In This Issue...

Seattles Blues Community Fetured in Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine!

Polly OKeary at the December Blues Bash! (Photo by Eric Steiner)

Charlie Musselwhite! (Photo by Michael Winetrob)

Letter from the Editor 2 Blues Society Officers & Directors 6 January Blues Bash Preview 7 Rafael Tranquilino & Sweet Danny Ray 8 BB Award Nomination Guidelines 10 Blues Happenings in January 11

Bakin Phat Proposed Board By-Laws Change Oogies Blues December Blues Bash Review Blues Society Membership Form Blues CD Reviews

12 13 13 14 15 16

Thank You to Our Advertisers! Blues Top 10 CDs of 2013 DVD Preview: Americana Women Washington Blues Society Talent Guide Washington Blues Society Calendar Blues on the Radio Dial

17 17 18 19 20 22

Letter from the Editor

By Eric Steiner I wanted to begin this new blues year by wishing our representatives at the 2014 International Blues Challenge the very best of luck as they compete in the worlds largest gathering of blues bands in Memphis later this month. I know that Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny Rays set will be great as will Bakin Phats. This month, we introduce each act to Bluesletter readers, and the January issue is always a special one as it represents the Washington Blues Society not only at the International Blues Challenge, but also aboard the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Speaking of cruises and cruisers, the latest issue of Big City Rhythm and Blues magazine, published near Detroit by Robert Jr. Whitall and Sugar Mae, features Seattles music community. The cover photo features Randy Oxford hoisting his trombone, and Lee Oskar and Tony Frederickson are there, too. Each blues fan on the cover is also holding up their Starbucks cup a nod to the story about Howard Shultz many contributions to our community. As of Bluesletter press time, I have not seen a copy of the December 2013/ January 2014 issue of Big City Rhythm and Blues magazine, but I plan to renew my subscription to this informative and entertaining blues magazine. The Washington Blues Society has been fortunate to have been featured in Big City Rhythm and Blues magzine twice over the past ten years, and with each article, we have reached new audiences about our vibrant blues community in the upper left hand corner of North America. This magazine also does something that the Bluesletter does not: it offers a CD sampler that promotes new as well as established artists as one of the many benefits of subscribing to Big City Rhythm and Blues magazine. Finally, I wanted to encourage potential contributors to submit stories and/or photos for consideration for this years Bluesletter. Please look at our modest specs on page six: ideally, Id like to see stories in Microsoft Word and photos in high resolution (that means 300 or more dots per inch) saved in CMYK format. That translates to a four-color printing process using cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks; if you see a photo on Facebook or any website, chances are it will be in a low resolution (say, 72 dots per inch or 96 dots per inch) and these types of images are not suitable for a traditional printing press. So, Ill close my first Letter from the Editor with a simple request: before readers send in photos, please double-check the resolution through programs like PhotoShop. I want to also welcome my newly-elected fellow 2014 Board of Directors: President Tony Frederickson, Vice President Rick Bowen, Secretary Mary McPage and Treasurer Chad Creamer. Working together, we will continue to be one of the most innovative and creative blues societies affiliated with the Blues Foundation. Eric Steiner, Editor Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

Celebrating 24 Years of Blues

January 2014 Bluesletter
Vol. XXIV, Number I
Publisher Acting Editor Secretary Calendar Advertising Printer Washington Blues Society Eric Steiner (president@wablues.org) Mary McPage Janie Walla (thewallas@juno.com) Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org) Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

1989 - 2014

AnneMarie Lewis of Blue Sky Productions (Photo Courtesy or AnneMarie Lewis)

Blues Jam Guide Blues Venue Guide Pocket Full of Soul Five Questions for AnneMarie Lewis Charlie Musselwhite Interview 2014 BB Award Nomination Ballot

22 23 24 26 27 31

Contributing Writers: Rick Bowen, Eric Steiner, AnneMarie Lewis, Suzanne Swanson, Robert Horn, Jonathan Oogie Richards, Anita Royce, Faith Loomis, Kay Randleman Contributing Photographers: Laurence Williams III, Eric Steiner, Michael Winetrob, Gabryshak Heart & Soul

On the Cover...
Cover Artist: Bakin Phat and Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny Ray Photographer: Laurence Williams III (Bakin Phat) and Gabryshak Heart & Soul (Rafel Transuilino and Sweet Danny Ray) This month honors Larry Williams in his first Washington Blues Society cover photo for the Bluesletter. Larry is an avid blues fan and makes sure that the blues is his business from Portland to Seattle and all points in-between.

Cover Photo:
The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 5th 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. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics, textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitters rights to the material will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. 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 2013 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

Proposed Washingon Blues Society By-Laws Change:

By Eric Steiner

A vote of the membership required to adopt the following language into the Washington Blues Society By-Laws. The intent of this change is to add a position of Information Technology Director to the appointed Board of the Washington Blues Society to recognize the need for a new position that focuses on the society's web presence, use of emerging digital technologies and other technological avenues to promote blues music in Washington state. Section 6. Information Technology Director. The Information Technology Director (IT Director) shall function as an appointed, voting Board Member. He or she shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of the Corporation's Internet web site and related digital programming (e.g., assist in digital music compilations and other projects, suggest cloud-based archival activities, and enhance the technological presence of the Corporation to promote, preserve and advance the Washington Blues Society). The IT Director will be appointed by the elected Board of Directors and the term of service will be one calendar year. This amendment adds a new Section 6 to Article VII. Members will have the opportunity to vote on this proposed amendment to the Washington Blues Society By-Laws at the February Blues Bash on Tuesday, February 11, 2013 at the Red Crane Restaurant, 16716 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

FEBRUARY 2014 DEAdLINES

Advertising Space Reservations: January 5th malcarken@comcast.net Calendar: January 10th calendar@wablues.org Editorial January 5th to president@wablues.org Camera Ready Ad Art Due: January 12 th advertising@wabluse.org

Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer (Acting) Acting Editor Tony Frederickson Rick Bowen Mary McPage. Chad Creamer Eric Steiner

Washington Blues Society

2014 Officers
president@wablues.org vicepres@wablues.org secretary@wablues.org treasurer@wablues.org president@wablues.org

Camera ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

2013 Directors (Note: The 2014 directors will be appointed at the January Board Meeting Music Co-Directors Membership Education Volunteers Merchandise Advertising Downtown Seattle West Seattle North Sound Northern WA Penninsula South Sound Central WA Eastern WA Ballard Lopez Island Middle East Webmaster Web Hosting WBS Logo Calendar Cherie Robbins & Janice Cleven Gage Michelle Burge Roy Brown Rhea Rolfe Tony Frederickson Malcolm Kennedy music@wablues.org membership@wablues.org education@wablues.org volunteers@wablues.org merchandise@wablues.org advertising@wablues.org

Graphics: Text: Full Page: Half Page: Back Half Page: Quarter Page: Fifth Page: Business Card: ADD COLOR:

ADVERTISING RaTES:
300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPG Plain .txt or Word $300 (8.5 x 11) $175 (8.5 x 5.5) $260 (8.5 x 5.5) $100 (4.25 x 5.5) $75 (4.25 x 3.5) $30 (3.5 x 2) 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 We value your business. Please send all advertising inquriries and ad copy to advertising@wablues.org with a copy to Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy at malcarken@comcast.net

2013 Street Team Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.net Rev. Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.com Malcolm Kennedy & Joy Kelly advertising@wablues.org Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.com Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.net Cherie Robbins cherieerobins@gmail.com Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.com Marcia Jackson Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.com Rock Khan rocknafghanistan@gmail.com Special Thanks The Sheriff Adhost Phil Chesnut Janie Wallas webmaster@wablues.org www.adhost.com philustr8r@gmail.com calendar@wablues.org

January Blues Bash Preview

The Washington Blues Societys January Blues Bash will feature the societys representatives at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis: Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny ray will compete in the solo/duo category and Bakin Phat will represent the society in the band category. Please join us for a great send-off party on Tuesday, January 14th at the Red Crane Restaurant in Shoreline, Washington as we celebrate the winners of our own International Blues Challenge Competition. Like a blast of cold air on a sunny day, this twisted Northwest-Mexicali spin on classic themes from Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny Ray is unexpected and invigorating. If youre looking for polished or politically correct, look elsewhere. This act recalls the acoustic immediacy of old-time blues artists with a decidedly modern accent on a vintage idea. Original, irreverent and heartfelt blues come through the emotive vocals of this surprising duo. The dynamic blend of Tranquillinos blazing guitar and the raw energy of Danny Rays harp will make you laugh, weep and raise an eyebrow or two. Theres definite chemistry here. Youre just never sure if theyre gonna hug each other or blow something up. For more information, please visit the duo online at tinyurl.com/danny-ray-rafael-t Continued on page 11

R aFaEL T RaNQUILINO & S WEET D aNNY R aY

aND

B aKIN P HaT !

By Eric Steiner

Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny Ray!

On a sunny day, this twisted Northwest-Mexicali spin on classic themes is unexpected and invigorating. If youre looking for polished or politically correct, look elsewhere. This act recalls the acoustic immediacy of old-time blues artists with a decidedly modern accent on a vintage idea. Original, irreverent and heartfelt blues come through the emotive vocals of this surprising duo. The dynamic blend of Tranquilinos blazing guitar and the raw energy of Danny Rays harp will make you laugh, weep and raise an eyebrow or two. Theres definite chemistry here. Youre just never sure if theyre gonna hug each other or blow something up. Rafael Tranquilino is known locally in the Seattle area as the lead front man and guitarist of his band, The Rafael Tranquilino Band. A power trio consisting of guitar, bass and drums that fuse rock, blues and funk with an alternative and fresh sound. Hell play a searing riff, tease you with an old fashioned Delta slide and then bring you back down with his powerful lyrics. Rafaels exciting style and notable chops have earned him the reputation of being one of the hottest young guitar slingers in the Pacific Northwest and his band was noted as Best Blues Band of 2012 in the Tacoma Weekly. Born in Mexico City, Rafael Tranquilino is a big city kid. He is accustomed to subways, stadium sports (especially baseball), and lots of opportunities to hear and play live music. His father fostered Rafaels interest and talent in music. He started him on the piano when Rafael was just five years old. By the time he was nine, he was playing guitar, bass, and drums. Mexico has a rich tradition of music festivals, and Rafael has performed at many of them, including the International Festival Cervatino and also well known venues such as The Hard Rock in Mexico. He has played with his own band as well as well-known Mexican artists, such as legendary rock and blues singer Baby Batiz and the classic blues band, Heavy Nopal. Rafael arrived in the United States in 2006 and was hired as the musical director and lead guitarist for The Randy Oxford Band. He recorded and was featured on 3 of their albums and extensively toured with them. In 2011 Rafael decided to take another creative turn by stepping out on his own and forming The Rafael Tranquilino Band. Sweet Danny Ray a vocalist, harp player, songwriter and DJ, founded The RoadDogz blues band in 1993 in southern California with bassist Rocky Allen. The RoadDogz have had the privilege of opening for such acts as Jeff Healey, John Mayal, Robben Ford, James Harman, and Canned Heat. The current line up includes Don King on bass, Steve Hopkins on drums, and Greg Dolan on guitar. As a DJ Danny has Co-hosted a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show with LA DJ Geno Michellini called Thats The Blues and is currently Co-host of Mighty Mouth Blues with Jonathan Oogie Richards heard on Monday nights on NWCZradio.com. As a songwriter Danny has had songs placed in the soap opera One Life To Live, an NBC series Surface, and the Showtime series Weeds. His earliest influence was hearing the Ray Charles record Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music at four years old and the first harmonica player he remembers was Alvin from the Chipmunks. But it was the 1971 release of Hooker n Heat that got Danny stung out on the blues. The Canned Heat brought John Lee Hooker in the studio and just let him play; Alan Wilson joined on harp and it was magic. Upon escaping California in 2006 Danny landed in Issaquah. The timing couldnt have been better. It was at that time that Tommy Wall, Greg Timmons, and Andrew Cloutier started the Sunday Night Blues Jam at the Raging River in Fall City. Five minutes from his house he was introduced to many of the great Northwests blues men and women. Not only did he get to hear them but got to know them. Nothing like a Sunday Night Jam at the river. Danny first met Rafael on stage at the beer garden jam at the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival in 2009 and They have been making music together ever since. Look out, Memphis.

