Fe ature d Ar ticles

Blues Bash: 2012 star ts

w ith a Bang

Memphis Gro oves: An inter v ie w w ith Br andon O. Bai le y WBS History: 5.1

On the C over : Mi les Harris Photo by Margene S chotz

In This Issue...

Letter from the President 7 Walla Walla Guitar Festival 9 Bainbridge Island Has the Blues 9 WBS Blues History 5.1 10

Have Some Dirty Rice Blues at Bobbis Bar Memphis Grooves January Blues Bash

12 13 14 17

Dry Side Blues Blues Review Talent Guide Blues on the Radio Dial

18 20 24 26

Letter from
the

Editor

Wintertime in the Northwest; the skies are overcast and gray, snow looms, attacks and just as quickly retreats and we look to more indoor activities (unless you ski or snowboard, that is.) The winter blues can be hard, but for those who love the Blues, winter is a time to rejoice, to crank up your radio, to try out that new CD that has just been released and to discover that little hole-in-the-wall coffeeshop that serves up terrible coffee and amazing music. I went to my first ever Blues Bash in January, and I wanted to make a few comments of my own about the January event and the Blues Bash in general: The Washington Blues Society puts on an incredible show. Live music, open dance floor, fantastic atmosphere and, of course, some of the best Blues in our area (thanks to

Suze Sims). Januarys Blues Bash cranked up with J.D. Hobson; recently nominated for a 2011 Best of the Blues award in the best solo/ duo category, J.D. is a young man with just his guitar and his beat box whose blues just poured out of him. The second band was Miles Harris and Triple Threat (see cover). Miles Harris and his band were the first in a series this year of high school bands set to play the Blues Bash. Suze Sims is the brains behind this idea to raise up these children in the way they should go, and I must give her a standing ovation for that passion. As for Miles Harris and Triple Threat...well, its always a risk bringing in a young band. Scott Lind met Miles and the guys at a Blues Jam. Miles is only seventeen, and the oldest member of the band is a mere twenty-one. Scott heard them play and got a hold of Suzanne. And let me just say, those young

men were more than just the best high school band that Ive heard, they are, quite literally the best live band Ive heard in over two years. I came up off my seat within seconds of their first song because I could not believe what I was hearing. My suggestion to you all is this: go hear and support Miles Harris now, because in two years you wont be able to find standing room at his shows. The Blues Bash was an exceptional experience and one I intend to repeat over and over again. And one final note: if Suze Sims keeps bringing in bands like this, you all had better warm up your dance shoes, because theres no way youll be able to keep your seats. See you all on Valentines Day! Jesse Phillips, Editor Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

Celebrating 23 Years of Blues

January 2012 Bluesletter
Vol. XXIV, Number II
Publisher Editor & Art Director Secretary Calendar Advertising Printer Washington Blues Society Jesse Phillips (jesse@jessephillipsdesigns.com) Rocky Nelson Maridel Fliss (mflissm@aol.com) Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org) Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com Jerry Peterson, Suzanne Swanson, Rick J Bowen, George Boswell
Peterson, Tom Hunnewell, Roberta Doupe

1989 - 2012

Jam Guide Venue Guide Blues Photos Holger Peterson Book Signing Calendar Blues Ballot

26 27 28 29 30 31

Contributing Writers: Robert Horn, Eric Steiner, Malcolm Kennedy, Roberta Doupe Contributing Photographers: Karl Fortner, Suzanne Swanson, The Blues Boss, Jerry Cover Photo:
Miles Harris, Photo by Margene Schotz

On the

Cover:
Miles Harris Photo by Margene Schotz Margene Schotz is a music lover who has enjoyed an abundance of performances by bands from The Beatles to Miles Harris and Triple Threat with hundreds of other superb acts in between. Capturing the music visually is what she strives for, as well as attempting to give something back, through her photos, to the artists she admires.

The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 10th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage submissions. All submissions become the property of the WBS and will be used at our discretion. We reserve the right to edit all content. The Bluesletter is the official monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. The WBS is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in The Bluesletter by any individual. WBS 2011 The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. The Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mission Statement

Washington Blues Society P.O. Box 70604 Seattle, WA 98127 www.wablues.org

3

Washington Blues Society Hotline: 1-888-90BLUES 1-888-902-5837

Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation 2012 Officers
President Vice President Secretary Eric Steiner
president@wablues.org

Tony Frederickson Rocky Nelson

vicepres@wablues.org secretary@wablues.org treasurer@wablues.org

Treasurer (Acting) Chad Creamer Editor Jesse Phillips

president@wablues.org

2012 Directors
Music Membership Education Volunteers Merchandise Advertising Suze Sims
music@wablues.org

Michelle Burge Vacant

membership@wablues.org education@wablues.org

Rhea Rolfe

volunteers@wablues.org

Tony Frederickson Malcolm Kennedy

merchandise@wablues.org advertising@wablues.org

2012 Street Team

Downtown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge West Seattle Eastside Northern WA Peninsula South Sound Central WA Eastern WA Ballard Lopez Island Middle East Rev Deb Engelhardt Jim DiIanni
deb@revdeb.com blueslover206@comcast.net

education@wablues.org

Lloyd Peterson Dan Wilson Smoke

freesprt@televar.com allstarguitar@centurytel.net smkndrms@aol.com

Steven J. Lefebvre Cindy Dyer

s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com, cindalucy@hotmail.com

George Jordy Sigler

jordysigler@yahoo.com

Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen

cjacobsen@rockisland.com

Rocky Rock Khan Nelson

rocknafghanistan@gmail.com

Editorial Advisory Board & Proofeaders

Mary McPage Carolyn Kennedy Eric Steiner Son Jack Jr.

Webmaster Web Hosting WBS Logo

Special Thanks
The Sheriff
(webmaster@wablues.org) Adhost (www.adhost.com)

Phil Chesnut

(philustr8r@aol.com)

February 2012 DEADLINES:

Advertising Space Reservations: February 5th malcarken@comcast.net Calendar: February 10th calendar@wablues.org Editorial Submissions: February 5th editor@wablues.org Camera Ready Ad Art Due: February 12th malcarken@comcast.net

Advertising Rates:
Space Reservations 5th of the month Camera Ready Art 12th of every month Graphics: 300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPG Text: Plain .txt or Word Full Page: $260 (8.5x 11) Half Page: $150 (8.5 x 5.5) Back Half Page: $200 (8.5 x 11) Quarter Page: $90 (4.25 x 5.55) Fifth Page: $65 (3.5 x 3.5) Business Card: $25 (3.5 x 2) ADD COLOR: ADD 25% Weve Got Discounts! 20% off- 12 month pre-payment 15% off- 6 month pre-payment 10% off- 3 month pre-payment Contact: advertising@wablues.org

ATTENTION BLUES MUSICIANS: WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LATEST CD REVIEWED IN THE BLUESLETTER? GOT A BLUES CD FOR US? Need help in getting the word about your music? Wed like to help. While we cannot predict when or if a review will land in the pages of the Bluesletter, wed like to encourage musicians to consider the Washington Blues Society a resource. If you would like your CD reviewed by one of our reviewers, please send two copies (one for the reviewer and one for our monthly CD giveaways at the Blues Bash) to the following address: Washington Blues Society ATTN: CD Reviews PO Box 70604 Seattle, WA 98027

THANK YOU FOR READING THE BLUESLETTER AND SUPPORTING LIVE BLUES IN THE EVERGREEN STATE!

Letter
Hi Blues Fans, I wanted to welcome you to a very important month in our blues calendar. As this issue lands in members mailboxes during the first week in February, we will have two acts that compete in the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The Wired Band will return to represent the Washington Blues Society in the band category and Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely will represent our society in the solo/duo category. While theyve each traveled a long road to get to Memphis to compete, I know that each act will realize that this long weekend of blues experiences is much more than a battle of the bands. Its an opportunity for an extended blues family to reunite, and the Blues Foundation offers a range of networking opportunities over and above the nightly competitions in blues venues along Beale Street. Theres workshops, the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards ceremony and luncheon, a welcome concert, and youth showcase, plus informal meetand-greets in the Marriott, Doubletree and Residence Inn lobbies across downtown Memphis. I always like to take in a side trip to the Peabody Hotel and watch the dapper guards escort ducks to and from the hotels majestic fountain. Same goes for the BBQ: whether I first land at the Pig on Beale, the Rendezvous, or Alcynias near the Marriott, Ive never had a bad meal in Memphis. While the weather may be arctic instead of Southern at times one year it was snowing sideways there is always the warmth and welcome of Americas largest gathering of blues bands. When our blues competitors return home from Beale Street this year, please welcome them back by buying their music and seeing their shows. At last months Board of Directors meeting, Vice President Tony Fredericksons already cooking up some great things for our journey to Memphis in 2013 by having another statewide competition. Stay tuned. As we identify venues and dates, well post them online and in the pages of the Bluesletter. Until next month, go out and see live blues music! Eric Steiner, President Washington Blues Society Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

President

from the

From the Archives

Pictures by Eric Steiner Tim Sherman, Doug Skoog, Mark Dalton, Rhea Rolfe, Paul Green and Chris Zippy Leighton.

Middle: Robert Cray at the 2011 Blues Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner Bottom: Eddy The Chief Clearwater at the 2010 Kitchener Blues Festival

The 2012 Walla Walla Guitar Festival will be held in five venues in downtown Walla Walla on Saturday, March 17th. Walla Faces, the Walla Walla Elks Lodge, the Charles Smith Winery, Sapolil Cellars, and the Crossroads Steakhouse will feature some of the finest blues guitarists in the Pacific Northwest. International Blues Challenge competitor the Randy Oxford Band will perform at the festivals kick-off party at Sapolil Cellars on Friday night before the festival on the 16th. Tickets for Saturday are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Fridays kick-off party at Sapolil will be $10 and please visit http://sapolilcellars.com for more information Each venue in downtown Walla Walla is within five blocks of each other. Parking can be found throughout downtown, in various parking lots and on the street. If youre driving over from Western Washington, all street parking is free in downtown Walla Walla! No, that is not a misprint. Free parking! There are a number of lodging and restaurant options, in addition to worldclass wines, and www.wallawalla.org features a number of tourist activities for families of all ages. The Walla Walla Valley Vineyard Inn will also offer packages for this festival. Another online resource will offer motel and festival packages, and the Washington Blues Society is a supporter of this event: http:// wallawallaguitarfetival.com. Heres the 2012 line-up: 12 PM 3 PM: Acoustic showcase @ Walla Faces: Laredo Drive, Wasteland Kings, Siol (pronounced: sheel) Celtic band (Our tip o the hat to St Paddys day!). 3 PM 8 PM: The LARGE show @ Walla Walla Elks: Jimmy Lloyd Rea & The Switchmasters, The Randy Oxford Band, Coyote Kings w/Mush Morgan 8 PM Midnight: The Multi-Venue Guitar Crawl! Sapolil Cellars: Kevin Selfe & The Tornados, Gary Winston & The Real Deal Charles Smith Winery: Junkyard Jane, feat. Billy Stoops, Philly KingB & Larry Lear Crossroads Steakhouse: Sammy Eubanks, the Vaughn Jensen Band Midnight 1:30 AM: All-Star Jam @ CrossRoads hosted by Vaughn Jensen & Curtis Rocket Johnson For more information, contact Coyote King Rob Barrett at rob@coyotekings.com, or call (509) 240 0947

Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival 2012

Bainbridge Island Has the Blues Three local blues acts are teaming up together The Blues is Our Business...and Business Music for a fundraiser for Bainbridges Islandis Good Center. Peter Spencer (www.peterspencer. com), an amazing solo blues guitarist/singer who teaches at the Center will be performing, as well as The Excellos (www.exellosblues.com) playing their brand of Swamp Blues Jump Blues (one of their members is Mark Hoffman, who co-wrote the fabulous biography on Howlin Wolf Moanin at Midnight) and The Julie Duke Band, (www.thejuliedukeband.com) whose Chicago-style Blues sets (their singer is the new Executive Director of Island Music Center), have been tearing up the island for the better part of a year now. Proceeds from the event will go to purchase much needed sound equipment, such as monitors and microphones, for the Centers Concert Hall. The current equipment has been in place since 2003 and it is in serious need of updating. Island Music Center hosted over 40 musical performances in its Concert Hall last year, ranging from Grammy winners to first time bands with genres spanning classical to heavy metal and everything in between. The new equipment will allow them to better serve the community in providing quality affordable concerts. Island Music Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich lives through music and to advance the quality and accessibility of music education and musical experiences in their community. They offer a performance concert hall, twelve music studios and four classrooms with 24 teachers instructing seventeen different instruments to over 250 students. The Blues Benefit will take place on March 3rd, 2012 at 7:30pm at Island Music Center, 10598 NE Valley Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Suggested donation is $20. For information please call 206-780-6911 or email info@islandmusic.org. www.islandmusic.org

WBS History
by Malcolm Kennedy

Thanks to some newly re-discovered Bluesletter from former Washington Blues Society Board members Carol & Robert Sawyer, I am revisiting blues society history from the December 1993 Bluesletter (thats volume five, number 12). This installment is called 5.1, because installment 5.0 was the fifth installment of this series, and as space allows, the Bluesletter will recognize the achievements of musicians, prior Board member, and volunteers by re-capping select Bluesletter content to show just how far this blues society has come. . The cover photo and story are Albert Collins who passed Wednesday November 24th, 1993 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. The Bluesletter was 8 pages long had three 1/4 pg ads from Blind Pig Records, Debbie Davies Picture This, Mitch Woods Shakin the Shack and the very aptly named Blind Pig sampler Prime Chops Vol. 2 with 19 cuts and 70 minutes from Debbie, Mitch, Big Walter, Carey Bell, Jimmy Thackery, Roy Rogers, Eddy Clearwater, Chris Cain, Magic Slim and more. The blues society Board Officers were Cholo Willsin, President; Tim Hickman, Vice President Membership; John McNally, Vice President Clubs; B ob Freidenberg Vice President Musicians, Lois Lane, Secretary, Jan Kisor, Treasurer and Bill Yates, Editor also on the Board were Ken Page, Volunteers (Tacoma) and Larry Deene, Media Coordinator. The membership rates were $15 single. It was time again for BB Award nominations and members were told there would be at least four nominees in each of the 19 categories. Ken Page reported on happenings in Tacoma, there was a Sunday jam at China Gardens, 38th & Pacific, hosted by the Tim Hall Band with Shelly Ely. The Bluenotes were playing at the Victory Club and so were Too Slim & the Taildraggers and The Jerry Miller Band. There was also a jam at Debows in Ruston hosted by Steve Cooley. Duke Robillard was coming back to town with a gig at the Central Saloon Dec 9th and he was being backed by the Alley Cats. Also coming to the Central Saloon was Mark Hummel & the Blues Survivors Dec 3 & 4. In Rod Downings regular column Blues Beat talked of 1993 happenings starting with lament the loss of the Owl Caf and Prositos as blues venues; but blues was still alive in Ballard at the Salmon Bay Eagles thanks to the hard

work of Jimie Jean Tuttle and her crew and at the Ballard Firehouse. Harmonica shows produced by Steve Bailey, Cholo, Dave Prez and Iron Mike Long, Fat Tuesday, Folklife, the Port Townsend Blues Festival the Winthrop R&B Festival and all the new summer festivals and events. There were blues jams almost every day of the week a blues cruise, the 1st annual Slide Guitar Show and benefits like Stardrums Childhaven show. Also mentioned were the Blues on the Radio included 19 blues programs on 6 stations hosted by DJs Nick Vigarino, Roberta Penn, Ruth Brown, Juliet Zentelis, Dr. Don Livingston, Jim Kelton, Lou Daniels, Marlee Walker, Greg Weber, Mike The Sandman, Leon Berman and Bob Anthony. Marlees show Blues Kitchen on KMTT 103.7 had just been expanded by two hours. It was mentioned that if you were passing through the Methow Valley to tune into KVLR at 106.3 FM for B.I.G bass man Keith Wolfman Wohlfords show (time not mentioned.) S l a m h o u n d Hu nt e r K i m F i e l ds b o o k Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers had just been published (excellent book by the way) and was at the Elliott Bay Book Co. in Pioneer Square for a book reading Dec 16th followed by an acoustic performance. There was a Christmas list of local blues releases from 1993 which included Steve Cooley Live, Another Rainy Day-Little Bill & the Bluenotes, The Best of Seattle Rhythm & Blues Vol. Onevarious artists, Blues Brokers-band name not listed possibly eponymous, Them Trains, Them Bones, Them Western Blues-The Tim Sherman Band, Aint Gonna Cry-Kathy Hart & the Bluestars, Sweet Misery Moan-Marc Bristol, Mike Pack Demo, The Midnights Live, and No Excuse For The Blues-DK Stewart with apologies for anything missed.

come. (note: the 11 track CD was released in 1995 on Rotund Records and includes two of the originals on the demo tape.) The calendar listed The WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas Party on Dec 12th at the Ballard Firehouse, Sams Can Jam for NW Harvest were held every Wed of Dec at Old Timers and there were gigs included in the calendar by:

5.1

Soul Kiss Jim Mesi w/ Lily Wilde The Midnights Sweet Talkin Jones The Mucletones Yo & De Cats B.I.G. Led Jaxon Isaac Scott Smilin Jack The Cyclones The Fat James Band Alley Cat Chris Stevens & the Kingalings The Roger Rogers Band Dave Conant & the D-Rangers Little Nicky & the X-Men Little Bill & the Bluenotes The David Brewer Band The Charles White Band Too Slim & the Taildraggers
Pioneer Square still had 10 Clubs for 1 cover charge. There were Musicians classified ads for guitar instruction by Tim Sherman beginners welcome and advanced only by Tom McFarland. Warren Murray had a harmonica workshop with special guest Dick Powell, Terry was a guitarist for hire as was Glen Ashby blues (and other colors.) 1994 revisited Until recently we had very few Bluesletters from 1994 we had partial issues from July, Aug and Oct and complete issues from only Sept and Nov. We now have full copies of every issue except February so I will start in January. In January of 1994, The Bluesletter was 8 pages and the cover stor y was about the

The calendar listed The WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas Party on Dec 12th at the Ballard Firehouse.
CD Reviews included Collins Mix by Albert Collins (written before knowledge of his passing) and British artist Otis Grands He Knows The Blues. The Fat James band 5 song demo featuring three originals Live at the Central was reviewed with the full CD release soon to

10

WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas party held on a chilly, rainy night. The MC for the proceedings was KBCS DJ Dr. Don Livingston. The entertainment started with Fat James bass man Tracy Arrington and keyboard player Dave Cashin, Leslie Milton on drums and Nichole Fournier on guitar and vocals. Next up was Freddy James Rockin 88s with Milton still on drums and Tom Mazzuca on sax. This was followed by the Fat James Band with Paul Green adding harp to one song. The show continued with Milton back on the kit, Tony Thomas on bass, Freddy on keys with Fat James and Tim Sherman on guitars fronted by John Mr. Soul Hodgkins on harp and vocals. The fun didnt end here as next up were Tim, Tracey with Tom Murphy drums, Rolf Larson keys and Karla Maylender vocals. Washington Blues Society President Cholo Willsin gave away raffle prizes of CDs, albums and cassette tapes (you can explain those items to your grandkids.) Dr. Don and Cholo gave a 1993 wrap up and plans for the blues society in 1994. There was still more music with Milton, Thomas, Sherman, Mazzuca, Nick Vigarino on slide and Kathi McDonald on vocals. The final set (yes six sets) featured Norm Bellas on keys, Arrington, Milton, Sherman and Fat James guitars, with Paul Green starting on harp and vocals and Duffy Bishop finishing out the night. Thanks went out to Don Dodge and Steve Wood for stage production and sound, Dr. Don, all the musicians, blues society members and friends. The Washington Blues Society banner was

(OLearys) and reminisced about a show David Brewer played there. There was a benefit at 3 Finger Jacks in Winthrop Jan 20th to support the volunteer fire dept. The line up included Fat James, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Duffy Bishop, Chris Carlson, Nick Vigarino, Kathi McDonald, Dick Powell and the Tim Hall Band. B.I.G. had a celebration Jan 12th at the Central and Salmon Bay Eagles was celebrating the fourth year of hosting the blues jam there. Leslie Miltons Having Fund Band were playing featuring Al Katz and Tim Sherman, guitars; Mark Dalton, bass; and John Hodgkins, vocals and harp. The Midnights were cutting three demos for Capital records and the Woodpeckers were headed to L.A. to record an album. There was a short piece on Michael the Sandmans KBCS radio show Groove Time. Tom Hunnewell reported on 5th Annual Battle of the Blues Harps No 24th at the

In the March 1994 issue,there were two cover stories, the first was instructions for the fourth BB Awards Mar 27th at Salmon Bay Eagles.
missing in action, taken off the fence at Winthrop. Vice President Musicians Bob Freidenberg thanked all the 1993 volunteers. There was a reminder to get in 1994 BB Award nominations. There was a 1/4 page ad from Alligator Records for Dave Hole. There was write up of Holes November 18th show at the New Orleans by Freidenberg and a couple of CD reviews, Seattle Women in Rhythm & Blues We Are Not Good Girls, and Little Nicky & the X-Men Sharkskin. Seattle Women were backed by Tom Erak, bass; Joe Guzman, drums; Ed Vance, keys and Mark Riley, guitar, while the ladies were Marrilee Rush, Kathi McDonald, Patti Allen, Kathy Hart, Nancy Claire and LJ Porter. Little Nickys (Nicole Fournier) band was Andrew Cloutier. Drums; Albritton McClain, bass; Roger Filgo, B-3; and sax by Scott Adams and Jordan OHara. In Rod Downings Blues Beat he laments the loss of another blues club

Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach, CA. For the first time on the same stage were three of the finest California harp wizards William Clarke, Rod Piazza and James Harman (ok, yeah, Im drooling) also on the bill was Lynwood Slim backed by Kid Ramos & the Big Rhythm Combo. Pi Square now had 11 clubs for 1 cover. In the March 1994 issue,there were two cover stories, the first was instructions for the fourth BB Awards Mar 27th at Salmon Bay Eagles. They had instituted changes to make the voting more fair. The second article was about a benefit for the Washington Blues Society Shannon Love Productions Presents The Washington Blues Society on the Eastside being held Mar 12th at Spencers Restaurant & Lounge in Bellevue. Artists who performed included

Kathi McDonald, LJ Porter, Nick Vigarino, Billy Blackstone, Tony Williams, Rolf Larson , soprano saxophone player Frank Steel and his Russian guitarist Volodia and possibly the Fat James Band. Event co-sponsors were Bellevue Auto Sound, Festival gallery Rock n Roll Art in Kirkland and Band Aid Music. The March blues society General Meeting was at Salmon Bay Eagles Sun Mar 13th with the Nightsticks, Woody Carr, Jim King, Scott Earheart, Les White and Dandy Masters. The blues society Board were Cholo Willsin, President; Don Livingston, Vice President Membership; Ken Page, Vice President Clubs; Rod Downing, Vice President Musicians; Shannon Love, Secretary; Jan Kisor, Treasurer, Bill Yates, Editor and Doug & Wendy Moe Calendar. There was a 1/2 page ad for the 2nd Annual Centrum Port Townsend Blues Workshop. Page four was the Best of the Blues Award Ballot with 22 categories (two new Blues Event and Slide Guitar) with five nominees each. Downings Blues Beat reported a new club in Pi Square hosting blues on weekends like Tom McFarland and Tim Sherman and jazz Tue-Thur. Also in the column was a bit on Blue Shadows KCMUs Thur evening radio show hosted by Greg Weber. With the BBs new category for Slide Guitar a Washington Blues Society member had asked Rod about slide players so he came up with a list, as he stated lengthy but not complete. Dan Abernethy (Sliderulers,) Nick Vigarino (Mean Town Blues,) Doug Kearny (Blue Flames) Marty Lepore (Iguanas,) Shawn Hanify (Night Crawlers,) Eric Madis (Dermody-Madis-Dalton,) Pat Chase (Guitar Slim,) Dave Conant (D-Rangers,) Billy Stapleton (Lonesome Jerome,) Jack Cook (Phantoms of Soul,) Mark Whitman (Muscletones,) Scott Lind (Charles White Band,) Brian Butler (Brian Butler Band,) Tim Langford (Too Slim & the Taildraggers,) Rod Cook (Royals,) Steve Bailey (Blue Flames,) Henry Cooper (Duffy Bishop,) Dan Newton (Woodpeckers,) Mark Malloy, Daddy Treetops, TJ Read, Joel Tepp, Al Cloutier, Mark Chapman, Phil Scottie, Mark Harris and Orville Johnson (hey I know over 1/2 of them.) There was an article on the Emporium Fire Trust Fun Benefit in Winthrop; the proceeds went to aid the 6 businesses and 30 employees left jobless by a fire that winter. A blue book was being released by Penguin Books on Feb 9th by music journalist Robert Santelli titled The Big Book of Blues: A Biographical Encyclopedia. It was 512 pages with over 600 blues bios.

The winner is

(continued on page 23)

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The ingredients for dirty rice are not ones found in many other dishes. Chicken livers, pieces of ground pork, chopped bacon, celery, Cajun seasonings, onions, peppers, and rice do create something pretty flavorful though. Parts are soft, parts are crunchy, and it is spicy. Yes it is found in New Orleans. It is no surprise that when Eric Law or Eric Law Rice was searching for a band name and someone was talking about food he knew they mentioned the right food when they said dirty rice. That had to be the name of his band. When you think of a blues band with that name you think of Louisiana, and maybe a double entendre because of the word dirty and a band member with Rice one of his family names. This band will be on my menu in 2012 and request it if you dont see it in print when you enter a club.

Have Some
These guys have been around a while and played with other bands but during the last year they have played together every Sunday at Marcos in Lynnwood at a strip mall along Hwy 99. They also played at the WBS Holiday Party in December. In talking to Scotty Harris he lets his excitement show and tells about how he thinks this band can be on the Road to Memphis this coming year. They have a number of original songs that Eric has written and sound smooth as silk on some old classics like Black Cat Bone, Wang Dang Doodle, and maybe especially on You Really Got a Hold On Me. They are a pleasure to see perform live and I expect that more people are going to find out about that if they book more gigs.

Photos by Tom Hunnewell

By Robert Horn

I am doing means something, because in the past I played with some really cool players since 1996.(he then listed many of the best known blues performers in the region). Well, now I am not going with that approach (of playing around with no plan). I have a new attitude. Now there is a direction to what I am doing. Ricky and Scotty know that we are playing at Marcos to polish this act up. We have a direction now. We are not in a hurry to fill up our calendar. I am more concerned about making sure this is a deadly (good) band, and its gonna be. RH: Scotty was saying he thought this band has the potential to compete for Road to Memphis selection this coming year. Do you agree? Eric: Oh yeah. I have my sights set pretty high this coming year. I was talking to Marlee Walker and she asked Why dont you open for national acts? and I said Absolutely. I have never had the fire I have now. I have more passion for this band than any I have worked with before. I used to not like my voice and song writing. Scotty and Ricky told me I had the wrong attitude toward myself. I was laid off of work a while back and I looked through my old stuff from years ago. There was a period of 6 to 8 months when I didnt pull the guitar out of the casebut I have a lot of fire for it now. RH: What made it shift? Eric: It took a lot of energy to play after work. When I got laid off I started listening to all the old tapes, and heard them differently. I got more

This band has talented musicians and they have a passion for what they are doing. In talking to band members what comes out is the clear fact that they have a fire in their bellies and want to be on bigger stages. Eric Rice is not the only one in the band that radiates the power of an artist who knows what he is doing. The whole band radiates something special in conversations. Many readers of The Bluesletter are familiar with BB Award winning Sax player Scotty Harris who plays bass now in this band. Some blues fans are familiar with Ricky Johnson who plays drums in this band. Over the years Eric played guitar and sang in both Spokane and Seattle with bands like Yo & the Cats, J.R. Boogie, Bar Fly, and performed with musicians like Fat James and Sweet Talkin Jones.

I have more passion for this band than any I have worked with before. I used to not like my voice and song writing. Scotty and Ricky told me I had the wrong attitude toward myself.
I sat down with Eric and we spent an afternoon talking about where his music comes from and where it is going next. Before asking a specific question I talked with him a while about music. Questions were posed during the discussion but this doesnt start with a question. The following is part of that conversation. Eric: I am into finding tone. The Stratocaster is a pretty one for thatand this (blues) is the most powerful music in the world today. My big thing right now is making sure that what

12

Blues at Bobbis Bar

By Roberta Doupe

Dirty Rice
interested in the story telling aspect of songs. Im not just interested in being a guitar slinger. RH: Explain that more, the story telling aspect. Eric: There are a lot of good guitar players but what makes a Buddy Guy or Stevie Ray, and they may not tell you what notes are being played but while they are good guitar players, is that they are great story tellers. That is true of rock n roll or country too. Johnny Cash is a great story teller. What I am trying to do now is tell the story. One of the things I do now is Give My Love to Rose by Johnny Cash and a couple times I have gotten the response I am looking for. I look around the room to see if I get the emotional response I am trying to bring out in people. (Eric told of how Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and others can get people crying to a song and that is because of how good they are at story telling.) RH: So, as in any kind of writing, in performing music, having something to say is key? Eric: Yeah, speaking of that: Scotty and Ricky have said to me about songs I wrote a long time ago, Why arent you singing these now? I played a couple of them for Scotty, and he said those are cool. I then started looking at other and re-worked a few of them. I will have a CD come out by spring and another in the summer. Before, I was the dog running around in the yard raising hell. Now I am the dog scratching at your door. Eric talked about setting out to book his band a

Reservation Blues isnt a bad thing when it entails a performance by the Inland Empire Blues Societys Best Male Blues Performer for 2011, Robb Boatsman. In fact, it was the perfect way to kick off the New Year at Bobbis Bar in Plummer, Idaho. Bobbis, on the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation, is a big supporter of the blues, both on the reservation and around the Inland Northwest. Boatsman packed the 100year old rez bar two Fridays in a row for a pre New Years bash and a birthday party. And Robb did what Jerry Peterson, Vice President of IEBS sez he does best, and thats, perform! The sets were scheduled early for the convenience of an older crowd, from 6 to 10 p.m., but Boatsman played until 2 a.m. each time. time. He had called it a night several times, but it seemed like the guitars were virtually leaping back into his arms. He couldnt pass the stage without picking one up and playing some more. He started out by entertaining the crowd with lots of classic blues rendered on his electric acoustic Joshua guitar. Toward the end of the night hed pull out the red electric hollow body guitar and really proceeded to shine. On New Years, he played behind his head, then proceeded to crank out that classic from Jimi Hendrix, Voo Doo Chile with the guitar ending up on the floor. Toward the end, the guitar was on the floor seeming to play by itself, when Robb grabbed the Joshua and accompanied himself for a few notes to end the song as a one-man duet. \ It is easy to see why Robb Boatsman was voted Best Male Blues Performer in the Inland Empire Blues Societys awards program. His love of music, singing, and crowd interaction kept the audiences engaged for a full eight hours both nights with just a few short breaks. His solo act is becoming as much in demand as are performances with his band Rampage, which was nominated Best New Blues Band in 2008, 2009, and Best Blues Band in 2010 and 2011 by the members of the Inland Empire Blues Society. Ill close this short article by inviting Washington Blues Society members to Bobbis Bar on the Coeur dAlene Reservation in Idaho. Should your travels take you to our area, please stop in. Well serve up some great blues and welcome you to a great blues bar!

lot more in the coming period. He said that he was never all that proud of what he was doing years ago in Pioneer Square but not he wants to be booked there and everywhere else with a band he is proud ofin Everett, Seattle, etc. We talked a lot about the old days of blues bands playing at all the clubs in Pioneer Square and packing in the crowds at each place. He said that Pioneer Square is why he originally moved to Seattle. It is not what it used to be. He said It f**kin rocked (he told of a place that used to be open till 4 AM in the morning) You could drink whiskey all night and eat pasta there and go home smelling like garlic and whiskey at 4:30 in the morning and piss off your wife, it was great. (This statement was included for comic purposes with Erics permission --- he doesnt really want to piss off his wife I assume.)

We talked a lot about the old days of blues bands playing at all the clubs in Pioneer Square and packing in the crowds at each place.
You can find the band online and even get a taste of their music there but their live shows are better than on a computer. I look forward to seeing them a lot more in 2012. Expect to have them stand in front of judges to be scored in the Road to Memphis competition this coming year. Whether they go to Memphis or not will be determined later on. They will be fun to see and hear between now and the time we find out about that.

