinsley came out with a great collection of tunes that shows off his true talent on the guitar and in his songwriting abilities. He wrote all of the ten cuts on this release. Tinsley brought a great group of friends to play along on the CD, as well. The band shakes up with Kevin McKendree

(who played with Delbert McClin-ton and Brian Setzer) on organs and pianos, Lynn Williams (who also played with Delbert McClinton) on drums and percussion, and Ted Pecchio (who played with Tedeschi/Trucks Band) on electric and acoustic bass. All this gels into a great mix for a blues/rock flavor on most of the CD to go along with Tinsley’s smoking-hot guitar work. They kick things off with “If The River Keeps Rising,” that starts off with this soft, acoustic feel and then launches into the heart of the tune with a thunderous drum beat and bass line. “Mouth Turn Dry” keeps things rolling with some great guitar work and Kevin’s keyboard work. “Surren-der” slows things down a bit and softens the tone. “It’s Not Funny” takes on a New Orleans flavor and Tinsley gets to play slide a bit. This one’s just fun. “See No Harm” is one of those blues songs where, on most blues collections, some-one always gets around to singing about someone cheating on some-one. Well, on this one by Tinsley, he makes no excuses about what it is or what he’s doing. He states, “Most would think it’s wrong for us to carry on. I just don’t care; our love’s that strong. You may not think it’s true, but I see no harm in loving you.” Sometimes love is that way. Tinsley just let’s his listeners figure it out. “Harder To Find” covers the other side of love, or the lack thereof it in a relation-ship -- another great subject in the blues. Tinsley sings, “Feel like I’m ‘bout to be left behind. Let me in on your secret ‘bout what hap-pened to your smile. I know good things come to end after a while. Luck keeps harder to find, when we need love….” This fine collection of material

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CD Reviews by Brian “The Bluesman” Beachum

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concludes with a real switch in tempo and slows things down to a nice, slow blues melody named “Kiss of Death.” A great line in this one is “If I can’t have you baby, I might as well drink gasoline…” That, pretty much, sets the tone. This is a great, slow-rollin’ number that you wish would just keep playing for hours and hours. I can imagine Tinsley and the band jamming to this in a club somewhere for an hour or so. Hope I’m there to catch it. Blues fans, you need to go out and catch this latest release from Tinsley Ellis. Put this one in the player, turn up the stereo, turn down the lights and catch some “Midnight Blue.”

CYRIL NEVILLE Magic HoneyRuf Records RUF 1192www.cyrilneville.net

Cyril Neville’s latest CD release Magic Honey is just as sweet as the title and never stops buzzing with some smoking hot blues. A little backtracking first. Cyril started playing percussion with the Neville Brothers, then the Meters, and lately, the Royal Southern Brotherhood. Not a bad resume. To sweeten the pot, Cyril brings in a few “friends” to help out for the band. Cranston Clements on guitars, “Mean” Willie Green on drums, Carl Dufrene on bass,

and Norman Caesar on the keys. Other notable “friends” include New Orleans greats Dr. John on organ and Allen Toussaint on piano. Walter Trout jumps in on guitar and Mike Zito from the Royal Southern Brotherhood helps out on guitar. Damn, now that’s puttin’ together a band. I’ll warn anyone picking up this CD. Get ready for a ride, call the neighbors to apologize and put a few Tylenol on the table. You’ll understand after you get though playing this one, ‘cause you’ll be turning up the speakers time and time again. The CD kicks off with the title track “Magic Honey,” a smooth lil’ blues riff with a nice bass back beat and sweet touch of harp. The next cut, “Swamp Funk,” lays down the funk with Dr. John adding his touch on the organ and Allen Toussaint on piano. “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” has you reaching for that volume knob! This one is just down and out mean. “Another Man” brings in Allen Toussaint on piano. The guitar work on this one is stellar. “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” just keeps the tempo up and jumping. “Blues Is The Truth” just gets back to the basics and keeps it real. Cyril ends it all up with a calypso-reggae tune “Slow Motion” that is just a fun party tune. Oh ya. Cyril Neville brings it all together on this CD with twelve cuts total on this latest release. Tons of blues, funk, R&B and a touch of calypso and reggae. Just like a good New Orleans dish. Lots of sweet flavors blended together by a master with the heat turned up high. That’s what you have here with Cyril Neville’s Magic Honey. n

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Company MembersWe want to thank our Company Members for their continual support of the Blues. Be sure to pay them a visit and consider them for their goods or Services.

Stuart Burnley Hermitage Farms Nursery

Scotty Miller Jewish Mother– Oceanfront and Jewish Mother Unplugged – Williamsburg

Bruce Harlow The Original Rhondels

Seven Venues/Attucks Discovery Music Series

Dirt Cheap Blues Dance Co.

Steve Wilkins Wilkins & Associates, Inc.