2014 Best of the Blues (BB Awards) Nomination Guidelines

The following guidelines were drafted by Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy with input from the 2013 Board of Directors. These guidelines attempt to clarify questions raised by many blues society members and artists about our annual awards show. We are beginning the nomination process earlier than in years past to ensure that the volunteers behind the scenes have sufficient time to count, count, and re-count nominations submitted by the membership. We need each and every members help to make our 2014 Best of the Blues Awards process and event to be the best ever. Who can nominate? Only current Washington Blues Society members are eligible to nominate artists or other nominees in our annual awards process. Please see your membership card or check the date on your Bluesletter label to make sure your membership is current. Two privileges of Washington Blues Society membership include the right to 1) nominate potential BB Award recipients, and 2) vote for nominees on the final voting ballot. Without your participation the process is broken. To nominate, simply write the name of the Washington artist, nominee, or party in the category on the ballot on page 31 of the November and December 2013 Bluesletters. We encourage members to nominate in as many categories as possible. There is no requirement to fill in each slot; leaving some categories blank will not disqualify your nomination. Your nomination must be on the Bluesletter mailed to you with your mailing label attached. For couples, a copy for the second ballot should be included in a sealed envelope along with the original ballot that has the mailing label attached. This is our societys primary method of verifying membership. You can mail your nomination ballot to the Washington Blues Society post office box, or deliver it to a Board member on or before January 14, 2013 at our Blues Bash. Nomination ballots received after this date will not be counted. Ballots received without the mailing label attached will not be counted unless membership has been verified by the Board of Directors. Only one ballot per member. PLEASE NOTE: Previous recipients of both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Blues Musicians Hall of Fame are ineligible for a second award in those categories. There are also three categories that the Board of Directors has named in honor of artists who have won these awards a number of times. The Male Vocalist, Blues Harmonica, and Blues Drummer awards have been renamed honoring Mark DuFresne, Paul Green, and Chris Leighton. Mark, Paul, and Chris are ineligible for an award in these categories, so please do not waste your vote. Regarding the Best Washington Blues Recording category, the recording must have been released between the eligibility period of November 1st, 2012 and October 31st 2013. This eligibility period aligns with the Blues Foundation Best Self Produced CD competition General Guidelines for Blues Image and Graphic Artist BB Award Categories For nominations in the Blues Image category, please include a description of the image. Prior nominations include Stacy Jones and Honeyboy Edwards, December 2010 Bluesletter on page 17 or Big Rockin Blues cover photo from Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin Daddies CD. For the Graphic Artist category, please also use specific examples, like Denise St. John Jam for Cans T-Shirt and Poster or Unknown Artist, Highway 99 to Highway 61 International Blues Challenge Fundraiser Poster. These examples are old but should give you the idea of the information we are after. What If I Forgot the Name of an Incredible Supporting Player? If you cannot remember the names of nominees in the bass, drum or keyboard categories, ask some of the musicians you know to name several to jog your memory. It is likely they will know the first name the musicians that regularly share the stage with them, but ask them to also name some other players. There is a wealth of talent in Washington and many local blues musician can probably list five to ten performers in each each category that may be worthy of the nomination. We strongly encourage members to consider nominating artists that have played under the radar as there are a great number of players who have not received recognition from Washington Blues Society members. Please also keep this in mind when voting for the other performer categories (e.g., Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, etc). In the festival category, and in fairness to each of the other festivals that occur only once a year, please consider the Spring Sunbanks and Fall Sunbanks as two separate festivals. Please vote for one or the other as they are separate festivals. Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards The Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame began at the first annual BB Awards in 1991, and the first Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded in 1996. Please Note: Traditionally, each of these two awards have been reserved for performers. Nominations for non-performers will not be counted. Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame Members 1991 Isaac Scott 1992 Dick Powell 1993 Little Bill Engelhart 1994 Buck England 1995 Leslie Milton 1996 Patti Allen 1997 Duffy Bishop 1998 Rich Dangel 1999 Charles White & Kathi McDonald 2000 Nick Vigarino/Dave Conant 2001 Mark DuFresne 2002 Randy Oxford 2003 Mark Whitman 2004 Alice Stuart 2005 Dave Conant 2006 Jack Cook 2007 David Brewer 2008 Paul Green 2009 Kirk KT Tuttle 2010 Nick Vigarino, Chris Leighton 2011 LJ Porter 2012 Tin Too Slim Langford 2013 James Curley Cooke

Washington Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

1996 Bobby Blue Bland & John Lee Hooker 1997 John Mayall 1998 Little Bill Engelhart & Luther Allison

1999 Dick Powell & Buddy Guy 2000 Isaac Scott & Taj Mahal 2001 Patti Allen 2002 Dave Conant 2003 Rich Dangel

2004 Patti Allen 2005 Randy Oxford/Mark Whitman 2006 Tommy Morgan 2007 Fat James Grosvenor 2008 Alice Stuart

2009 Kirk KT Tuttle 2010 Lee Oskar 2011 Charles White 2012 Tim Too Slim Langford 2013 Nick Vigarino

10

BB Award Nomination Guidelines - Continued from Page 10

Keeping the Blues Alive Award The Keeping the Blues Alive award is open to performers and non-performers alike and can be won multiple times. This award is intended to honor the recipient for their achievements above and beyond the call of duty to keep the blues music alive. Examples include a promoter of a benefit, a special show a festival; maybe as a volunteer or a historian, possibly doing work to present and pass the music on to new generations or in other ways sustaining the blues. This award was first given in 1993 and the following list is presented as a reference and as a reminder of the hard work and dedication to this American art form by individuals in your community. Washington Blues Society Keeping the Blues Alive Award Recipients 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Patrick Lynch Cholo Willsin Rod Downing Rikki & Kevin Cates Raven & Sheri Humphres Robert & Carol Sawyer 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Marlee Walker Marlee Walker Ken Page & Frankie Lee Randy Oxford Leslie Fleury Rev. Dave Brown 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Randy Oxford Jeff Hayes & Lloyd Peterson Jimie Jean Tuttle Rhea Rolfe Dennis Blues Boss Dudley Highway 99 Blues Club 2011 Tim & Michelle Burge 2012 Tony Frederickson 2013 Steve Sarkowsky

Blues Bash Preview (Continued)

Since forming in early 2012, Bakin Phathas been thrilling audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest. With the award winning Harp/Guitar Duo of Dave Allen and Dennis Higgins being backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of Ken Danielson and Pat Potter, these guys have quickly become crowd favorites throughout the state of Washington. With their high energy approach to jump blues these guys are a must see! For more information, please visit the band online at bakinphat.com

11

2014 International Blues Challenge Representative: Bakin Phat

by Anita Royce and Kay Randleman Bakin Phat. WHAT? The Inland Empire Blues Societys 2012 Best New Blues Band and 2013 Best Blues Band has captivated audiences in the Inland Northwest area. They have been jumpin and swingin at blues festivals including the Coeur d Alene Blues Festival, the Walla Walla Guitar Festival, and the Wallace Blues Festival. They have played at many venues locally, which include The Knitting Factory, Templins, Zola, Jones Radiator, Artfest, Valleyfest, Pig Out in the Park, One Shot Charlies, and The Wine Cellar and more. Bakin Phat recently competed in the International Blues Challenge in Snohomish, WA. Winning this, the band will now represent the Washington Blues Society in Memphis, TN in January, 2014. Comprised of four veteran musicians from diverse backgrounds, Bakin Phat sizzles with the hottest blues you will hear. Guitar player Dennis Higgins and bassist Pat Potter pump their axes as Dave Allen churns it out for the crowd on vocals and harp. Ken Danielson is solid on drums, putting his special touches in with the groove. Together they have all worked hard to get the sound tight and bring a compelling rhythm to dancers and listeners alike. However, before you have a hot band, you must have individually great musicians. Each of these guys meets this description. Front man for the band Dave Allen hails from the East Bay of San Francisco, CA. At the age of ten he started listening to blues greats and at fifteen he started learning harmonica. Today, in addition to his blues playin, Dave is a talented artist and cartoonist with published works. He is also quite a handyman who can make or fix about anything, and he spent a good deal of time blowin his harp out in his garage just for the love of music. His primary musical influences were Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Kim Wilson and William Clark, to name a few. At some point he knew he just had to bring it to a professional level. Dave says, I was told that as a harp player I had to learn to sing. Along the way he also learned saxophone, playing it with his band, D. A. and the Cruisers. He also played with Jeff Aker in The Delta Preachers. As he steadily won fans he also won awards, taking home a number of Empire Awards including Best Blues Harmonica Player in 25008, 2010, and 2013, as well as Best Male Vocalist in 2013. These awards are well deserved, and we are sure there will be more of them. Dennis Higgins is from Amarillo, Texas, where he started out as a metal guitar player. He relocated to San Francisco, then started playing blues at the age of twenty-two. And yes, he played a lot and got really good. Since then he has shared the stage with Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Little Charlie and the Night Cats, Elvin Bishop, Albert Collins, and with his band Mission Blues. He moved to Spokane in 2000 and in 2008 he won the first Guitar Center King of the Blues Competition for the Spokane area. Now he has won the 2013 Empire Award for Best Blues Guitarist. In big demand and well respected by other musicians, he is enjoying the expanding popularity of Bakin Phat. Ken Danielson, drummer, says, I came from a musical family. My father was a musician and a teacher in Moses Lake, WA. I had my professional dbut at age sixteen and joined the musicians union at seventeen. Ken earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in percussion from Eastern Washington University. Then, in the United States Army and Air Force for twelve years, he played in their bands. After the service he toured the world with several bands, playing everything from jazz, polka, reggae, blues, and country to rock n roll. I have played in all but seven states in the US, Jamaica, Europe, East Europe, Scandinavia, Guam and Mexico. A well-rounded drummer, he says the band for him is a good fit. He is the 2013 Empire Award winner for Best Blues Drummer, and we are in for a treat every time he picks up those sticks. Pat Potter has laid down bass lines for a long time in the Pacific Northwest. He has been a regular at the blues jams in our area, and has always been ready to pick up his bass and go to a gig. He is the newest member of Bakin' Phat. When Pat joined the band, he updated his look, keeping his long red beard, shaving his head and dressing fine. Pat was nominated for the 2013 Empire Award for Best Blues Bassist, and although he did not win that award, he is mostly happy that his band did win. He says the awards to his band mates confirm the way he feels, that he gets to play in the best band with the best guitarist, best vocalist and best harmonica player, and best drummer. Raised in Montana, Pat was seven when he learned "Hot Rod Lincoln." His Uncle Al Dykstra played guitar and taught him, "The music comes out of the people, not the radio." Pat moved to Spokane in the late nineties and helped form the original High Rollers. Pat met Ken Danielson when he stepped in on the drums. Since 1997 Ken and Pat have been good friends and continue on as they now form the rhythm section of Bakin Phat.