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While I had heard of Brandon O. Bailey before, I met him in Memphis last year for the first time. As I was walking through a breezeway at my hotel, I heard the familiar riffs of Jason Riccis Snowflakes and Horses, and this really caught my attention. In a park across from the hotel, a young man sat playing a most compelling harmonica solo. I had to check this out more closely. Before crossing the street to the park, the familiar J. Geils Whammer Jammer, followed by the Sonny Boy Williamson/Willie Dixon tune Bye Bye Bird,floated in the air. I was totally captivated by this tall, angular, handsome teenager as he shifted his effects and swung into Michael Jacksons classic Billie Jean. I hung around to watch Brandon work so that I could learn more about this very talented harmonica player. The following explains why Brandon has caught the attention of master harmonica players across North America. In 2008, he rose through the ranks of several hundred contestants to make the finals of the Orpheum Star Search competition in Memphis. He won it handily. The Blues Foundation has awarded scholarships to Brandon two summers in a row to assist in his further advancement and studies of the harmonica. Brandon adapted the post-modern harp-boxing style made famous by Son of Dave: blues riffs intertwined with beat-box rhythms. This brings the art form to a new level of awareness for a much younger generation of music fans. Although still in his teens, hes already played with some of the best harmonica players and bands in the country, including Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam, Jason Ricci and New Blood, Billy Gibson, Charlie Wood, and Blind Mississippi Morris. He has performed at B. B. Kings Blues Club in Memphis, the Rum Boogie Cafe, and the Orpheum Theater in Memphis. Plus, the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in Helena, the Mid South Fair, and the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C. I had a delightful conversation with Brandon in Memphis last year, and learned a lot about a promising young blues talent with a great deal of potential who just might be called Dr. Brandon O. Bailey in less than ten years. SS: How did you choose the harmonica, or did it choose you? BB: I began playing the harmonica after my grandmother told me that my great grandfather

(her father) used to play harmonica train songs around the house to entertain the family. This prompted me to ask my mom to purchase a harmonica, and I started from there. SS: What prompted you to learn the looping technique? How and when did you first find out about that? BB: I was searching through some music videos on YouTube one day around two years ago, and somehow stumbled upon the work of a former member of the crash test dummies named Benjamin Darvill who now goes by the stage name Son of Dave. He was using a looping pedal to layer beat boxed grooves and bass hummed harmonies, and was playing harmonica and singing over the top. This style completely fascinated me, and I imagined that if I had a looping pedal, I would probably be able to play similar music. So fortunately some months later, I received a looping pedal from my aunt Lasonia Harris (who is also the executive producer of my album) and began studying every Son of Dave video on the internet. SS: Jason Ricci admires what you play and I have heard you play his material. Has his Levy method had an influence on you in any way? BB: Although I am a huge fan of Howard Levy, he has never been one of my particular sound influences. The closest influential link that I have to Howards playing is from my friend and mentor, the late Chris Michalek. Chris was a friend of Levys and was one of the few master jazz harmonica players who could keep up with Levys technique. SS: When did you come under the tutelage of Adam Gussow? BB: I actually learned how to play from watching his series of instructional videos on YouTube.com. We first met after I had progressed to the semi-final round of a midsouth talent competition held yearly called the Orpheum Star Search. Mr. Gussow attended that semi-final round and became interested in my ability after seeing me play the J.Geils bands instrumental harmonica piece Whammer Jammer. When I progressed to the final round of the competition, Mr. Gussow offered to come to Memphis to give me some stage coaching for the finals. Fortunately, the stage training

worked, and I won the competition. We have been friends and he has been helping ever since. SS: Harp musicians are very devoted to their particular brand, and model of harmonica. Charlie Musselwhite praises Harrison harmonicas for giving him the quality he demands on the road. How did you happen to pick this manufacturer? What models do you prefer? BB: I was originally introduced to Harrison Harmonicas through my friend and fellow harmonica player Jay Gaunt, who had purchased some of their customs, and is friends with the company owner, Brad Harrison. After playing his custom harmonicas for a while, Mr. Harrison informed me that he would be manufacturing his own brand of harmonicas in Chicago, and that he wanted me to be one of his endorsees. Currently, the Harrison Harmonicas B-Radical is my favorite harmonica due to its easy of playability and workmanship. There is no other harmonica being manufactured in the United States and with such amazing quality to allow me to do what I do. SS: Having met both your mother and grandmother, how has their role in your life with music developed? BB: My mother and grandmother have been the biggest supports since the very beginning. They have been through a lot because of the music I am involved in, and have invested a great deal not only financially, but of their own time, energy and patience. I am extremely thankful to them for that. SS: There are three of self-penned tunes on Memphis Grooves, as well as the covers you do. What might we expect to hear on your next album? BB: The next album will feature more prominent vocal arrangements, as well as some of Memphiss incredible live musicians as my backing. The looping will still be there, but in more of a live band context, with less emphasis on solo arrangements. SS: Where do you see yourself with the harmonica four years from now? BB: It is difficult to say where I will be with the harmonica in four years, considering how much of a whirlwind journey these last

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Memphis Grooves with

three years have been. I never really know what is going to happen next, which keeps things very exciting for me. I do hope that my overall mastery of the harmonica will have improved, as well as knowledge of the inner workings of music and theory. It would also be a wonderful thing to have a major record deal by that time. However, in four years I am planning to be in medical school, so we will have to see how things are going with the harmonica. SS: You are in a select group of young men in this country right now who are perfecting their craft on the harp. You told me about being friends with Jay Gaunt. Are there other young harp musicians close to your calibre that you jam with from time to time? BB: As young harmonica artists, we are a very close-knit group of people. Therefore, I try to stay in contact with all of the other young players that I can find in the world. Some players of particular note in my generation include my friends Nic Clark, of Colorado, Zack Pomerleau, of Maine, RJ Harman, of Florida, Zhin Wong, of Malaysia, Alex Paclin, of Russia, and LD Miller, of Indiana. SS: I heard that you wanted to study medicine and become a doctor. If this is true, where do you see your skills with the harmonica going? Will you continue to play and study or have it as a hobby/outlet? BB: The primary career goal is to become a paediatric neurologist, and I am currently a pre-med student at the University of Memphis. However, pursuing music is important to the degree as it is possible without interfering with my medical training. Having heavily invested in music at this point of being a hobby is not an option. However, during medical school I will definitely have to slow down a bit with that career. I look forward to Brandons next adventure in music and wish him much success in life. With wonderful goals like these, he is to be encouraged and congratulated. The blues music of tomorrow is in good hands for the next generation with such forward-thinking, thoughtful, and talented performers as Brandon O. Bailey.

By Suzanne Swanson

Brandon O. Bailey

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The January

By Eric Steiner, photos by the Blues Boss Januarys meeting of the Washington Blues Society, otherwise known as our Blues Bash, was a great start to a great blues year. Music Director Suze Sims has set the blues bar pretty high by featuring two-time International Blues Challenge solo/duo competitor J.D. Hobson for the acoustic set followed by Miles Harris and Triple Threat, an electric youth band from Mount Vernon High School in Skagit County, Washington. Over 75 blues fans members and non-members alike started of our blues year with a bang. Each of the nights sets featured what I consider to be important songs from Americas blues songbook, and featured acoustic and electric blues touchstones. The nights opener, J.D. Hobson, has played on a number of regional stages, including Bumbershoot, the Bite of Seattle, Taste of Tacoma, and has had regular gigs at the Conor Byrne Pub and the award-winning Highway 99 Blues Club in downtown Seattle. As the winner of the South Sound Blues Associations Back to Beale Street solo/duo competition, he recently competed in Memphis at the 2011 International Blues Challenge for the second year in a row. Last year, J.D. was nominated by the Washington Blues Society members for a 2011 Best of the Blues award in the best solo/duo category. Tonights set included two songs from Son House, Jinx Blues and Preachin the Blues, as well as his original, Driven which was inspired by Charley Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Two of my favorite songs from J.D.s set were Blind Willie McTells Statesboro Blues and Willie Dixons Spoonful Blues. J.D. Hobsons outstanding interpretations of traditional, country blues set the stage for the Washington Blues Society debut of a band of young bluesmen, Miles Harris and Triple Threat.

at the Red Crane

Blues Bash

2012

While Id seen J.D. perform on Beale Street in Memphis, I had never heard of Miles band. I often wondered how our returning Music Director lines up top-quality blues acts who donate their time to the Washington Blues Society for our second Tuesday, all-ages meetings at the Red Crane restaurant in Shoreline. Suze didnt reveal any of her secrets, but told me that Best of the Blues and Guitar Center guitar challenge winner Scott E. Lind had something to do with Miles & Co. joining us. I met guitarist and bass player Charlie Krengel at the all-ages jam I host on Monday nights at the Oxford Saloon, Lind said. Our conversation about blues music started there. These students from Mount Vernon High School worked together to make a band video as their senior project. It was a great experience. I felt like I was passing down the torch without putting mine down. The band leader and vocalist, Miles Harris is 17 years old, and has been playing guitar three and a half years. His major influences are Joe Bonamassa, BB King, Eric Clapton, and Eric Johnson. He is currently in his high school jazz choir and concert choir. Charlie Krengel is 18 years old, and the bands guitar and bass player. He has been playing guitar for six years, and picked up bass the last year. His major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Greg Koch, BB King, Jeff Beck, and Charles Mingus. Along with serving in high school marching band drumline, concert bands, and jazz bands, he briefly served in the gospel blues band Trimmed n Burnin as lead guitar player, and sat in with numerous local blues groups, such as the Greg Pitsch Band and Jct. 61-49. Eric Roberts is 19 years old and plays rhythm guitar in the band. He has been playing guitar for 6 years. His major influences are Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Greg Koch, David Gilmour and Rory Gallagher. He also worked as the sound man for The Conway Muse open mic nights and occasionally participated with some of the performers. He was also in the

Mount Vernon High School band. Ryan McGrath is the bands 18 year old drummer. He has been drumming for six years, and his influences include John Bonham, Buddy Rich, Carter Beauford, Max Roach, and JoJo Mayer. He also plays in the High School drumline and concert bands and is the main drummer for Mount Vernon High Schools Jazz 1. True to their schools mascot, these young men were blues Bulldogs as they powered through a set of covers that ranged from Farther On Up the Road, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, and Crossroads, to Every Day I Have the Blues and a mighty funky take on James Browns I Feel Good. While we always try to end promptly at nine oclock, the audience was thrilled to shout encore for Miles notebending frenzy of Jimi Hendrix Foxy Lady and the funkiest version of Crossroads that I have ever heard. Miles Harris and Triple Threat were joined by Bear on bass, a local blues player that can lock down the bottom end on any blues or rock song. This month, our Blues Bash will feature top Northwest women in blues with a Sadie Hawkins dance theme. Legend has it that the Sadie Hawkinscharacter in Al Capps Lil Abner column sparked a trend that encouraged women to ask their sweethearts out for a dance, and this trend caught on in the late 1930s as an early womens empowerment message. So, ladies, Id like to ask you to ask your partner to bring his or her dancing shoes, a few small bills to drop in our tip jar all proceeds go to musicians who donate their time, and none to the blues society and put the Red Crane restaurant in Shoreline on your calendar on the second Tuesday of this month, which is the 14th (and Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedys birthday). I think that our Music Directors plans for our meeting is befitting St. Valentines Day, Our February meeting will be a fitting tribute to St. Valentine, Al Capps Sadie Hawkins, and an early Happy Birthday to the Yard Dog, a long-time volunteer and multiple Best of the Blues award recipient.