Insource Consulting

Ruth & Tim Morgan Ruth & Tim Enterprises

New NBN Members & RenewalsThanks to the following new members or renewals over the last couple of months. Your support is helping to keep the Natchel’ Blues Network and blues music in Hampton Roads alive!

Robert Alpino

Chip Artz

Eric T. Badgett

Randall Bagely

Brad Bangel

David Blalock Jr.

Betsie Brown

William T. Campbell

Chris Carlin

John Coleman

William Coleman

Albert M. Daly

Betty & Charles Downs

Anita & Hugh Harrell III

Susan & Chip Jean

Robin & Jim Kruger

Beverly Levinson

Robert Logan

Jim McCormack

Jean Richardson

Ernie (Sweet Papa) Williams

“ My dad was good friends with the Bad Medicine Blues Band – one of the only blues bands in Fargo, as you can imagine! He took me out to see them play when I was 12 years old and I was really inspired by their guitar player, Ted Larsen. ”

– Jonny Lang

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Entertainer of the YearMonkeyjunk

Electric Act of the YearMonkeyjunk

Acoustic Act of the YearDawn Tyler Watson & Paul Deslauriers

Male Vocalist of the YearJim Byrnes

Female Vocalist of the YearAngel Forrest

New Artist or Group of the YearThe Mackenzie Blues Band

Recording of the YearAll Frequencies by Monkeyjunk Producers: Steve Marriner and Ken Friesen

Blues With a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement)Bob Walsh

BB King International Artist of the YearTedeschi Trucks Band

Guitar Player of the YearPaul Deslauriers

Harmonica Player of the YearSteve Marriner

Piano/Keyboard Player of the YearLance Anderson

Horn Player of the YearChris Whiteley

Drummer of the YearTom Bona

Bassist of the YearGary Kendall

Songwriter of the YearMonkeyjunk – Steve Marriner, Matt Sobb and Tony Diteodoro

Blues Booster of the YearThe Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle

2014 Maple Blues Award WinnersAdministered by the Toronto Blues Society, the awards were handed out during a ceremony at Toronto’s Koerner Hall on January 20, 2014. Hosted by Montreal’s Queen of the Blues, Dawn Tyler Watson and Ottawa’s JW-Jones, both accom-plished and internationally recog-nized blues artists, the Maple Blues Awards ceremony included out-standing performances from Maple Blues Award nominees past and present, including the evening’s big winners MonkeyJunk, The 24th Street Wailers, Charlie A’Court from Nova Scotia, David Vest from British Columbia, and Little Miss Higgins from Saskatchewan, all backed by The Maple Blues Band.

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Bands That Play Blues in Hampton RoadsAmy Ferebee .......................................................... 757-434-5385Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos .................. 757-285-5061Back Alley Hoo Doo ............................................... 804-513-4692 Bartones ................................................................... 757-622-7235Black White Blues .................................................. 757-947-4669Blue Eyed Soul ....................................................... 757-826-2810Blues Cats ................................................................ 757-926-4422Blues Empacts ......................................................... 757-880-5451Bobby “BlackHat” Walters .................................. 757-871-5485C-Street .................................................................... 757-508-9966Clarence Turner Band ........................................... 240-988-9375Corporate Woods Drive ........................................ 757-748-6775Cosmo Kings .......................................................... 757-255-0648Creek – Ron Nichols .............................................. 757-469-6425Crimson Velvet ...................................................... 757-289-7324 Darryl Ellyson ........................................................ 804-617-8820dc3 ............................................................................ 757-463-2384Elifino ....................................................................... 757-615-3788Fat Tony ................................................................... 757-406-2425Freeborn Blues Band ............................................. 757-872-8580Full Phase ................................................................ 757-595-3872Grant Austin Taylor Band .................................... 757-439-2064HammerHead Blues ............................................. 757-483-1350Herbie D & the DangerMen ................................ 757-679-9671 H.M. Johnson Band ............................................... 757-547-4506Holly Road .............................................................. 757-431-8722In Layman Terms .................................................. 813-778-2054Incognito Brothers ................................................. 757-481-6425Jackie Scott & the Housewreckers ...................... 757-777-7127John Baldwin Group ............................................. 757-735-4409Julius Pittman & the Revival ............................... 757-634-1816