They are trying to play as often as they can on the West Side of our state, so dont miss them when they do. Many followers of this fine band have tickets to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, committed to following these four very talented guys as they give it their all. We wish them all the best as they climb the musical ladder of success. They are striving to be a regional travelling band, and we all wish them the best.

-------------------Happy New Blues Year from the Washington Blues S o c i e t y ! Best of Luck to R a f a e l Tranquilino & Sweet Danny Ray and Bakin Phat at the 2014 International Blues Compeition!

Oogies Blues: Notes from a New Blues Foundation Board Member!

By Jonathan Oogie Richards 2014 is here and I am ready to map out this years must see blues events. My first stop will be Memphis for the 30th International Blues Challenge. Allow me to pause right here for a few moments, as a lot has transpired since I attended last years International Blues Challenge (IBC). During my week of Blues and Schmooze, Eric Steiner STRONGLY encouraged me to attend the Blues Foundation Board of Directors Meeting during the IBC. I remember being excited about that opportunity, just not the time in the morning the meeting started! I was privileged to hear from the leaders of the blues world review their business goals and initiatives, with all of it guided to preserve and advance the Blues. I remember being in awe, witnessing the strength of the Board Members gathered at the table. Each member has tremendous business success in their fields of expertise. It was clear to me that all of them were committed to sharing their valuable intellectual power and influence in order to advance the mission of The Blues Foundation. I was given a brief opportunity to introduce myself during the meeting and afterwards enjoyed meeting a few of their leaders. I knew from that moment I wanted to join this group of talented business professionals. Little did I know how quickly the universe would present that opportunity. June 3rd, the day of my 44th Birthday and our 1st Year Anniversary of joining NWCZ Radio, I received an email from Memphis that couldnt have been a better present. Board of Directors Seeking Nominations for The Blues Foundation. Are you kidding me?? This has to be a sign! I immediately emailed Eric Steiner and asked his opinion. As I pushed send, my wife came bouncing across the room excitingly telling me about the Media Constituency Board Position opening. With much encouragement and support by those closest to me, I submitted my name to Jay Sieleman, President and CEO of The Blues Foundation, to formally apply. With great humbleness and tremendous appreciation, many of my DJ Peers submitted letters of recommendation on my behalf. Those letters were so touching and a poignant reminder of what and who I would be representing should I be elected. A few weeks later the nominations were made and mine was seconded by Bill Wax. I had joked just months before, on my radio show with Sweet Danny Ray that Bill Wax would never know my name because he didnt need to. As most of us blues fans know, Bill was the undisputed King of Blues Radio with three million listeners a week when he Hosted BB Kings Bluesville! Imagine the thrill when I saw the email from Bill who seconded my nomination making me a formal candidate! This is slightly embarrassing, but I had to pause for more than just a moment: it was thrilling and humbling at the same time that Bill Wax was involved in my quest to serve on the Blues Foundation Board of Directors representing my peers in traditional and nontraditional media. I had looked up to Bill for years: his encyclopedic knowledge of blues music and blues musicians, his imaginative and diverse playlists and his easygoing style. Truth be told: I was floored. After 20 years of loving and playing the blues on the radio; having fallen in love with the music, the artists, the community of fans, venues and festivals; with all the hard work and sleep-deprived years, the big boys finally knew my name! With all lifes twists and turns I felt like the universe was shining on my soul. I would take that feeling of gratefulness and surrender to a moment I shall not forget. As weeks moved into a month through the election process, the email I was waiting for came on July 23rd. I had to read it three times before it stuck: Media: Broadcast, Film, Online and Other Jonathan Oogie Richards, NWCZ Radio 2013 2016 Board of Directors. I was absolutely thrilled that I had been elected to the Board of the Blues Foundation. It took a few minutes to let it soak in, and then my inner hammer came down. Its time to get to work and contribute as I had witnessed my new colleagues do during my first meeting last January in Memphis. Like my fellow Board Members, I have a unique and important opportunity to positively impact The Blues Foundation. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, with our key priority of Raising the Roof of The Blues Hall of Fame, executing on our strategic plan and to represent my media peers, providing value and support through programs that my Sub-Committee and I will create. My first Board Meeting in late September of last year reinforced my earlier commitment. It also helped me develop a greater appreciation for each of the past and current Boards of Directors, coupled with the incredible job that Jay Sieleman, Joe Whitmer, Cindi James, Glenda Mace and Priscilla Hernandez do as they run The Blues Foundation with an uncommon attention to stewardship of members resources, a solid fiscal responsibility and, of course, unparalleled passion for the blues and the musicians who make it. If you are reading this, you must be a fan of the blues. Should you not be a member of The Blues

Foundation, I encourage you to visit www.blues. org to learn about our programs we have developed in support of Education and Musician Healthcare, along with our world class events and the future of The Blues Hall of Fame. I look forward to seeing many of you this year throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond supporting live music in the venues and festivals all in the name of the blues! (Editors Note: This is Jonathan Oogie Richards first contribution to the Bluesletter. In addition to serving on the Board of The Blues Foundation, he is a Senior Vice President and General Manager of NWCZ Radio and a host of Oogies Mighty Mouth Blues program).

-----------------------------Mark Your Calendars! Save the Date! January 2014 Blues Bash Tuesday, January 14th Red Crane Restaurant Shoreline, Washington Our IBC Acts: Rafael Tranquilino and Sweet Danny Ray and Bakin Phat

December 2013 Bluesbash Review

By Robert Horn (Photos by Eric Steiner) The first sounds of music from the stage came off the guitar of Ryan LaPlante. His soulful sound was inspired by the Mississippi Delta. His vocals sometimes sounded beautiful and much of the remainder of the time sounded like the founders of the style intended, with powerful emotion, and life experience reflected in the sounds the way wrinkles tell a story on an old sailors face. Sometimes there was some intentional screeching of a lyric on one song but soon there was the sound of a lullaby on another one. In the case of Ryan LaPlante though it is the acoustical guitar playing that stands out. The changing of tempos and the tone was masterful. The finger picking was captivating. He also pulled out the metal slide to ad that dimension as well. Songs like Stack-O-Lee and the Robert Johnson classic Kind Hearted Woman were among his choices for this event. He has his own sound so it would not do justice to say he is Orville Johnson sometimes and Nick Vigarino other times (but I confess I thought about those comparisons a little.) While Ryan played 11 great songs the dancers were getting on the floor. Michael Watters did a swing dance clinic of sorts with several partners in the first hour, but by the time the evening ended it looked like a full ballroom of participants on the floor. After the first musical treat that night there were some announcements of upcoming events and the usual raffle. The nominees for the Board of Directors won their elections and there is no doubt the WBS will exist next year. It has been many years now since that was an issue (very few active now remember such a time I think.) The next act was a great electric act that will cause a stir in 2014. Polly OKeary, Tommy Cook, and Clinton Seattle Slim Nonnemaker put on a great show. Polly sang songs most all of the audience had not heard before. She performed originals from the new CD to be released at the beginning of January so by the time you read this you may be buying your copy of it---maybe at the CD release party at Hwy 99 Blues Club on January 3rd or in Tacoma right after that. The first song knocked me out and it got better. The guitar playing and the bass playing was very noticeable. The great rhythm section and guitar playing was enough but if you catch Polly on stage it is the vocals that usually astound the audience the most. One of her songs was about how music careers go up and down, and the words OH, How the Mighty Fall is something artists understand the meaning of if they have lived it. She did another song she said was inspired by Mem Shannon, Stop the Train. There was some catchy new rhythms worthy of future awards for songwriting as well as performing and there was a Well, blues fans in this region are not going away Polly. We will all be here catching the great music coming out in 2014. This coming year should be a great one.

how romantic one that got a lot of couples on the floor (slow dancing on it that is.) It was nice to hear Polly give a shout out to me that I will acknowledge and thank her for. She said it was ten years ago this month when she first performed here in Seattle and I wrote the review that said Good golly Miss Polly, you sure can sing. In that same article I predicted that she would be a BB Nominee within a couple years. I later wrote that I underestimated her because she won that award a few months later. She did all new songs but one. All originals that will knock audiences out in 2014 and will be worthy of attention far beyond this state. The one song she did that was one of her oldies was How Come Youre Never Here When I Get Home.