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Celebration of the Christmas season is a family affair on the Dry Side, and nowhere was that more apparent than at the 2nd Annual Blue Christmas show at the Knitting Factory on December 23rd. Sammy Eubanks put together this free show featuring some of our Spokane blues family members, and the show opened with Anita Royce and the High Rollers. This hard-hitting quintet was fantastic at the Inland Empire Blues Society October General Membership Meeting, but they took it to a whole new level at Blue Christmas. Fronted by Anita on guitar and vocals, the High Rollers included Art Donnelley on bass, Dave Allen on harmonica and tenor sax, Jim Lorentz on keyboards and Nick Charles on drums. Spokanes Queen of the Blues hit the downbeat precisely at 8 pm with Paul DeLays Be On Your Merry Way, followed by Daves saxophone instrumental FunkinAround. Anita laid down some sexy vocals on the original Love Undercover and Hey Baby,, rocked the house with Hold On To What You Got, and finished up with a heavy, danceable groove in Ellen Whytes 1-800-BLUES. By Jerry Peterson, Vice President Inland Empire Blues Society As the craziness on the dance floor subsided, Zac Fairbanks and his band, the Booze Fighters took the stage. Joining Zac on guitar and vocals were Alex Morrison on bass, Mike

Dry Side Blues

Tschirgi on drums ,and the Inland Empire Blues Societys 2011 Best Blues Guitarist nominee Dennis Higgins of 2011 Best Blues Band Laffin Bones. They came out swinging with hard-hitting blues covers, including Messin With the Kid, Shes Got the Devil in Her, Hoochie Coochie Man, and Further On Down the Road. Headliner and 6-time Best Male Blues Vocalist Sammy Eubanks then started out with a song about well, himself namely Big Boss Man, followed by You Win from his 2005 CD, My Big Fat Blues Record. After Robert Crays Smoking Gun and the traditional Come Home for Christmas, Sammy introduced 2007 and 2011 Inland Empire Blues Society Best Blues Harmonica award-winner Jesse Kunz, who accompanied Sammy, 2011 Best Blues Bass Player Dale Lewis and 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 Best Blues Drummer Michael Hays on songs including the Kentucky Headhunters Shes Got to Have It, Bob Segers Turn the Page, Billy Joe Shavers Georgia On a Fast Train, and the set ended with Sammys own Dancing Like a White Guy. As the crowd began to wind down from their multi-band blues buzz, Sammy reminded them that the night wasnt over Well see yall at Bluz at the Bend, cuz thats where were going! and we did. When I arrived at the Bend, the fabulous Fat Tones were starting their last set with Hard On Me from their 2006 release Struttin. Jesse Kunz showed up and accompanied the Tones on Hustled Down in Texas from their latest

release Sounds Like a Party, and then led on an epic arrangement of the Stones Miss You. After Too Many Drivers at the Wheel, the Tones I Will Follow and Jason Riccis I-55, Sammy and Dale arrived and relieved Bobby Patterson and Uncle Bob Ehrgott on guitar and bass. The revised lineup (known as the Sammy Tones, and not Fat Eubanks, thank you very much), included Jesse on harp and Fat Tones drummer Zach Cooper, did two of Sammys favorite shuffles, Bad Boy and Hottest Thing in Town, bringing the twovenue travelers to a sweaty conclusion well after the Bends normal Friday night closing time. I want to thank the Spokane areas extended family of musicians for putting together such a blues extravaganza where an awesome night of music became true magic. Sammy Eubanks made it happen. A wonderful way to end a great year for music on the Dry Side. We are welcoming a new band to the Dry Side, Thompson Brown and the Shakers, which features Patrice Thompson-Rose of Hoodoo Udu and Soul Proprietor, and Sarah Brown of the Sarah Brown Band on vocals, organizer Dennis Higgins on guitar, Dan Miller of the Coyote Rose Band and Voodoo Church on keyboards, and Mark Cornett and Mark Miller of the Kenny James Miller Band on bass and drums, respectively. I look forward to reporting on their January shows at Daleys Cheap Shots in the Spokane Valley in a future Bluesletter. Thompson Brown and the Shakers intend to tour extensively so, Wet Siders Get Ready!

Sammy Ewbanks and Dale Lewis

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Dennis Higgins of Laffin Bones

Anita Royce and Nick Charles

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Blues Reviews

New Blues that you can Use

Ravinwolf Long Live Live Music (Survive Records)

If youve never seen this phenomenal duo, you owe it to yourself to make a special effort to get-out and attend their next appearance! Jamey and Heather are the real deal. True Blues aficionados. This release pays tribute to great blues artists like Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Bessie Smith, and Skip James. What more do you want? Their sound is refined, dynamic, and very enjoyable to experience. Not to mention the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Their technical skill is truly above average, their stage presence is professional, and the end result makes for one remarkable occasion. I recently attended a performance in Everett and didnt want the evening to end. As far as songwriters go, they are tops. One could say these folks are definitely original. If youre expecting a full-tilt thundering sound, its not here. What you can expect is an easy listening, dedicated, sincere, and full of life renditions blues classics and unique originals that blend together better than most Highland scotches Ive tasted. Did I mention the warmth and vitality of their sound? Oh yes, its nicely reproduced here and you wont regret adding this CD to your blues collection. Long Live Live Music will stick with you like a Memphis BBQ and bourbon meal. Dont forget to pick this one up. George Boswell

Bad Influence Tastes Like Chicken (Badblues Records)

Washingtonian (as in District of Columbia, the other Washington) Magazine hails Bad Influence as a part of a long and worthy Washington blues tradition. With an award for best blues band, in 2003 by the Washington Area Music Association, Bad Influence has garnered a devoted following. Eleven of the 12 songs on this CD are penned by band members Michael Jr Tash, Roger Edsall, Bob Mallardi, and David Thaler. Love Dot.com jumps right into it, literally, with a tale about a married mans best friend in this computer age. Dont Forget Your Nightclothes moves smoothly along with background sax from Jay Corder with Michael Tash on guitar. We can see why this group is so popular on She What? and audiences are guaranteed finger-snapping blues and boogie, coupled with shout-out hooks that keep on coming. Road House and B-Flick Man, allow us to smile at our own foibles while keeping the beat bright. Sliding into a slow blues Talkin To the Wall, with a nice wailing sax solo, speaks to the pain and futility of trying to salvage a relationship past its pull date. On DC Driver we are up and dancing, or driving far too recklessly, with this story about road rage in the nations Capital. After Break Out we move to a solid bass line that slips easily into When Im With You. Run to The Money moves along to dove-tail into the instrumental Cat Fight, showing off the skills of Roger Edsall on harp, Bob Mallardi on stand-up bass, and David Thaler on drums. The finishing touch is a very capable cover of a James Harmon tune, The Clown. Having heard Harmon perform this myself, it had me smiling and bobbing my head in appreciation. Well done, fellas! - Suzanne Swanson

3 2

Tim Aves & Wolfpack The Wolfpack Burnham Sessions (Square One Records) I am always eager to discover CDs that pay tribute to Chicago blues greats like Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, or Elmore James. Motor City Joshs 2008 tribute to Wolf, Forty Four, Paul Rodgers star-studded 1993 CD, Muddy Water Blues, and John Primers 2003 Blue Steel, each offer outstanding re-interpretations of blues classics like Forty Four, I Cant Be Satisfied, and Fine Little Mama. Ill add Tim Aves & Wolfpacks 2011 sessions at the Saint Studios in Burnham, England, to this list. Tims expert slide work on 300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy sets the stage alongside Paul Lesters drums, and Joel Fisks guitar on Robert Johnsons Kindhearted Woman and on Aves Robert Johnsons Shoes add nice acoustic touches to this otheriwise plugged-in CD. When not bending notes with Tim & Co., Jelly Roll Joel plays with a well-respected British blues outfit named Hokie Joint. Not every blues vocalist can scale the heights Wolf climbed, but Tim capably throws his all into each song. Wolf had a powerful stage persona, and was a powerful singer; Aves vocals more than meet the challenge posed by the man born Chester Burnett. Two songs not penned by either Willie Dixon or Chester Burnett are keepers, too: Aves own Robert Johnsons Shoes is a solid blues ballad, and Doyle Bramhalls Life by the Drop is a fitting tribute one of the giants of Texas music who died in November of 2011. The sets closer, recorded live at Essex New Crawdaddy Club, is a delightful 13-minute mash-up of Smokestack Lightning, Spoonful, and Commit a Crime. If the Chicago Blues Festival needed a band to honor Howlin Wolf s memory, Id highly recommend Tim Aves & Wolfpack. Theyve captured the soul, the passion and artistry of Howlin Wolf. Eric Steiner

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Levee Town Pages Of Paperwork (Self Released)

Pages of Paperwork from Kansas City quartet Levee Town sounds more like it came from the UK rather than the heartland. The fourteen song set is a fresh mix of British invasion, surf rock, classic blues sensibility and rockabilly bravado. A band with three lead vocalists is a rare thing and Levee Town uses them with great effect sporting tight harmonies and fresh melodies, often doubling the vocal lines with the fine harmonica from Jim Meade or Brandon Hudspeths fiery lead guitar. Bassist Jacque Garoutte gives gutsy vocals while drummer Jan Faircloth holds them all together with his snappy grooves. Each track has ear catching hooks and clever lyrics, drawing in the listener with ease. Standouts tracks, Lowdown Hurt but Strong, and The Ring, are radio ready. Infectious new music from a hard working Midwestern band who deserve attention. Rick J. Bowen