Larry Van Slawson ................................................ 757-335-2432Lisa Lim Band ........................................................ 540-379-6589 Michael Clark Band ............................................... 757-418-1788More Cowbell ......................................................... 757-624-5225M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio .................................. 757-722-5811Next Weeks Blues .................................................. 252-642-2701Pig Foot Riot ........................................................... 210-836-6522Planet Full of Blues ................................................. 804-815-3016Poorhouse Road Band .......................................... 434-609-5220Rhythm Kings ........................................................ 757-460-6414Right Time for the Blues ........................................ 757-237-6920Rock and Blues Society Band .............................. 757-581-3363Ron Fetner ............................................................... 757-810-0599Rooster Foot ............................................................ 903-343-7424RYLO ....................................................................... 757-729-4660Seadog Blues Band ................................................ 757-716-3667Shakedown ............................................................. 757-566-3770Shelly Craig-Potter ................................................ 757-546-1528Stevie Hoover ......................................................... 570-902-9331Shotgun Blues Brotherhood ................................. 757-291-7063Straight Up Blues Band ........................................ 757-289-3117Sweet Papa & the Too Hot Blues Crew ............. 757-855-7461T-Ford 2 Blues Project ........................................... 757-287-8784The Doc Robin Band ............................................. 757-593-7820The Janitors ............................................................. 757-437-4419The J.D. Silvia Band ............................................... 757-376-2468The Jukes Boogie Trio ........................................... 757-262-8525The Mike Lucci Band ............................................ 804-814-4298The UnXpected ...................................................... 813-778-2054Tim Morgan & the Mojo Brothers ...................... 757-875-0447Tom Larsen Band ................................................... 410-651-9457Tough Deal ............................................................. 804-241-5533

Newsletter DeadlinesBlues News Writer

Copy deadline IssueJuly 20 Sept/Oct

Sept. 20 Nov/Dec

Nov. 20 Jan/Feb

Jan. 20 Mar/Apr

Mar. 20 May/June

May 20 July/Aug

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Natchel’ Blues Network Membership FormNatchel’ Blues Network, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to promoting blues as a true Ameri-can art form. Your annual contribu-tion puts you on our mailing list for the newsletter/calendar and notices of special NBN events and meetings. If you enjoy blues music and/or play blues music, please join the NBN! Become an NBN Member = Receive discounts at area businesses on food, entertainment and musical merchan-dise! Discounts applicable only when presenting valid NBN Membership Card. Please support your local blues organization!

NBN is sponsored in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.

Annual tax-deductible membership dues:• Individual $25• Family $25 for first and $20 for each additional household member• Company $125 up to 4 members• Corporate Sponsor $500 up to 10 membersAll dues are for the period of one calendar year, starting with your application date. Thank you for supporting the blues!Please check the activities you would like to help us with: nNBN Newsletter Mailings nFestivals nFundraising/Sponsorship nMembership Development nPromotion/Policy nEducation Programs nMonthly/Semi-Monthly Shows

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NBN Membership DiscountsPresent your NBN Membership Card prior to ordering & verify discount amounts prior to purchase. Vendors may change amounts without notice.

Birdland Music Providence SquareVirginia Beach, VA 10% Off Records, Tapes, & Compact Discs

Captain Zig-Zag 4704 Hampton Blvd.Norfolk, VA(Unisex haircutting, across from ODU)Newsletter Advertisement Coupons

Natchel’ Blues Network Mission StatementPromote, perpetuate, and preserve blues music as a true American art form.

Develop and provide an educational resource for the community (i.e. schools, churches, civic organizations, etc.) as to the history and evolution of the blues.

Disseminate information to and act as a network for blues musicians and others interested in the blues, both locally and nationally.

Advocate and work toward an increase in contributed support for the blues in the Greater Hampton Roads area.

Dirt Cheap Blues Dance Clubwww.DirtCheapBlues.com757-567-40362-for-1 Dance Lessons

Jewish Mother – Oceanfront (under Peabody’s nightclub)211 21st St.Virginia Beach, VA20% Off Food & Merchandise only

Jewish Mother Unplugged – Williamsburg 601 Prince George St. Williamsburg, VA20% Off Food & Merchandise only

Mojo Bones 9659 First View St.Norfolk, VA 15% Off Food only

Tidewater Friends of Acoustic MusicP.O. Box 9606Norfolk, VA 23505757-626-FOLK(3655)[email protected]$4 Off tickets for all blues shows

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The Natchel’ Blues Network and Beach Events Presents...

The 21st Annual

Blues at the Beach FestivalSeptember 5 & 6, 2014 ◆ 17th Street Stage – Virginia Beach, Va.

Friday, September 5Gates open: 5:00 p.m. 6:00 pm – 7:00 p.m. Local TBA 7:30 pm – 8:45 p.m. Jarekus Singleton

9:15 pm – 10:45 p.m. Li’l Ed & The Blues Imperials

Saturday, September 6Gates open: 1:00 p.m. 2:00 pm – 3:00 p.m. Local TBA 3:00 pm – 3:30 p.m. NBN Blues Workshop 3:45 pm – 5:00 p.m. Doug Deming &

Dennis Gruenling with The Jewel Tones

5:15 pm – 5:30 p.m. Dirt Cheap Blues Exchange

Dance Workshop 5:45 pm – 7:00 p.m. Damon Fowler Group 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm. Bernard Allison Group 9:15 pm – 10:45 p.m. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

TICKETS

$5 DAILY

$8 WEEKEND

bluesletter of natchel’ blues network • … o’keefe, nick vandergrift, ... that play blues and...

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