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15

Blues CD Reviews
The Randy Oxford Band It Feels Good (Figgleblail Records) From the moment I pushed play, I was in Trouble. I could not help myself but stop everything I was doing and just dance. The solid rhythm section with its upbeat vibe and percussive details, the guitars playing just the right notes at the right time, Miss Jada Amy singing and harmonizing beautifully, and Randy, the Trombone slingin man, puts the cherry on the top. The music continued thundering throughout our home and I had spent my entire day letting my soul surf the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies this stimulating band has produced. After that first captivating song, I was pulled through a plethora of emotional up beats and melodies so full of passion and heartache. This CD gave me a glimpse into the heart and souls of the band members on a fantastic, cultural, and inspirational journey, right there in my living room. Sure, I have heard some good musicnoGREAT music, throughout my life, but this was something different. With each song I was given a different flavor, a different vibe. The Randy Oxford Band is definitely not a One Trick Pony! It features four different singers with their own distinctly wonderful sound; a captivating, diverse, and astoundingly harmonious sound. This is a CD that everyone should experience for themselves. My entire family LOVES listening to it as it lifts our spirits and gives good vibes. There is an obvious passion for music put forth by each musician and their instruments blend together effortlessly. The Randy Oxford Band should be proud of creating this CD and I appreciate their dedication and musical giftedness which put forth a musical masterpiece. We are music lovers in life, together. After listening to the last song, I believed that .it feels goodand I pushed play again. - Faith Loomis Chris James & Patrick Rynn Barrelhouse Stomp (Earwig Music Co.) There isnt anything earthshaking or seemingly unique about the third album from San Diego based duo Chris James and Patrick Rynn. The twelve song set is a fine mix of original tunes and selected covers firmly rooted in traditional post war Chicago Blues. The sound is retro yet average the vocals are everyday easy, the guitar and sax solos are solid but not flamboyant. So what makes this album so irresistibly infectious? In todays guitar centric market the duo have recruited three of the finest Blues pianists on the planet, Henry Gray, Aaron Moore, and David Maxwell to take part in this project. Centering the groove and the rhythm section; which includes the great Willie Big Eyes Smith drumming on two tracks, on piano gives the album a fresh focal center and spacious room filling sound. Recorded live in four separate sessions, each track has an air of spontaneity lost in recordings of late. In fact the piano is even slightly out of tune on the juke joint sermon Before Its Too Late. It is hard to remain seated for the old school funk Just Another Kick In the Teeth. Guest Jody Williams blazes on the instrumental named after his guitar Messin With White Lightnin leaving plenty of room for Maxwell to burn up the keys. Chris does his best Elmore James for the foot stomping Fact Is A fact. No album featuring blues piano would be complete without a tribute to Pinetop Perkins and the furious boogie Take It Easy, does so in style. The album closes appropriately with the rousing rumba Last Call Boogie, featuring smoking piano from 86 year old Henry Grey, who played with Muddy and Wolf, it dont get much better. Rick J Bowen Charlie Musselwhite Juke Joint Chapel (Henrietta Records) Recorded on a whim at a benefit show for the Delta Blues Museum at the infamous Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale Mississippi, Juke Joint Chapel, from living legend Charlie Musselwhite truly captured lightning in a bottle. The twelve song set is full of joy, fire and finesse, showcasing not only Musselwhites famed melodic harmonica playing and gravely everyman blues vocals but the crisp playing of his seasoned road band. Guitarist Matt Stubbs shines throughout, giving us just enough grit and twang on these classic riffs to keep them fresh and lively and master drummer June Core injects each tune with spice, his snare drum snapping and popping with youthful energy while bass man Mike Philips holds it all together with an understated foundation. The Eddie Taylor shuffle Bad Boy kicks off the album setting the stage for things to come, the band quickly gets the house involved for Roll Your Money Maker. The edgy riff based Gone Too Long, rips on a muscular groove akin to the Butterfield Blues band, and the ensemble pays tribute to Little Walter blazing through It Aint Right, for nine plus minutes, tossing out show stopping licks like play toys. Musselwhite gives us some insight to his life through the autobiographical tracks Strange Land, and Blues Overtook Me. The set takes a break from the swinging shuffles and ventures into samba with Feel It In Your Heart, which Musselwhite wrote about the joyous Forro music of Brazil. Musselwhite closes the festivities with his signature reading of the minor key ballad Cristo Redentor, bringing the room to a standstill with his mournful harmonica tones before thanking everyone and declaring its been a pleasure to play the blues for you. Mr. Musselwhite: the pleasure is all ours. - Rick J Bowen

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Thank You to Our New Years Advertisers: Please Tell Them That You saw it in The Bluesletter
Bobby Lindstrom Brian Lee & the Orbiters Cascade Blues Association Inland Empire Blues Society Jazz Alley Jeff & the Jet City Flyers Jim Allchin Juxtamuse Madison Pub/Unbound Jam Mighty Mouth Blues Radio Miles from Chicago Band Moon Daddy Band Polly OKeary & The Rhythm Method The Randy Oxford Band Salmon Bay Eagles South Sound Blues Association Stickshift Annie with Kimball & The Fugitives Walla Walla Blues Society

Select Best Of CD Lists for 2013

Robert Horn, Frequent Bluesletter Contributor and former President, Washington Blues Society Charlie Musselwhite - Juke Joint Chapel (Henrietta Records) Buddy Guy - Rhythm & Blues (RCA) Duke Robillard - Independently Blue (Stony Plain) Magic Slim - Bad Boy (Blind Pig) Jonny Lang - Fight For My Soul (Concord Universal) James Cotton - Cotton Mouth Man (Alligator) Ana Popovich - Can You Stand the Heat (Artiste Xclusive Records) Mighty Mike Shermer - Be Somebody (Finedog Records) Eric Clapton - Unplugged Expanded Edition (Rhino Records CD Woodbury Band - Monday Night (Self-Released) Greg Johnson, President, Cascade Blues Association Johnny Rawls Remembering O.V. (Catfood Records) Otis Clay Truth Is (Putting Love Back Into Music) (Echo Records) Kevin Selfe Long Walk Home (Delta Groove) Mr. Sipp Its My Guitar (Self-Released) Doug MacLeod Theres A Time (Reference Recordings) Brandon Santini This Time Another Year (Swing Suit /Oh Lonesome Me) Little G Weevil Moving (VizzTone) Southern Hospitality Easy Livin (Blind Pig) Mighty Mike Schermer Be Somebody (Finedog Records) Dave Keller Soul Changes (Tastee Tone) Suzanne Swanson, Frequent Bluesletter Contributor, International Blues Challenge Judge Hundred Seventy Split- The World Wont Stop (Corner House Records) Jimmy Kunes Flood the Engine (Self-Released) The Cooper Brothers Band Southbound (Gunshy Productions) Saigon Pharmacy No Prescription Required (Self-Released) Becky Barksdale The 2120 Sessions (Workhorse Records) Poppa Dawg What You Got (Self-Released) e CD Woodbury Band Monday Night (Self-Released) Royal Southern Brotherhood Live In Germany (Ruf Records) Scott Holt Kudzu (Grace Tone Entertainment) Remembering Little Walter with Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia & James Harman (Blind Pig) Rick Bowen, frequent Bluesletter Contributor, Blues Writer: The Examiner and No Depression and drummer, Stacy Jones Band Tedeschi Tucks Band- Made Up Mind (Masterworks) Mia Dyson- The Moment (Black Door/MGM) Beth Hart - Bang Bang Boom Boom (Mascot Label Group) Brother Dege - How To Kill A Horse (GolarWash Labs & Records) Walter Trout - Luthers Blues (Provogue) Mike Zito and the Wheel - Gone To Texas (Ruf Records) Wayne Hancock - Ride (Bloodshot Records) Tinsley Ellis -Get It (Heartfixer Music) Candye Kane -Comin Out Swingin (Sister Cynic/Vizztone) Eric Bibb - Jericho Road (Stony Plain) The CD Woodburry Band -Monday Night (Self-Released) Eric Steiner, Former Washington Blues Society President Eric Bibb - Jericho Road (Stony Plain) Rory Block - Avalon: A Tribute to Mississippi John Hurt (Stony Plain) James Cotton - Cotton Mouth Man (Alligator) Hugh Laurie Didnt It Rain? (Warner Brothers) Dave Keller Soul Changes (Tastee Tone) Doug MacLeod Theres A Time (Reference Recordings) Charlie Musselwhite - Juke Joint Chapel (Henrietta Records) Johnny Rawls Remembering O.V. (Catfood Records) Remembering Little Walter with Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia & James Harman (Blind Pig) Boz Scaggs Memphis (429 Records)

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DVD Preview: Americana Women: Roots Musician Womens Tales & Tunes
Reviewed by Eric Steiner Next month, the Washington Blues Society, Salmon Bay Eagles and MusicBox Project will present a Seattle premiere of the newly re-edited documentary Americana Women: Roots Musician Womens Tales & Tunes. This innovative and insightful DVD was produced by Dyann Arthur, with videography by Rick Arthur from Mill Creek, Washington. I initially learned about this opportunity to learn more about this group of trail-blazing and inspiring blues women from Washington Blues Societys Education Director Roy Brown. This DVD covers a number of musical genres and I was especially pleased to learn about a number of special niches of American musical traditions throughout the DVD. Dyann traces a straight line culturally from Nova Scotia to Louisiana as they explore the crawfish capital of the world through the music of six generations of Acadians. From her stand-up bass, Yvette Landry leads an all-womens ensemble with Anya Burgess on fiddle, Kristi Guillory on accordion and Christine Balfa on guitar. We learn about the Lafayette Rhythm Devils as Dyann describes the descendants of Dewey Balfa. No discussion of this type of music would be complete without a mention of either the Savoy Family Band or the SavoyDoucet Band, and I was glad that the film includes Ann and Marc singing in Cajun as well as samplings from Savoy-Doucet. This section also takes us down to Creole country, courtesy of Mary Jane Broussards accordion. Mary Janes Creole royalty as her cousin is the legendary Queen Ida. Moving up from Louisiana, the film remembers Algia Mae Hinton, a banjo pioneer who played not only Carnegie Hall but a number of nationally-recognized folk festivals. Our journey continues up through the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas fiddler Violet Hensley. Dyann has a spirited conversation with this Americana elder in Violets kitchen, where she regaled the crew with stories of her 55 years experience keeping hill country fiddle music alive. Growing up, her parents considered the fiddle the devils instrument, and they inserted snake rattles into the instrument to keep the moisture (and the devil) at bay. Like many a rural entrepreneur, Violets family killed the snakes for their rattles, but had favorable memories of the snakes fish-tasting meat. This chapter of the DVD fades on four generations of the Hensley clan in her kitchen making music. Our journey continues into Piedmont territory with the award-winning Alice Gerrard, who has released 15 CDs, was featured in two other documentaries and received multiple awards from the North Carolina Folk Society. Like many of the women profiled in Americana Women: Roots Musicians Womens Tales & Tunes, music has played an important part in Alices family life: her mother was a piano player and her father sang, and together they also practiced hill country yodeling in coal mining country. Interspersed with the Ken Burns-inspired approach the documentary, Ricksvideography during their field work in 2010 includes live concert footage from Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women at the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Ninagret Park, Rhode Island and a clip of the multiple Blues Music Award-winner Ruthie foster singing Small Town Blues at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. We also see Deanna Bogart at the Freedom Festival in Milford, Delaware and Eden Brent at the Highway 61 Blues Festival in Leland, Mississippi. The multi-talented Gaye Adegbalola considers herself a contemporary griot and her lifes soundtrack includes memories of seeing Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre near Washington, D.C. Gaye treats us to a stinging slide guitar performance of a Bald Headed Blues about breast cancer in her living room, and recalls her quartercentury run as part of Saffire: The Uppity Blues Women and her own success against cancer. As with many of the more personal moments in the film, Dyann and Rick take us to Ruthie Fosters living room (on the road) to hear the Ruthie Fosters Family Band sing Small Town Blues. Featuring Tanya Richardson on bass and violin, Samantha Banks on drums, percussion and spoons, Ruthie is described as Anita Baker meets Tracy Chapman. An oft-overlooked Americana genre is traditional Klezmer music. Growing up on Chicagos far South Side, I learned about Klezmer in junior high because of many weekend cultural presentations at the former Chicago Public Library (now home to the Chicago Cultural Center). Elaine Hoffman Watts and her daughter Susan, playing on snare and trumpet, are third and fourth generation Klezmer players and they carry on this tradition in the Catskills. Elaine received a 2007 National Heritage Fellowship, and Susan recalled her work with a Gypsy music project in Hungarian village in Serbia. They had never seen a woman play like a man before, and they translated part of a song into the local language as a big ass trumpet solo. The film explores the diversity of Americana with chapters on the importance of bluegrass and the seafaring traditions in Maine initially sung in Gaelic (especially when harpist Julia Lane describes songs like The Lighthouse on the Shore, about a woman who associated with sailors in one way or another). She reminds us that life in her village is not all yo ho ho and a bottle of Guinness. I also enjoyed discovering the Henry Family contributions to bluegrass, rediscovering the Grammy-winning Cindy Cashdollar through this DVD and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Appalachia is represented by a practicing fiddler and researcher at Berea College in Kentucky, and she leads a group of her friends on the back porch as they keep this special type of Americana life at home instead of a 3,000 person concert hall. I am hopeful that the producers will enhance the next production run of Americana Women: Roots Musicians Womens Tales & Tunes they are currently working on for the February 15th premiere showing at Salmon Bay Eagles with extras to more fully take advantage of the format of DVD media; namely: slow the ending credits to a readable crawl, present each scene as a chapter, offer up links to online resources, a descriptive booklet similar to award-winning blues documentaries M for Mississippi and We Juke Up in Here, and include some outtakes. I am confident that the next version of this DVD will be a welcome addition to blues festival and blues society merchandise booths, Blues in the Schools education programs, and select regional, national and international recognition. Americana Women: Roots Musicians Womens Tales & Tunes captures the contributions of a several women who are keeping many unique forms of Americana alive throughout North America. This film not only recognizes many musical elders from this community, but also acknowledges younger talents that will take Americana particularly from a womens point of view forward. (Editors Note: Please see the quarter-page ad promoting the February 15, 2014 Seattle premiere of Americana Women: Roots Musician Womens Tales & Tunes at the Salmon Bay Eagles in Ballard elsewhere in this issue. Please look for the productions fullpage color ad in the February Bluesletter).