4 6 7
Nick Moss Here I Am (Blue Bella) I thought Nick Moss took contemporary blues in some different directions on the Privileged release from 2010, but on Here I Am, Nicks continuing to redefine modern blues with a diverse set of 10 original songs that range from full-tilt rock and roll, a little funk, and a couple of tried and true blues jams that merit repeat visits. Nick rocks pretty hard on this disk, but theres enough here to pique the interest of so-called blues purists as well as fans of fellow award-winning guitar players like Buddy Guy and Rob Blaine. The CD begins with a powerful Why You So Mean? and Blood Runs shows that his studio band is in the same class as Nicks Flip Tops. Niky Skillz Skilnik and Patrick Seals engine room is tight, Travis Reeds keyboards add depth to another contemporary blues song about a workers life on the margins of the American dream (and it would have fit nicely on Nicks social commentaries on Privileged). Nick rocks pretty hard on this disc, and the title tune would not out of place alongside some of my favorite Led Zepplin records from the 70s. Travis Reeds keyboards usher in Itll Turn Around, and it reminds me of slow, thoughtful, and soulful songs that have helped define Memphis music. Each time I listen to this song, I marvel at the way Nick blends over-the-top guitar solos against the passionate background vocals of Jennifer Evans, Shuree Rivera, and Michael Ledbetter. Im glad that theres a shorter radio edit of this decidedly bluesy number as itll give radio programmers an alternative to the eight-plus minute version. Nicks Katie Ann (Slight Return) is a simple and direct love song with a driving beat and a powerful guitar solo. Sunday Get Together sounds like a jam session captured in a juke joint, complete with background noise from the audience, and some pretty inspired noodling from Nick. Initially, I thought Here I Am rocked a little too much for my tastes, but each time I revisit this CD, I appreciate the diversity of Nicks latest set, and applaud Nick for expanding my blues horizons. The CD man in the maze cover art was inspired by a traditional Tohono Oodham Nation image from American Indians in Arizonas Central Valley, and I think it fits Nicks blues journey nicely: the maze depicts lifes cycles, roads and choices, and Here I Am is another path that Nick has chosen to further explore the boundaries of the blues. Eric Steiner Keith Scott Universal Blues (Dreamday Music)

Scott Ellison Walkin Through the Fire (JSE Records)

Oklahoma guitar man Scott Ellison is out to take no prisoners with his new release Walkin Through the Fire on JSE Records. This strong fifteen song set is a dance party disc meant to get listeners up on their feet. Each tracks features Ellisons fiery fret work and raspy howl , who at times sounds like a mix of Delbert McClinton meets Bob Dylan, especially the two beat stomper No Way To Live. Ellisons partner Walt Richmond can be credited with the tight arrangements and mix sounds and the tasty addition of the Hot Tamale horns, although the use of electronic drums feels a tad unauthentic at times. Ellisons wit is also on display here with the snappy venom of barrel house rambler You Talk Too Much, and the terrifically sarcastic The Man Who Shot Mustang Sally. Walking Through the Fire is a fine collection of rockin blues, and soul from an under the radar artist. - Rick J Bowen

Keith Scott has been plying the bluesmans trade since landing in Chicago from Florida in the early 1980s, and since then, hes released five CDs of original blues, rock and acoustic music. Along the way, hes played the Chicago Blues Festival, several Midwestern universities, breweries, and noted blues rooms in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. His In 2011, he released two CDs that bookend acoustic and electric blues. I particularly enjoyed his unplugged Tennessee Blues, but the followup to this toned-down acoustic blues CD, Universal Blues, shows me that Keith can bend blue notes quite effectively with an electric band, too. Keiths music has landed on MTVs Real World, Road Rules, and Making the Video, and was featured in a short film, Fault, which screened at the prestigious MIPCOM international entertainment conference in 2002. Hes toured extensively with West Side Guitar Hero Jimmy Dawkins, and has worked with the late Johnny Littlejohn, Hubert Sumlin, Hip Linkchain, and Eddie Taylor. Universal Blues offers up some strong songwriting backed up by some pretty tasty electric blues, particularly on Second Hand Man, No Mercy, and Mean Mistreater. While the majority of Universal Blues is forceful and electric, the acoustic blues of Leaving Blues and Georgia Blues, and the slide work on Living in My Own World attest to Keiths diverse approach to the blues. If youre fortunate enough to live near Chicagoland, check out Keith Scott live. Hes often working at clubs like Reggies on South State Street, the House of Blues, or playing clubs all the way from Saugatuck, Michigan down to Warsaw, Indiana, and up to Baraboo, Wisconsin, and all points in-between. I enjoyed Tennessee Blues, but his second 2011 release, Universal Blues, is even better as it offers up a mixture of original electric and acoustic blues that more clearly showcases the breadth of this bluesmans talent. Eric Steiner

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More...
Morry Sochat & The Special 20s Eatin Dirt (Galaxie Records) I had the good fortune to see Morry Sochat and the Special 20s open for Lurrie Bell at Buddy Guys Legends in Chicago this past December. This early holiday present featured most of the cuts of Sochats third CD, including Shes A Betty, Fried Chicken and Waffles and Meet Me in Chicago. Morrys core band members are a whos who of contemporary Chicago blues artists, and his guests are equally toprate. The rhythm section of Marty Binder on drums and Ted Beranis on bass find the pocket effortlessly . Shoji Naito and Jim St. Marie share guitar duties, and Doug Corcoran plays trumpet and keyboards. Morrys recruited some great guests to round out a diverse blues record that is infused with jump blues, swing, and the electric Chicago sound. Long-time Koko Taylor collaborator John Kattke (Brother John, who hosts the jam at Buddy Guys every other Monday night) contributes some fine keyboard work, while Billy Flynn and Dave Herrero add to the Special 20s guitars. Chris Neal rounds out the big-band sound on sax, and I found Eatin Dirt fun from start to finish. I enjoyed the bands second release, Swingin Shufflin Smokin and Eatin Dirt offers another joyful Chicago blues experience. Eric Steiner

Kilborn Alley Four (Blue Bella)

I first discovered Blue Bella recording artists Kilborn Alley (also billed as the Kilborn Alley Blues Band) several years ago on DJ Delta Frank Blacks excellent blues show at WGLT-FM at Illinois State University (my undergraduate alma mater). Delta spun Kilborn Alleys debut Blue Bella CD, Put It In the Alley, and I was hooked immediately after I heard this 2007 Blues Music Award-nominated disc. Three CDs later, this central Illinois-based quartet is back with another CD. Since that debut, theyve released Tear Chicago Down, and last years Blues Blast Award-winning Better Off Now, and Four, which continues Kilborn Alleys journey in delivering contemporary and traditional blues with their own distinctive sound. Andrew Duncansons vocals are perfectly suited for the soulful You Were My Woman, up tempo Rents House Boogie and funky 22nd Street. Andrew shares guitar work with Josh Stimmel, and Chris Breen on bass and Ed OHara on drums propel each song forward. Guests on Four feature labelmate Gerry Hundt on harmonica, Vince Salerno on sax, and Travis Reed on keyboards, and whether the song features the core Alley quartet, or their guests, Four offers consistently solid helpings of blues. The band finds a Memphis groove on Good Advice and recalls the halcyon days of Chicagos Chess Records on Sitting on the Bank, but my favorite is Fours closer: a rambling 10+ minute slow blues song called Going Hard, which showcases Duncanson and Stimmels considerable guitar chops. Generations ago, young Chicago bluesmen competed in head cutting jam sessions, and I think that Andrew and Josh wouldve represented Kilborn Alley just fine. Kilborn Alley has been recognized perennially at Chicagos Blues Blast Awards, and I am glad that Four continues the bands forward momentum on the innovative Blue Bella label. Eric Steiner

Otis Taylor Contraband (Telarc)

Telarc will release Otis Taylors 12th CD this month. Contraband is a diverse collection of 14 originals that capture Taylors eclectic approach to the blues. While many reflect his own unique brand of trance blues on Contraband, Taylor blends the djembe, acoustic and electric banjo, pedal steel, and fiddle, each complementing the traditional blues trio format featuring guitar, bass, and drums. On Blind Piano Teacher, Ron Miles cornet adds texture to Cassie Taylors and Todd Edmondsons bass lines. This song would be right at home on a jazz station as well as on KBCO-FMs Red Rooster Lounge blues program in Boulder, Colorado. Taylor was born in Chicago but calls the Centennial State home; and most recently, hes created a new blues community through the Otis Taylor Trance Blues Festival. The inaugural event over Thanksgiving 2011 featured fellow Blues Music Award recipient Bob Steady Rollin Margolin, banjo virtuosi Tony Trischka and Don Vappie, the Meters George Porter, Jr., Indigenous Mato Nanji (Standing Bear), and Contraband performers Ron Miles, Cassie Taylor, and Anne Harris. Several tracks further Taylors focused, repetitive interpretations of blues with few chord changes, such as On My Delta Bed and The Devils Gonna Lie. The upbeat Banjo Boogie Blues features stellar pedal steel guitar from Chuck Campbell, rock solid bass lines courtesy of Otis daughter Cassie, and the Gospel-tinged Sheryl Renee Choir buoys the song nicely. The plaintive and wistful Yellow Car, Yellow Dog features Chicagos Anne Harris on fiddle adding color and spice to a sparse, sad love song alongside Otis acoustic and electric banjos and Cassies bass. The two closing songs are among my favorites: Never Been to Africa recalls the story of a black soldier fighting abroad in World War I, and I Can See Youre Lying is an amped-up psychedelic blues rocker with blistering guitar leads from Jon Paul Johnson. Contraband offers a wide range of musical experiences, and reflects Otis Taylors diverse musical interests rooted in West African and Mississippi Hill Country traditions. Eric Steiner

10

22

Bert Deivert Kid Man Blues (Self Released)

At first glance, Kid Man Blues by blues mandolin man Bert Deivert is fine easy listening collection of acoustic based blues delivered front porch style with a live off the cuff feel. But when you dig deeper into the liner notes you find there is more to the story and the album becomes the portrait of a man on a global quest to find the source elements that drive his passion for the blues. Deivert traveled the globe, recording in Sweden, Germany, Mississippi and Bangkok to collaborate and commune with likeminded souls who celebrate the blues with the same fire. Opening with R.L Burnsides Goin Down South, featuring the ghostly wail of the lap steel alongside his mandolin that ramp up vibe of this call and response chant, setting the stage for what is to come. Big Toe Studios in Duncan Mississippi was site for delta style jam session that produced foot stompers Rob and Steal, and Lula, with the late Sam Carr on drums. Dievert sites Carl martin as the prime influence on his blues mandolin and this reading of Martins Kid Man Blues with help from My Sohlin and Memphis Gold on vocals could serve as an archetype for the genre. Most intriguing is how Deivert captured the ghost of Skip James and his 1931 classic Cypress Grove, in Bangkok with help from Dulyasit Pong Srabua on guitar. Who knew the Delta had move to Thailand. Kid Man Blues shows us that the mandolin is the oft forgotten right hand man of traditional acoustic blues that sits perfectly alongside slide and nation guitar, and Bert Deivert is a man on a mission to keep it alive and kicking. Rick J. Bowen

11

WBS History
And the 1994 Best of Blues winners were: Acoustic Guitar-Nick Vigarino Electric Guitar-Mark Whitman Slide Guitar-Dan Abernethy Harmonica-Doug Caulkins Bass-Tracy Arrington Keyboards-Dave Cashin Brass/Reeds-John Goforth Songwriter-Fat James Male Vocalist-Mark DuFresne Band-Fat James band Best Club-Salmon Bay Eagles Blues DJ-Dr. Don Livingston Blues Album-Seattle Rhythm & Blues Vol. 1 Entertainer of the Year-Leslie Milton Hall of Fame-Buck England Blues Writer-Marlee Walker (Blues To Dos) Keeping the Blues Alive-Cholo Willsin Living Blues Legend-Isaac Scott Drums-Pete The Beat Langhans New Band-B.I.G. , Blues Industry Giants Female Vocalist-Karla Maylender Blues Event-WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas Party

The winner is

continued...