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Washington Blues Society January 2014 Talent Guide

A.H.L. (206) 935-4592 Richard Allen & the Louisiana Experience/Zydeco Trio (206) 369-8114 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 Backwoods Still (425) 330-0702 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 Blues Playground (425) 359-3755 Blues Redemption Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666 Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441 Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772 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 Gin Creek (206) 588-1924 Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074 Paul Green (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 Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644 Hot Wired Rhythm Band (206) 790-9935 James Howard Band (206) 250-7494 David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276 Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752 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 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 / Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253 Kolvane (503) 804-7966 Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100 Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.com Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408 Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002 Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503 Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961 Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331 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 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 R& y Oxford Band (253) 973-9024 Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350 Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108 Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210 Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589 Mark Riley (206) 313-7849 RJ Knapp & Honey Robin Band (206) 612-9145 Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210 Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659 Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427 Roxlide (360) 881-0003 Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071 Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105 $cratch Daddy (425) 210-1925 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 Js (425) 746-8186 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 Steve Cooley & Dangerfields (253)-203-8267 Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935 Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (360) 753-8949 Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212 Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113 Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559 Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101 Tone Kings (425) 698-5841 Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908 Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384 T-Town Aces (206)935-8985 Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566 Unbound (425) 212-7608 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

Talent Guide Updates: Please send any corrections and updates to editor@wablues.org by the 5th of the month and well update the Talent Guide.

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Washington Blues Society January 2014 Calendar

Note: Please confirm with each venue the start time and price. We also apologize in advance for any errors as we depend on musicians and venues to send in their information and sometimes, changes happen after we go to press. Wednesday, January 1 Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek James Bernhard 7PM Thursday, January 2 The Triple Door, Seattle -The Seth Freeman Band CD Release Party w/The Cody Rentas Band 7:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/ Bucky Pizzarelli 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Stagecoach Nettie & The Wulftones 8PM Friday, January 3 Tiny Ninja Cafe, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! Acoustic Blues hosted by Marlee Walker w/ Two Scoops Moore 8:30PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - Scotch Tops 9PM Nooksack River Casino, Deming Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 6:00PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/ Bill Chism 7PM The Dogghouse, Mt. Vernon - Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp 9PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Polly OKeary & The Rhythm Method 8PM Razzals, Smokey Point Power cell w/Doug McGrew 9PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - Butch Harrison and Good Company 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/ Bucky Pizzarelli 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Reggie Miles 6:30PM Saturday, January 4 The Repp, Snohomish Rod Cook solo 6:30PM Destination Harley Davidson, Fife Little Bill Trio 12PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek, James Bernhard 7PM Conway Muse, Conway Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 7:30PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - 44th St. Blues Band 9PM Bakes Place, Bellevue Doctorfunk 8PM The Edison Inn, Edison - Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues 8:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Monster Road w/Patti Allen 8PM Razzals, Smokey Point Power cell w/Doug Mcgrew 9PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/ Bucky Pizzarelli 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle Brian Nova All Star 20 Big Band 7:30PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - Ventura Highway Revisited 7:30PM B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma -Thea Wescott and Black Jack Creek 7PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle The Roy Kay Trio 8PM Sunday, January 5 CCs Lounge, Burien - Doug McGrew w/Lynn Sorensen & Manuel Morais 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/ Bucky Pizzarelli 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Josephine Howell Quartet 7PM The Central, Kirkland - John Stephan 8:30PM Monday, January 6 88 Keys,Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/Stagecoach Nettie & The Wulff Tones 7PM Tuesday, January 7 Feedback Lounge, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/Polly OKeary, The Rhythm Method & Seattle Slim 8PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Urban Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Tuck & Patti 7:30PM Wednesday, January 8 Engels Pub, Edmonds - Nick Vigarino Meantown Blues 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Drummerboy w/The Crazy Texas Gypsies 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Tuck & Patti 7:30PM The Triple Door Seattle - Red Molly w/ Anne and Pete Sibley 7:30PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle JD Hobson 8:30PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek, James Bernhard 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Funk E3 8:30PM Thursday, January 9 Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Eric Two Scoops Moore 8PM & Blue Healers 10PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle James King & The Southsiders 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Jeff Lorber and his Fusion Band 7:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Elvis Alive w/ Vince Mira & Special Guests 7PM The Triple Door Musiquarium, Seattle The Roy Kay Trio 9PM Friday, January 10 Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue Rod Cook & Toast 7PM Couth Buzzard, Ballard: Steve Cheseborough New Orleans, Seattle - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8PM J & M Cafe, Seattle: CD Woodbury Band 9 PM Tiny Ninja Cafe, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! Acoustic Blues hosted by Marlee Walker w/Paul Green & Brian Butler 8:30PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - Mary Mcpage & The Assassins 9PM Under the Red Umbrella, Everett Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 7:00PM Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park -Two Scoops Combo 7:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Missionary Position 8PM Bakes Place, Bellevue Patricia Lee 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Jeff Lorber and his Fusion Band 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Elvis Alive w/ Vince Mira & Special Guests 7PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - The Beat Project 7:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Ron Wiley 6:30PM Saturday, January 11 Dusty Strings, Fremont: Steve Cheseborough Blues Workshops North City Bistro, Shoreline Rod Cook / Mark Riley duo 8:30PM Scotch and Vine, Des Moines - Brian Lee Trio 7PM Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art, Olympia Baby Gramps 8PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - The Dogtones 9PM Bad Alberts Tap & Grill, Ballard-Jeff Herzog & The Jet City Fliers 8PM Left Foot Boogie Dance, Sons of Norway, Bothell - Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives 8:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Hot Wired Rhythm Band 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Jeff Lorber and his Fusion Band 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Elvis Alive w/ Vince Mira & Special Guests 7PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - Shaggy Sweet 7:30PM B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Eugenie Jones 7PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Richard Deguare 8PM The Repp, Snohomish Larry Murante 6:30PM Sunday, January 12 China Harbor, Seattle - Brian Lee & the Orbiters DANCE! 7PM CCs Lounge, Burien Doug McGrew w/ Lynn Sorensen & Manuel Morais 8PM Bakes Place, Belluvue The Rat Pack 7PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Jeff Lorber and his Fusion Band 7:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - School of Rock Performs: The Beatles 7PM The Central, Kirkland Nick Vigarino 8:30PM Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Tacoma Junkyard Jane 5PM Monday, January 13 88 Keys, Seattle- Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/ Fat James & Fat Back 7PM

Tuesday, January 14 Feedback Lounge, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/ Elnah Jordan & Friends Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 8PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Urban Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM Dimitirious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Mark Hummels Blues Harmonica Blowout w/John Mayall, Curtis Salgado, Rick Estrin & Little Charlie Baty 7:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Emily Ashers Garden Party 7:30PM Red Crane, Shoreline: Washington Blues Society Blues Bash: Rafael Tranquilino & Sweet Danny Ray (solo/duo), Bakin Phat our blues societys Memphis send-off Blues Bash! The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle Singer Songwriter Showcase w/ Mark Ward, Patrick W McHenry & Shelly Casey 8PM Wednesday, January 15 Engels Pub, Edmonds - Wooden Ships 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle High and Lonesome Band 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek, James Bernhard 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Black Velvet 4 8:30PM Dimitirious Jazz Alley, Seattle, Mark Hummels Blues Harmonica Blowout w/John Mayall, Curtis Salgado, Rick Estrin & Little Charlie Baty 7:30PM Thursday, January 16 Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle -Jack Cook & Greg Roberts8PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Showtime w/ AEK Safar Blues 8PM Musiquarium at The Triple Door, Seattle: Gin Creek 9 PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Kelly Joe Phelps w/ Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle 24th Anniversary of SBE Blue Thursdays and alumni meeting of SBE Blues Musicians 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Amel Larrieux 7:30PM Friday, January 17 Engels Pub, Edmonds - The Shortcutz 9PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Carl Sonny Leyland w/The Starjays 8PM Tiny Ninja Cafe, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! Acoustic Blues hosted by Marlee Walker w/ Alice Stuart solo 8:30PM Third Place Books,LakeForest Park- Jack Cook & the Phantoms of Soul 7:30PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/ Bill Chism 7PM The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Gin Creek 8:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Los Lobos - 40th Anniversary 8PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Danny Godinez 9PM

Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Amel Larrieux 7:30PM & 9:30PM Oxford Saloon Snohomish CD Woodbury Band 9 PM The Repp, Snohomish Patrick Thayer 6:30PM Saturday, January 18 B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Rod Cook solo 7PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - Moon Daddy Band 9PM Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 7:30PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Beginning Piedmont Blues Fingerpicking Workshop 10:30AM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Beginning Robert Johnson Fingerpicking Workshop 1:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Bump Kitchen 8PM Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Mixed Bag O Blues w/Annieville Blues, Sweet Billy Spaulding, Ken Caldwell, C D Woodbury, Dave McCabe & Paul Quilty 7PM Bakes Place, Bellevue Ventura Highway Revisited 7PM & 9:45PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Los Lobos - 40th Anniversary 8PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Si Limon 9PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek - James Bernhard 7PM Vino Bella, Issaquah Lady A 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Blues Diva Show 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Amel Larrieux 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Jeremy Thayer 6:30PM Sunday, January 19 CCs Lounge, Burien - Doug McGrew w/Lynn Sorensen & Manuel Morais 8PM Bakes Place Bellevue Tillers Folly 7PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Los Lobos - 40th Anniversary 8PM The Central, Kirkland - Roger Roger 8:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Amel Larrieux 7:30PM Monday, January 20 88 Keys, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker 7PM Mr. Villa, Lake City/Seattle - Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio 7PM Tuesday, January 21 Feedback Lounge, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/Rippin Chicken 8PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Urban Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Grace Kelley w/ The Marc Seales Trio 7:30PM Wednesday, January 22 Engels Pub, Edmonds - The Linezmen 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Dirty Rice 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek, James Bernhard 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Red 8:30PM

The Triple Door, Seattle - George Kahumoku Jr and Led Kaapana 7:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Grace Kelley w/ The Marc Seales Trio 7:30PM Thursday, January 23 Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Monster Road 8PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Fat James and Fat Back 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Peter White 7:30PM Friday, January 24 North City Bistro, Shoreline Rod Cook / Little Bill Englehart duo 8:30PM Tiny Ninja Cafe, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! Acoustic Blues hosted by Marlee Walker w/Seth Freeman solo 8:30PM Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8:30PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - Scott E. Lind Band 9PM Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park - Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives 7:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Soul Senate & Kissing Potion 8PM The Triple Door, Seattle - The Big Gig: 6 Speeds, Lo to Hi 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Peter White 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Andrew Norsworthy 6:30PM Saturday, January 25 Destination Harley Davidson, Fife Little Bill Trio 12PM Vino Bella, Issaquah -The British Beats w/Rod Cook 7:30PM Engels Pub, Edmonds - The Junior Jones 9PM Vera Project Winter Fireside Party Benefit for Folklife, Seattle - Baby Gramps 5:45PM Port Gardner Winery, Everett - Mia Vermillion 7PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle The Strange Tones & The Volcano Vixens 8PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Kim Virant and Gerald Collier 8PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Shady Bottom 9PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Peter White 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Carolyn Cruso 6:30PM Sunday, January 26 CCs Lounge, Burien - Doug McGrew w/Lynn Sorensen & Manuel Morais 8PM The Central, Kirkland - Jim Basnight 8:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle Peter White 7:30PM Monday, January 27 88 Keys, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker 7PM Continued on Page 30

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Blues on the Radio Dial

MONDAY KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton Blues in the Night (automated) 2:00 AM 5:00 AM Monday through Friday www.ksvr.org DJ, Janice Clevin Gage KUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AM as.wwu.edu/kugs/ - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson Mighty Mouth Blues on NWCZ Radio - www.nwczradio.com Monday 8:00-11:00PM Pacific TUESDAY KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues On Rye 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaos.evergreen.edu - DJ, Val Vaughn WEDNESDAY KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: The Roadhouse 6:00PM to 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Greg Vandy KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton - The Blues Note with Janice 8:00PM - 10:00PM www.ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Cleven Gage KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton - Lesters Blues Tour 10:00PM -Midnight www.ksvr.org - DJ, Les Anderson THURSDAY KSER 90.7FM Everett: Clancys Bar and Grill 8:30PM - 10:30PM www.kser.org - DJ, Clancy Dunigan FRIDAY KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: Shake The Shack 6:00PM - 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Leon Berman SATURDAY KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues For Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaos.evergreen.edu - DJ, Jerry Drummond KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 7:00PM - 9:00 PM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG KBCS 91.3 FM Bellevue College: Living the Blues 8:00 PM 10 PM www.kbcs.fm DJ Kevin Henry, Kevin Morris, Oneda Harris, Winona Hollins-Huage KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Backwater Blues Hour 10:00PM - 11:00PM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Frank Delaney KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Beal Street Caravan 11PM-12AM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Pat Mitchell KZPH 106.7FM Wenatachee: The Blues 11:00PM - 12:00AM www.therock1067.com - DJ, Dave Keefe KSER 90.7FM Everett: Blues Odessey 9:00PM - 11:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Leslie Fleury Sunday KBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Beal St. Caravan 5:00AM 6:00AM www.kbcs.fm KEXP 90.3 Seattle: Preaching the Blues 9:00AM - NOON www.kexp.org DJ, Johnny Horn KUGS 89.3 FM Bellingham: Exposure NOON 2PM www.kugs.org KYRS 92.3 FM Spokane: Blues Now and Then 6:00PM - 8:00 PM www.kyrs.org - DJs 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.kwcwradio.tumblr.com - DJ, Biggdaddy Ray Hansen and Armand The Doctor Parada KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Juke Joint 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Jon Noe

Mondays

Washington Blues Society

Sundays

Blues Jams

Caffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Monday of the month) 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pm JRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pm Opal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pm Ten Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee

Dawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pm Castles, Sedro Wolley: Gary Bs Church of the Blues, 6-10pm Raging River: Tommy Wall Silver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, on Central Kirkland: HeatherBBlues, 7pm

Tuesdays

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PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR LISTINGS CURRENT: please send in jam listings to calendar@wablues.org. As of press time, we are looking for a new volunteer who will help compile our calendar, jam guide, band listings, and radio station listings. Please email volunteer director Rhea Rolfe: volunteers@wablues.org if you are interested!

Barrel Tavern: hosted by Doug McGrew, 8pm Elmer,s Burien: hosted by Billy Shew Engels Pub, Edmonds: Open Mic with Lou Echeverri, 8 PM Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pm 907 Bar and Grill Snohomish Sean Denton & Richard Williams 8 PM Summit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pm Uncle Thurms, Tacoma: Blenis, Ely Band, 7:30pm Wild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

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) 246-5488

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 Bakes Place - Bellevue (425) 454-2776 Triple Door (206) 838-4333 Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808 Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111 Damans Pub Redmond Forecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212 Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669 BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227 RockinM BBQ, Golf Range & Lounge - Everett (425.438.2843) Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836 Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511 Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001 Top Shelf Broiler & Tervelli Lounge - Kirkland (206) 239-8431 CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200 Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424 Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334 Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622 Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940 Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247 Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336 Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000 Yuppie Tavern - Kirkland (425) 814-5200 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 Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749 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) 852-7287rr Pick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574 The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022 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

Eastside

Central & Eastern

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 ( 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

(Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):

North End

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

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

Wednesdays

Charlies Olympia: Blues Attitude Damans Pub, 8 PM Dogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pm 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues on Tap, 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 Wednesday January 1 no jam - Happy Blues Year! Wednesday January 8 Unbound with Chester Dennis Jones Wednesday January 15 Unbound with Eric Rice Wednesday January 22 Unbound with Nick Vigarino Wednesday January 29 Unbound with Annie ONeill and Eddy Rigotti Oxford Saloon, Snohomish: Oxford School of Jam hosted by Rick J Bowen, Teri Anne Wilson and Robert Baker for All- Ages Open Jam 7-11pm Salmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pm Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm Ould Triangle Pub: hosted by Jeff Hass, Open Mic Blues Jam, 9pm

Thursdays

Bad Alberts: Invitational w/Annieville Blues Barrel Tavern: hosted by Tim Turner, 8pm Club Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pm Conway Pub Dawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pm Jimmy Jacks hosted by Rick Bowen, Everett 730 -1130 OCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pm Oxford Saloon: Jam Night w/ Tommy Cook Trio 8PM

Fridays

New Orleans Restaurant: All Star Jam, hosted by Leslie Stardrums Milton & Lady Keys, 7pm (1st & 3rd Fridays)

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25

Five Questions for AnneMarie Lewis @ Blue Sky Productions Northwest

By Eric Steiner (Photo of AnneMarie Lewis and Warren Haynes Courtesy of AnneMarie Lewis) Washington Blues Society Music Co-Director Janice Cleven Gage told me about a new opportunity to experience live music in the Spokane area. I am pleased to introduce AnneMarie Lewis as we exchanged emails about her Blue Sky Productions Northwest production company. ES: Ive heard that you are launching a new production company in Spokane to promote and nurture blues music in the Inland Empire. This is exciting news. Given the economy and the way the music business has changed, would you please tell our readers what youll do differently to set yourself apart from other production companies? AML: I am. It is extremely exciting to me to be moving into a more musical aspect of my career with Blue Sky Productions Northwest. Ive been producing really large events in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years and although my primary focus has been working with bestselling authors and speakers, Ive also organized huge expos and festivals. Music is my first love and my main passion - I grew up with it - my mom played the mandolin and my father was a professional musician in San Francisco and while his instrument was the Banjo he could pretty much play anything and often managed bands. I feel that this is a fairly comfortable transition - for me, its like coming home. ES: What draws you to blues music? AML: Blues music doesnt draw me - it totally grabs me. There is something about it - and the guitar in particular - that goes down deeper into my soul and gut than any other genre of music. Its raw and sharp and yet at the same time it can be smooth and slow - and it digs under all those feelings and it pushes them up and out. I listen to the blues when Im blue and it makes the blues better. I listen to the blues when I am happy and I just get happier. ES: Please tell me a little about your upcoming work with Ana Popovic. Where can Bluesletter readers get more information about this opportunity? AML: I am a fan and a follower of women blues artists in general - all the way back to Sister Rosetta Tharp to present greats: Bonnie, Ana, Tal on bass, Beth, Orianthi, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Samantha Fish - just to name a few. Over the past few years I have come to really admire Anas ability to really burn some blues on that guitar of hers. I havent seen her yet live. So, when I saw she was coming to the Pacific Northwest - it was a no brainer for me! I immediately got to work to see if I could bring her here. Thank you for asking for more information. Tickets are for sale through TicketsWest.com, 800325-SEAT or head over to Blue Sky Productions Northwest on Facebook to find out more. ES: What other events are on the horizon for 2014? AML: Ive got a whole list of artists Im looking at bringing in. Throughout my career Ive tried to spot whos up-and-coming and book them while I can still nab a slot along their tour schedule. I see Ana like this. Her career, in my mind, is going to continue to take off. Her Mo Love Band is solid and I believe she is just now really coming into her prime! In addition to Blues and R & B, Im also a huge fan Southern Rock and Jam bands so dont be surprised if you see more artists along these lines as well. In addition some Folk, some Bluegrass, and classic rock are all included on my list. ES: Finally, what recent, or not-so-recent, blues CDs have you enjoyed recently? I jokingly credit Joe Bonamassa for shifting my brain cells and causing my life to go in this new direction! I laugh when I say that but, honestly, underneath it all, I think its true. My step-son handed me Joes concert CDs from Royal Albert Hall three years ago for Christmas and said here, I think youll dig this. That night, I slipped them into my computer and grabbed my headphones. Suffice it to say that I was up all night listening over and over to that concert. In the morning I was more than just tired. I was changed. Now I cant get enough. As to what Im currently listening to: I always have music playing and recently Id have to say its been a lot of Dickey Betts, Beth Hart, Gary Clark Jr., Tedeschi Trucks Band, Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. I like listening to people who are not as well known yet: artists like Larry McCray who I think is a great player. I always have room for my favorites who include the great Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Gary Moore, Rory, Robert Johnson, each Albert, Billie Holliday and the great Etta James! Ive seen Joe Bonamassa last year; Steve Winwood was also awesome, Bonnie Raitt with Mavis, the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Derek Trucks is a huge favorite; I could listen to him all day. Kenny Wayne Sheppard was also a total blast to see. But I have to say my most exciting - most recent musical experience was in October when I did a five-show run of Warren Haynes with Govt Mule. I chased his shows through five cities, three states and two countries in less than a week and I never got tired of listening to that band. In the end, I only wanted more. That man can sing the blues with such soul and play guitar like almost nobodys business. In addition, Warren often turns the spotlight to guest artists and to his band mates rather than having always to be center stage. He is a great hardworking musician and human being and I have to admit, Mr. Warren Haynes sits at the very top of my current favorites.

Upcoming SpokaneArea Blues Events!

Monthly Inland Empire Blues Society Blues Boogie every second Thursday of the month Daleys Cheap Shots, 6412 E Trent Avenue in Spokane. For more details, please call the venue at (509) 535-9309. Weekly Blues Jam Session on Tuesdays at Bigelows Top Hat Pub & Grill, 6412 N Division Street in Spokane. For more details, please call the venue at (509) 489-6540. Welcome Back to Washington: Ana Popovc! rd February 3 : Ana Popovic in concert at the Bing Crosby Theatre/Met Theatre, 901 W Sprague Avenue. For more information, please call the theatre at (509) 227-7638.

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Charlie Musselwhite: A Gentlemen and a Scholar

By Rick J Bowen Charlie Musselwhite, more than any other harmonica player of his generation, can rightfully lay claim to inheriting the mantle ofmany of the great harp players that came before himwith music as dark as Mississippi mud or as uplifting as the blue skies of California. In an era when the term legendary gets applied to auto-tuned pop stars, this singular blues harp player, singer, songwriter and guitarist has earned and deserves to be honored as a true master of American roots music. This has been a big year for Musselwhite: he was invited to perform at the White House as a part of an allstar salute to Memphis Soul, released an album, has been doing live dates with Ben Harper, and the 2013 Living Blues Readers Poll named him Most Outstanding Musician. In December Musselwhite will release his thirty- fourth album, Juke Joint Chapel, which was recorded live at the infamous Shack Up Inn on highway 49 in Clarksdale Mississippi. I had the privilege to sit down with this true living legend, gentlemen and music scholar and glean some of the wisdom he has collected in his fifty years of working as a blues man. Rick J Bowen: Ive got a copy of your new album Juke Joint Chapel here. Can we start by talking about it? Charlie Musselwhite: Thats our place on the cover. It was on a plantation and they were gonna burn it down so they could grow more cotton. Our partner heard about and bought it for real cheap. It cost more to move it than to buy it. It was built in 1882, all cypress so the termites wont eat it. We moved it over on this lot we had. It had just been sat down, and it has not been fixed up a lot. I took that picture with my iPhone. It is sitting right on the delta outside of Clarksdale on highway 49 and right across the tracks is the Shack Up Inn. It is a great place to stay. Its called a B and B: Bed and Beer. I asked Guy who runs the Shack Up Inn, How do you all keep track of the beer, cause its on the honor system? He said well Charlie, we dont do inventory. RB: They just keep the cooler filled. CM: Yep and hope they all pay and figure they dont lose much. RB: the album was recorded there a year ago and will be out at Christmas time. CM: The Shack Up Inn is the Juke Joint Chapel, theres a club there. We originally did it as a fundraiser for a music school at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. The tapes turned out so well we said why dont we just put it out. So we did it on our own label, the Henrietta Records label. Kinda the way to go these days. Except with the record with Ben on Stax. Which is great. I knew Estel Axton when I was a kid, she was a friend of my moms, her and her brother started Stax. But then it was called Satellite, before Stax. Ive still got some of the 45s she used to give me when shed come by the house. RB: The album sounds like someone just threw a microphone up in the room; you hear glasses clinking and people dancing. CM: Yeah people drinking and dancing and just having a good time. At the time we werent even thinking it would be a record. They had the facility to record, so we said,all right turn it on, it was lark. It came out ok. RB: The selection of songs showcases everyone in the band nicely. CM: I always like to do that. Cause I know the band likes it, and its more fun for the audience too. I dont need all the attention. I dont even want all the attention. Im just trying to have fun and entertain, and thats the way I do it. RB: It feels like everybody get a bit of the spotlight. CM: Well in Chicago thats the way we did it. A lot of jazz groups did it and the blues groups too, everybody took a solo every tune. Youd go and hear Muddy Waters, and Otis Spann would take solo and James Cotton would take solo and Pee Wee Madison would take a solo, maybe the bass player and the drummer. In those old clubs in Chicago youd go until four or five in the morning. Thats a lot of time. Wed play seven sets a night and on Saturday you play eights sets. On Sunday morning you go out, well I would, you go out on the street and play for tips on Maxwell Street and then play that night, and then on Monday morning from eight till noon play at what they d call a Blue Monday Breakfast--the people who came to that were the real hard partiers. Youd wrap up the weekend with gangsters and hookers and gamblers. Youd see guys pouring bourbon on their corn flakes n stuff: some hard core drinkers Monday at eight AM. Then you get to sleep Tuesday, and Wednesday it all starts again. RB: You must have played the same songs a hundred times each weekend. CM: It was real casual. A lot of people sittin in. You know, if you werent workin you be hangin out at some other club sittin in. That was what went on all the time. If it hadnt have been for that kind of a casualness I dont know what Id have done. How it happened was this waitress I got to know told Muddy you ought to hear Charlie play harmonica. He always thought of me as a fan. Because back in the beginning I wasnt going around asking hey can I sit in, I was just happy to be in the clubs socializing and listen to the blues. How great it was, on Tuesday night youd go to Peppers Lounge and it was fifty cents to get

in and with that ticket you got a free beer, then you listen to Muddy until four in the morning. RB: Yeah, why would you want to be anyplace else? CM: It was heaven for me. I was eighteen but I could get into the clubs as I was big for my age. So when he found out I played he insisted I sit in. A lot of musicians hung out there and they started offering me gigs and that got my attention you gonna pay me to do this? ok ! Lets go. That was the beginning; it all turned a corner for me there. RB: So you left the Memphis area and headed to Chicago not to play music but just to get a better job. CM: Everybody was getting outta the south looking for those factory jobs up north that paid well with benefits. The south was economically depressed, it still is, and I was part of the great migration. RB: The set list- is it indicative of any given night someone would come to one of your shows? CM: Yeah I still do a lot of those tunes; it was just another night on the tour. RB: How long has this band line up been together? CM: People come and go. Ive already got a new bass player. He decided he needed to stay home with his kids and he was gone too much they were getting to an age where he needed be home more, I understand that. But June Core, the drummer has been with me the longest and Matt Stubbs the guitar player and my new bass player Steve Forburg is a really great player. RB: Is this album your tribute to the delta and the juke joints? CM: Its always great to be back where you come from, where your earliest memories are from. I never did live in Clarksdale, but I had relatives there. I even have cousins there now that I have not met. RB: There is a big mythology behind the Juke Joints and the culture of the delta; do you think its fading away? CM: They are still alive and well in the Delta. Have you been to Reds Lounge? RB: No, Ive only been to Ground Zero in Clarksdale. CM: Well you just scratched the surface. You can YouTube Reds Lounge and see a bunch of stuff. I was just down in Clarksdale and Robert Balfour was playing there.T Model Ford used to play there (Continued on Next Page)

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Charlie Musselwhite Interview (Continued)