5.1

Editors Note: Slightly longer versions of the Otis Taylor, Nick Moss, Keith Scott, and Kilborn Alley CD reviews originally appeared online at www.chicagobluesguide.com. Many thanks to Managing Editor Linda Cain for her permission to reprint these reviews in the Bluesletter.

Taj Mahal and Robert Cray performed at the Paramount Theater. Taj was backed by a band of local artists with Rod Cook on guitar, John Goforth on sax, Ben Smith-drums, Randy Claire-bass and Gary Verill-piano. After Crays set Taj joined him for an encore and then Cray played another 4 songs. The membership meeting was held on April 10th and featured the Tim Hall Band. On Apr 1st Double Cookin (James Curley Cooke & Rod Cook) played at the Tacoma Community College. Blues Beat reported on drummer Matt Williams who had recently left California after an earthquake and had joined the Alley Cats. There was a short piece on Jim Keltons Wed night radio program on KCMU, Roadhouse. The Roger Rogers Band released a live studio to DAT CD Some People Got It and held a CD release party at Brothers Bistro. In the band were Dan Davison-keys, Russ Kammerer-drums, Ed Hess-bass and Roger on lead guitar & vocals. Doyle Bramhall II signed with Antones Records and released Bird Nest on the Ground. Shannon Love Productions presents 148th Avenue Blues at Spencers Friday May 6th with Dick Powell, Tom McFarland, Frank Steel, Jacque Lomax and many AllStar guests. Julie Blake wrote an article titled Benefits Benefit Everyone. A benefit brings out the best in people, it isnt just about making money; but about coming together for a common cause. The cause in this case was supporting live music through the Washington Blues Society benefit held Mar 12th at Spencers. There was a get to know your Board members piece on Jan Kisor.

23

24

A.H.L. (206) 935-4592 AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172 Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413 Author Unknown (206) 355-5952 Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835 BackGround Noise (425) 931-8084 Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468 Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464 Billy Barner (253) 884-6308 Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975 Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551 Black River Blues (206) 396-1563 Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018 Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490 Blue 55 (206) 216-0554 Blue Healers (206) 440-7867 Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662 Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.com Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408 Blues Playground (425) 359-3755 Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com (The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666 Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441 Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644 Bill Brown & The Kingbees 206-276-6600 Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545 Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625 Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016 Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188 Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749 Colonel (360) 293-7931 Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096 Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294 Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910 James Curley Cooke (253)945-7441 Cooke & Green (253) 945-7441 Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535 John Scooch Cugnos Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735 Crossroads Band (206) 935-8985 Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769 Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620 Double Cookin (253) 945-7441 Double Scotts on the Rocks (206) 418-1180 Julie Duke Band 206-459-0860 Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330 Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340 Richard Evans (206) 799-4856 Fat Cat (425) 487-6139 Fat Tones (509) 869-0350 Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306 Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169 Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561 Fil Gumbo (425) 788-2776 Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600 Jimmy Frees Friends (206) 546-3733 Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074 Paul Green & Straight Shot (206)795-3694 Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker (425) 512-8111 Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673 Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652 Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134) Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230 Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180 Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755 Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994 JD Hobson (206) 235-3234 Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934 David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276 Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435 Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653 K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175 Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363 Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908 Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285 Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937

Talent Guide

Washington Blues Society

Harry The Man Joynes (360) 871-4438 James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511 Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130 Mick Knight (206) 373-1681 Bruce Koenigsberg / The Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253 Kolvane (503) 804-7966 Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100 Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908 Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002 Little Bill & The Bluenotes (425) 774-7503 Loose Gravel & The Quarry (253) 927-1212 Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961 Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331 Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615 Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254 Brian Jelly Belly McGhee (253) 777-5972 Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655 Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849 Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016 Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577 (The) Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538 Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820 Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081 Jim Nardos Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300 Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206 Randy Norris & The Full Degree (425) 239-3876 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755 Night Train (253) 839 3305 Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024 Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350 Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108 Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210 Rantin Humphres (425) 306-3752 Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589 Mark Riley (206) 313-7849 Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210 Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659 Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427 Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071 Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105 Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068 Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772 Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637 Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506 Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737 Smokin Jays (206) 707-2018 Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034 Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145 Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779 John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498 Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412 Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935 Alice Stuart (360) 753-8949 Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212 Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113 Dudley Taft (206)795-6509 Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559 Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101 Tone Kings (425) 698-5841 Too Slim & the Taildraggers (425) 891-4487 Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384 T-Town Aces (206)935-8985 Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566 Unbound (425) 258-4477 Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420 Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374 Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413 Mike Wright & The Blue Sharks (360) 652-0699 (425) 327-0944 Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018 Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739 Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363 Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877 Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740 C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917 Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

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Blues on the Radio Dial

Monday
PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG KUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kugs.org - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues On Rye 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Val Vaughn Northwest Convergence Zone Online Radio: NWCZradio.com: Dave Samsons BluesShow 7:00pm - 10:00PM KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues For Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Jerry Drummond KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 7:00PM - 9:00 PM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Blues Kitchen 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Tina Bjorklund KZPH 106.7FM Wenatachee: The Blues 11:00PM - 12:00AM www.therock1067.com - DJ, Dave Keefe KEXP 90.3 Seattle Preaching the Blues with Johny Horn Sunday Mornings 9am to Noon KYRS 92.3 FM, KYRS.org Blues Now and Then 6-8 PM. DJ, Patrick Henry and Jumpin Jerry. KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler KWCW 90.5FM Walla Walla: Blues Therapy 7:00PM - 9:00PM www.kwcw.net - DJ, Biggdaddy Ray Hansen and Armand The Doctor Parada KKZX 98.9FM Spokane: Blowtorch Blues 7:00PM - 10:00PM www.kkzx.com - DJ, Ted Todd Brion Foster. KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Juke Joint 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Jon Noe KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 11:00PM - 1:00AM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K

Saturday

Tuesday

KBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Eh Toi! 11:00PM - 1:00AM www.kbcs.fm - DJ, DJ Marte

Wednesday

KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: The Roadhouse 6:00PM to 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Greg Vandy KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: The Blue Boulevard 8:00PM - 10:00PM www.mail@ksvr.org - DJ, Jackson Stewart KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: The Blues Note with Janice 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.janice@ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Gage

Sunday

Thursday

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Clancys Bar and Grill 8:30PM - 10:30PM www.kser.org - DJ, Clancy Dunigan KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Blueshouse 10:30PM - 12:30AM www.kser.org - DJ, Jonathan Oogie Richards

Friday

KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: Shack The Shack 6:00PM - 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Leon Berman

Washington Blues Society

Sundays

Blues Jams

Mondays

Alki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel Morais Dawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pmn Eastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pm Evelyns Tavern, Clear Lake: Gary Bs Church of the Blues 6 10pm Lighthouse Des Moines: Tim Turner Band Northpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pm Pegasus Pizza, Kirkland, acoustic jam w/ HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm Raging River: Tommy Wall Feb. 26 - Brian Lee Silver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm

Caffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Mon. of the month) 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pm JRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pm Oxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 11pm

Tuesdays

26

Barrel Invitational: hosted by Billy Shew, 8pm Feb. 21 - Tim Turner Bishops Alehouse, Kirkland: acoustic jam w/HeatherBBlues, 9pm-12am Dawsons, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pm J & M Cafe Jam with Justin Kasual Hayes & Andrew Cloutier Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 11pm Snohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friends Summit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pm Wild Buffalo , Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

Venue Guide
Seattle
Clearwater Casino Suquamish (360) 598-6889 Destiny Seafood & Grill Port Angeles (360) 452-4665 Halftime Saloon Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456 Junction Tavern Port Angeles (360) 452-9880 Little Creek Casino Shelton (360) 427-7711 Seven Cedars Casino Sequim (360) 683-7777 Sirens Port Townsend (360) 379-1100 Upstage Port Townsend (360) 385-2216

Washington Blues Society

Peninsula

Al Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-8636 2 Wheel Blues Club Tacoma Barnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000 The Barrel Burien (206) 244-7390

Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etc

South Sound

CCs Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977

Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439 China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688 Dimitrious Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210 EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777 EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777 Fiddlers Inn (206) 525-0752 Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etc Grinders (206) 542-0627 China Beach Langley (360) 530-8888 Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233 Just Moes Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997 Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171 LaConner Tavern LaConner (360) 466-9932 J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666 Little Roadside Tavern Everson (360) 592-5107 Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023 Old Edison Inn Edison (360) 766-6266 Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449 Rockfish Grill Anacortes (360) 588-1720 Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660 Stump Bar & Grill Arlington (360) 653-6774 New Orleans (206) 622-2563 Watertown Pub Anacortes (360) 293-3587 Paragon (206) 283-4548 Wild Buffalo Bellingham (360) 312-3684 Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365 Viking Bar and Grill Stanwood (360) 629-9285 The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979 Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791 St. Clouds (206) 726-1522 Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333 Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714 Bellevue, Kirkland, etc. Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599 Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808 Triple Door (206) 838-4333 Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111 Damans Pub Redmond Forecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212 Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669 Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511 BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227 Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424 Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836 Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334 Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001 Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940 CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200 Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336 Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622 Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247 Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000 Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434 Rams Ripple Moses Lake (509) 765-3942 Rattlesnake Brewery Richland (509) 783-5747

North Sound

Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society (360) 754-3635 Charlies Olympia (360) 786-8181 Cliff House Restaurant Tacoma (253) 927-0400 Destination Harley Davidson Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371 Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169 (The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586 Lighthouse Des Moines (206) 824-4863 Maggie OTooles Lakewood (253) 584-3278 Magnolia Caf Poulsbo (360) 697-1447 Mint Alehouse Enumclaw (360) 825-8361 Pats Bar & Grill Kent (253) 852-7287 Pick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574 Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369 Silver Dollar Pub Spanaway (253) 531-4469 The Spar Tacoma (253) 627-8215 The Swiss Tacoma (253) 572-2821 Tugboat Annies Olympia (360) 943-1850 Uncle Sams Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808 Wurlitzer Manor Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749 Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749

Eastside

Central & Eastern

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)

Anchor Pub Everett (425) 252-2288 Balefire Everett (425) 374-7248 Bubbas Roadhouse Sultan, (360) 793-3950 Canoes Cabaret Tulalip (888) 272-1111 The Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000 Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999 Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse Mukilteo (425) 355-4488 Engels Pub Edmonds (425) 778-2900 Historic Spar Tree Granite Falls (360) 691-6888 Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402 Mardinis Snohomish (360) 568-8080 Mirkwood & Shire Caf Arlington (360) 403-9020 North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 ( The) Oxford Saloon Snohomish (360) 568-3845 Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100 Stanwood Hotel & Saloon Stanwood (360) 629-2888 Stewarts Snohomish (360) 568-4684 Timberline Caf Granite Falls (360) 691-7011 Traceys Place Everett (425) 259-0811 Wicked Rack BBQ Everett (425) 334-3800

(Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):

North End

Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

Wednesdays

Charlies Olympia: Blues Attitude Conor Byrne: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past Jam (1st Wed) Damans Pub, 8 PM Dogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pm Eddies Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pm Half Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy Barner Locker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pm Madison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm Feb 1- Billy Stoops Feb 8- Billy Stapleton & Dick Powell Feb 15 - el Colonel Feb 22 - Rod Cook Feb 29 - Teri Ann Wilson & Suze Sims

Thursdays

Bad Albert Invitational w/Annieville Blues CCs Lounge Burien Club Flight Nightclub w/Cory Wilde, 9pm Conway Pub Dawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pm OCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pm Oxford Saloon: Invitational Jam w/Steve Ater, 8pm Ruston Inn: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 8pm

27

David Vest performing at the closing of the Yale, Nov 11-2011, behind him is Russell Jackson, former bass with BB King The Keyboard Extravaganza Band, from left; David Vest, John Lee Sanders, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Russell Jackson, Dalannan Gail Bowen, Willie McCalder, Mike Van Eyes, and Loren Ektin. (Photos by Suzanne Swanson)

The Keyboard Extravaganza Band

David Vest &

28

Mojo Overload:
David Barker on keys and guitar, Jerry Wainhouse on drums, Don Swensen on bass, Debbie Myre on lead vocals, and , Bass: Don Swensen, Lead Vocals: Debbie Myre, Guitar/Keys: Kent Beatty on guitar and keyboards. (Photo by: Karl Fortner)

Holger Peterson Book Signing

Last Novembers book signing with Holger Peterson (Stony Plain Records), and Terry David Mulligan (DJ/VJ Radio & TV Personality), with entertainment by the ever wonderful Roy Forbes (BIM & UHF), was a marvelous evening... Music folks like the great Bruce Allen, Clyde Roulette, Elaine Bomberry, Murray Porter, RB Murray and many others showed up for the interview/promotion followed by questions and answers with Holger. Frankly, it was one of the best evenings for me. Anytime I have the opportunity to listen to Blues Music Tales and chat with industry friends Im in hog heaven, as we say in Texas. Special thanks to Peoples Co-op Book Store, 1391 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, for hosting this exciting event. Suzanne Swanson Holger Petersen with Elaine Bomberry and Murray Porter

Holger Petersen with Terry David Mulligan

Holger Petersen with Slidin Clyde Roulette

Holger Petersen with Bruce Allen

29

Calendar
February 1 - Wednesday Jazz Alley: Kim Wilsons Blues Allstars Highway 99: Drummerboy Mr. Villa,Lake City/Seattle:Kimball & the Fugitives w/Stickshift Annie Trio,7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm February 2 - Thursday Bad Alberts, Ballard:Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood,5:30pm Highway 99: Red House Jazz Alley: Peter White New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin Creek Salmon Bay Eagles: Bare Roots February 8 - Wednesday Highway 99: Folichon New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm February 9 - Thursday Bad Alberts, Ballard:Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood,5:30pm Highway 99: James King & the Southsiders Jazz Alley: Tower of Power New Orleans: Selbred/Jackson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin Creek Salmon Bay Eagles: Town Hall Brawl February 10 - Friday Balefire, Everett:Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie Trio Century Link Field, for Nick of Time Foundation: Drummerboy Elmers Pub,Burien: Tim Turner Band Highway 99: Nathan James Jazz Alley: Tower of Power Mels Old Village Pub: Mark Whitman band Oxford Saloon: Stacy Jones Band Rockfish: RAVINWOLF Repp, Snohomish: Alice & the Formerlys, 6:30pm February 11 - Saturday Elmers Pub,Burien: Tim Turner Band Highway 99: Karen Lovely Horseshoe Saloon, Woodinville: Antoinette & MotherSponge Jazz Alley: Tower of Power Oxford Saloon: Stacy Jones Band Restaurante Michoacan, Seattle: the Vududes,8pm Scotch & Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee Trio, 7pm Snoqualmie Brewery: RAVINWOLF Tug Inn (W. Seattle) Mary McPage & the Assassins

Blues

February 3 - Friday Balefire Bar: RAVINWOLF Highway 99: Slide Monsters w/Brian Lee, Mark Riley, Rod Cook & the Orbiters! 8pm Jazz Alley: Peter White New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Mix, Seattle: Stacy Jones Band, 8pm Upstage: Kim Wilson & the Blues Allstars February 4 - Saturday Highway 99: Lloyd Jones Struggle Jazz Alley: Peter White Rockfish Grill: Mark DuFresne Rumor Mill, Friday Harbor: RAVIN WOLF, 7:30pm Salmon Bay Eagles: Larry & the Lizards Triple Door: Soul Salvation w/Ruthie Foster & Paul Thorn Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pm Mochoacan: Alice & The Formerlys, 8pm February 5 - Sunday Blue Moon: Gin Creek Jazz Alley: Peter White Lighthouse Des Moines: Tim Turner Band

February 6 - Monday 88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Ron Hendee Band, Stardrums & Ladykeys host jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 7 Tuesday Rockin M Barbecue,Everett: Gin Creek, 8pm New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm Yuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

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February 12- Sunday Central Club, Kirkland: John Stephan Band, 8:30 pm HD HotspursKent: Maia Santell & House Blend Jazz Alley: Tower of Power Madison Pub: Mark Whitman band, 8pm February 13 - Monday 88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Rafael Tranquilino, The Cody Rentas Band hosts jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 14 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm Red Crane: WBS BluesBash, Mary McPage & the Assassins Rockin M Barbecue,Everett: Gin Creek, 8pm Yuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm February 15 - Wednesday Highway 99: the Titans of Twang, Kim Fields & Lisa Theo Mr. Villa,Lake City/Seattle:Kimball & the Fugitives w/Stickshift Annie Trio,7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm February 16 - Thursday Bad Alberts, Ballard:Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood,5:30pm Highway 99: Hot Rod Holmans Blues band New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin Creek Salmon Bay Eagles: Brian Lee & the Orbiters Brads Swingside Cafe: Alice & the Formerlys, 7pm February 17 - Friday Cee Cees Lounge: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: FatTones & James King & the Southsiders New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Norms, Everett: Mary McPage & the Assassins Olympic Peninsula Dance, Port Townsend Elks:Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie,8pm Repp:RAVINWOLF, 6:30pm OCallahans, Vaughn: Alice & the Formerlys, 8pm February 18 - Saturday Brick, Roslyn: Stacy Jones Band Cee Cees Lounge: Mark Whitman band, CD Release Party, woowho Engels Pub: Mary McPage & the Assassins Highway 99: Randy Oxford Band w/ special guest Christine Havrilla, 8pm KSER FM 90.7 Unplugged Broadcast, Everett: the Vududes, 11pm Olys Dance Studio, Everett: Soul SaturdaysMardi Gras Celebration Soul Revival Dinner, Dancing & Show w/Star Drums & Lady Keys, R&B music & Dancers from Olys Dance Studio Rocksport: CHILD reunion w/ Tim Turner Slims Last Chance Chili Shack & Watering Hole: Gin Creek

Februaryr 19 - Sunday Blues Vespers, Immanual Presbyterian Church, Tacoma: Too Slim & the Tail Draggers, 5pm HD HotspursKent: Cold Shot Lighthouse Des Moines: Tim Turner Band February 20 - Monday 88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Mardi Gras Week with Randy Norris & Full Degree, CD Woodbury Band hosts jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 21 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm Yuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm February 22 - Wednesday Highway 99: Little Ray & the Uppercuts, the Wild Snohomians feat. Jenny O New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 23 - Thursday Bad Alberts, Ballard:Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood,5:30pm Highway 99: Kathi McDonald band New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin Creek Salmon Bay Eagles: Blue Magic w/sp. Guest AEK

February 24 - Friday Highway 99: Lee Oskar & Friends New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Sunnydale Tavern,SeaTac: Tim Turner Band Talaricos, W. Seattle: Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band, 9-12pm Tractor: Drummerboy w/Madman Sam Vino Bella, Issaquah: Astrocats, 7:30pm Laurelhurst Public House: Alice & the Formerlys, 6pm February 25 - Saturday Dantes, Portland: Drummerboy w/ Madman Sam Destination Harley, Fife: Mark Whitman Band, 11:30am HD HotspursKent: Maia Santell & House Blend Highway 99: Doctorfunk Rockfish Grill: Stacy Jones Band Scotch & Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee Trio, 7pm Third Place Books, Lk. Forest Park: Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie & Dan Duggin,7:30pm Upstage: Alice & the Formerlys, 8pm February 26 - Sunday Highway 99: Dwight Black Cat, Carrier & Ro Dog

February 27 - Monday 88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Swamp Dogs, Dirty Rice hosts jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

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February 29 - Wednesday Highway 99: TimmonsWall band NewOrleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 28 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm Yuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

March 1 - Thursday New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

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March 2 - Friday New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott March 3 - Saturday Island Music Center, Bainbridge Island: Julie Duke Band, Peter Spencer & Swamp Blues Jump Blues, 7:30pm For info please call 206-780-6911 or email info@islandmusic. org. www.islandmusic.org New Orleans: Brian Lee & the Orbiters

2012 Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues Nomination Ballot! You Must Be a Member of the Washington Blues Society to Nominate! All Ballots Must Be Received at our PO Box or by a Board Member No Later Than Wednesday February 15th. Nominations received after February 15th wont be counted. Please Mail Your Nomination Ballot to: WBS, PO Box 70604, Seattle, WA 98127

Blues Ballot

Mark Dufresne Male Vocalist Award: _______________________________ Blues Female Vocalist: _______________________________ Electric Blues Guitar: _______________________________ Slide Blues Guitar: _______________________________ Blues Bass: _______________________________ Chris Leighton Blues Drummer Award: _______________________________ Blues Horn: _______________________________ Paul Green Blues Harmonica Award: _______________________________ Blues Piano / Keyboard: _______________________________ Acoustic Blues Guitar: _______________________________ Blues Act: _______________________________ Traditional Blues Act: _______________________________ Solo/Duo Blues Act: _______________________________ New Blues Band: _______________________________

Blues Performer: _______________________________ Blues Songwriter: _______________________________ Washington Blues Recording: _______________________________ Blues Club: _______________________________ Blues Writer: ________________________________ Blues Image: _______________________________ Blues Graphic Artist: _______________________________ Blues DJ: _______________________________ Keeping the Blues Alive Award: _______________________________ Lifetime Achievement Award: _______________________________ Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame: _______________________________ Non-Festival Blues Event: _______________________________ Blues Festival: _______________________________ Open Blues Jam: _____________________________
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid Seattle, WA Permit No. 5617

P.O. Box 70604 Seattle, W 98127 A Change Service Requested

The WBS is a proud recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive A ward