a lot and Jack Johnson all these blues guys. RB: Thats great, so its not dying out? CM: Well they been saying its dying out as long as I can remember. When I first went to Chicago people were telling me well the blues is over. Like it was a fad or somethin, its not a fad, even if nobodys playin it, its still there. RB: Wow way back in 1965 they were saying its all over. CM: Oh yeah like that was the year of the blues, I never thought it was that way at all. RB: You have the gift of having seen several generations of the blues come and go now. CM: Yeah- looking back it is quite a trip. When youre going throw it you dont realize. When you look the back the past take son something and it grows as you get further away from it. You really cant perceive the whole thing. At that age I wasnt thinking that way. RB: You were just enjoying the moment and having fun. CM: And I did have some fun. (Both laugh) RB: Thats a perfect segue to my next question. Is the song the Blues Overtook Me, your autobiography? CM: It is. I wrote that and it kind of covers it. I say the blues over took when I was a child. When I was kid growing up in Memphis at the end of dead end street then there was all these woods and I would go play down by the creek and on the other side of the creek were fields that people worked in and I could hear them singing work songs and blues. I didnt really know what is was but I knew it sounded like how I felt. I like other kind of music too, but blues was a really a thing all by itself and special to me. RB: In Memphis you could have gone many ways into music. CM: Yeah there was country and rockabilly. Johnny and Dorsey Burnett lived right across the street from me and I used to go hang out at their house and they had instruments lying around. And Jimmy Griffin who had a band called Bread lived next door to me, and a couple blocks away was guy named Slim Rhoads- he was a country rockabilly guy and he would have barbeques in his yard and everyone was invited over and he be out there with his big white hat playing guitar. Memphis was full of music, not like today. I dont even recognize the place, that flavor of it is not the same at all. And there were gospel tent meetings in the summer-I loved it. I had an old 1950 Lincoln and Id pull it up beside the tent and watch all this great singin and drink beer. RB: Cause its always hot in Memphis. CM: They would have the side rolled up on the tent to get a breeze, and they would be rockin. Great, really moving, it would be hot, but youd get goose bumps from the music. RB: That was quite an era. Things are quite different now. CM: Gospel music is pretty big deal in the south. I went to a gospel event in Boston and it was such a disappointment: it was more of a fashion show than anything else. And the singing and all the posturing, not a drop of grease. It was the most sterile thing, there was no heart. Not like in the south at all. RB: I think theres a little bit of that going on in the blues right now. CM: Oh yeah. People call themselves blues players, back then nobody would say it was blues. That was bad. I guess they think playing three chord changes makes it blues. They dont realize its about a feeling, more than anything. Three chord changes is a convenient way to express that feeling but it doesnt have to be that way. John Lee Hooker stayed on one chord. RB: You talk about that on the album with the song about Brazil Feel It In Your Heart, a blues vocal over a samba. CM: Its called Forro, that kind of music. Its kind of like the blues of Brazil. They tell me its a corruptive of for all, because its the music for all. If you translate the Portuguese its the same thing as blues, about being in bad luck or winning the lottery or falling in love, falling out of love it its all the same thing. Its kind of looked down upon, a lot of people say oh I dont listen to that stuff, and then you find out actually in their closet they have a stack of Forro records they pull out when they feel like drinkin and havin a party. But they dont admit they listen to that- its considered low class. Its the country hillbilly music of Brazil. Its from the northeast of Brazil which is sort of the delta of South America. Its where samba comes from- its like the soul of Brazil up in the northeast. RB: Have you been there a few times? I understand that music is imbedded in all aspects of life there. CM: Oh yeah. I have this theory: all the places, like the southern US and Cuba and Brazil, where European and African music blended sparked a new music in this new place. Its like they are all cousins of each other blues and samba and traditional Son of Cuba and Forro. Cause it has the same ingredients just a little different here and there. And they are all singing about the same thing, about life. RB: Indeed- life, love, and heartache. CM: Yeah ups and downs, I say blues is your buddy in good times and your comforter in hard times. Its all purpose music, always there for ya. RB: What do you think is you signature song? CM: Well Cristo Redentor. That was on my first album, just an instrumental- it was written by Duke Pearson, jazz piano player. Donald Byrd the trumpet player had the first popular recording of it. It was on the jukeboxes in Chicago, thats where I first heard it. I heard that melody, and Ive always been attracted to melody, and I thought I can play that on harmonica. RB: That is what you are known for, melodic harmonica. Theres a lot of cats out there making a lot of racket with harmonicas. CM: Yeah they think theyre playing something, and theres not any thought involved. Just notes. Theyre playing from up here (moves hand to head) not down here (moves hand to heart). I recorded that on my first album and it became real popular, and I tried to quite playin it, I thought people were tired of it, and then at the end of the night people would come up and say man I waited all night to hear Cristo Redentor and you didnt play it man, oh sorry. I didnt know. I still play it; it never gets old and always seems fresh and seems different somehow. I start the melody and the music goes where it wants to go. It never gets stale, thats a special song for me. Usually people end the night with a real up beat thing, but this is real somber and slow, so its just a perfect way to wrap up the evening. People get real moved by that music--Ill see people crying some times. Not in a sad way. RB: You touched their heart. Isnt that goal of all us musicians? CM: I dont even feel like its me, I just get to present something- I am the instrument too-- of this song. It seem like today its all about technique, hey look how fast I can play here, thats great but what about the music? Its somebody who has a huge vocabulary and has nothing to say. (Both laugh) But more power to em, anybody who gets a penny out of this business. RB: this has been a pretty good year for you. You played the White House, did a record with Ben Harper and constant touring. CM: yeah Ben is great and his band are really great guys. Its been a real joy to play with em, to travel with em , hang out with em. They are great

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Charlie Musselwhite at the Blues on the Fox Festival in Aurora, Illinois (Photo by Eric Steiner). musicians there is no ego thing its just mellow its really great. RB: And the White House? CM: That was really special I got to play with Ben and Cyndi (Lauper). RB: Was that your first time at the White house? CM: That was my first time. It was the second time I played for Obama. I played for a private fundraiser with Booker T and Les Claypool and Al Green. And that was fun. RB: Wait a minute Booker T on keys, Les Claypool on bass thing; its more like a banjo when he plays it. CM: Hes a character I really like that guy. Booker T was at the White house too. During the televised part of the show, Cyndi forgot some of her words and went back later and overdubbed them to get it right. In that process somehow my harp got sped up or slowed down so its like out of tune, so when you hear it its Im playing out of tune, but not at the time. I just wanted to clear that up for people so they know what happened, its a behind the scene thing people dont know and they might wonder why was Charlie out of tune? So I wanted to clear that up. RB: Just a little disclaimer, you did not play out of tune at the White House. (Both laugh) Are there plans to do another album with Ben? CM: Were talking about it yeah. I dont know when, it probably wont be real soon. RB: well the album is still fresh and just getting heard. CM: We have been talking about it while weve been touring, the next one, what were gonna do on the next one. Ive got this idea for the next one, so that iron is in the fire. RB: Or might you record a live show? CM: There has been talk of that too but I dont know what Stax has in mind, but there will be another album. We just jelled so much doing all that touring and it has to be done, cause we are really cookin now. Its often the case. You record something and then the band gets so solid on the road and you start playing off of each other. It gets easy in the saddle. RB: So how do you do it? CM: Do what? RB: You keep going, youre unstoppable: the White House, two new albums, how many dates did you do this year-a hundred and fifty? CM: Oh probably more like Two or two fifty, I kinda hate to countem up it makes you tired. God I did all that. I dont know Ive been doing it so long I just roll with it. RB: Theres no secret Charlie Mussellwhite blues elixir? CM: Well I dont do all the stuff I used to do. I quit drinking twenty six years ago, I dont do any drugs. Im just glad to be in the game. I mean life; life is the best game in town. Continued on Next Page

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Charlie Musselwhite Interview (Continued)

And music is really rewarding in many ways, not just money, but to see all the smiling faces and meet people around the world. I feel real lucky. RB: That joy just fills you up. M: Music does something for you, it energizes you. John Lee Hooker says its the healer and I believe it too. There more to it than just music. Blues is not just another kind of music it has a depth and substance. It can appear to be uncomplicated and simple to play. But deceptively so ; it may appear simple but it is really deep. Thats where you get in trouble thinking you can play it. (Laugh) its not just the notes. RB: Wow, true wisdom. CM: I am sure you know these things too. RB: I am trying to learn them. CM: its endless, Im still learning too. That another beauty of it, you never get to the end; always more to learn. I told Ben after we finished record the album, I was listening to it and thinking Ok its blues, but its not like a traditional blues, so I said you know Ben, this is a new way of being traditional. Its traditional but its new and thats how I felt about it. It has all the ingredients that make it right, but its now, today, cookin. RB: Are you still doing your radio show? CM: Its on KRSH and called Charlies Back Room. If you ever heard that youd know all the other stuff Im into, cause its not just blues, theres blues and hillbilly and gospel, world music and anything I like. In fact I think it would appeal to people you read No Depression, cause its all roots music. I just call it music from the heart. Most likely I play stuff that people have never heard before but theyll like, even classical- if its short. Tuesday, January 28 Feedback Lounge, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! hosted by Marlee Walker w/Rod Cook & Toast 8PM Dusty Strings, Seatte - Eric Madis Urban Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Chieli Minucci & Special EFX 7:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle -Oliver Mtukudzi w/The Black Spirits 7:30PM Wednesday, January 29 Engels Pub, Edmonds - TBD 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Western Gents Rockabilly Night 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza & Pub, Millcreek, James Bernhard 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Miles from Chicago 8:30PM

Congratulations to the 2014 Washington Blues Society Board of Directors!

The Washington Blues Society held its annual election of officers at the Red Crane Restaurant during the December Blues Bash. The following volunteers have been elected by members of the blues society to the following positions: President: Tony Frederickson Vice President: Rick Bowen Secretary: Mary McPage Treasurer: Chad Creamer Bluesletter Editor: Eric Steiner In January, the elected Board of Directors will appoint volunteers to fill the following positions: Music, Membership, Education, Advertising, Volunteers and Merchandise. We are looking for new volunteers as well as understudies for each of the Board-appointed positions. Each position will require a calendar year of service as a volunteer and call for active and proactive participation in Washington Blues Society events, including the monthly Blues Bashes, volunteer opportunities at over 40 blues events across the Pacific Northwest from February to October - our long-running festival season, as well as other special events like our International Blues Challenge competitions. Volunteers are a key resource for the Washington Blues Society: as a an all-volunteer statewide nonprofit arts promotion organization, we depend on volunteers. Whether you can volunteer an hour a month or 20, each volunteer position is important. We offer volunteers a range of opportunities throughout the year, from staffing our beer gardens at festivals, helping out with the Bluesletter, tearing tickets at festivals and taking pictures of your favorite blues artists: there is a place for you at the Washington Blues Society.

Washington Blues Society January 2014 Calendar (Continued)

Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle -Oliver Mtukudzi w/The Black Spirits 7:30PM Thursday, January 30 Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Deems & Seattle Groove 8PM B Sharp Coffee House, Lucas Smiraldo 7PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle Soulful 88s 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Bill Frisells Guitar in the Space Age 7:30PM & 9:30PM Friday, January 31 Happy Blues New Year! Engels Pub, Edmonds - The Fabulous Roofshakers 9PM Tiny Ninja Cafe, Seattle - Blues To Do LIVE! Acoustic Blues hosted by Marlee Walker w/ Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 8:30PM Conway Muse, Conway - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Kalimba Band (Earth, Wind & Fire tribute) 8PM The Central Saloon, Seattle - Gin Creek 9:00PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - A Cedar Swede 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle The Doowahs 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Bill Frisells Guitar in the Space Age 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Repp, Snohomish Billy Stoops 6:30PM ATTENTION MUSIC PEOPLE! If you would like to add your music schedule to our calendar, please send in your information by the 10th of the month to wbscalendar@yahoo.com in the following format: Arial 9 point type, date, venue, city, band name, time please no bold or caps.

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2014 Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues Nomination Ballot!

You Must Be a Member of the Washington Blues Society to Nominate in our Best of the Blues Awards Process! All Ballots Must Be Received at our PO Box or by a Board Member No Later Than Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Nominations received after that date wont be counted. The ballot will be reprinted next month to provide members with two full months to participate in this process. Please Mail Your Ballot to: WBS, PO Box 70604, Seattle, WA 98127

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: ____________________________________ Little Bill & the Blue Notes 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: ____________________________________ Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame Band: ____________________________________ Non-Festival Blues Event: ____________________________________ Blues Festival: ____________________________________ Open Blues Jam: ___________________________________ NOTE: Please see nomination guidelines in tpages 10-11 of this issue and the November 2013 Bluesletter for addtional information. Thank you.

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