Monday 13 September 2010

STAR BLUES on 12th September 2010 at 22:00

Every so often you come across a song that has a good vocal and splendidly adept guitar playing that says a lot about hope and humanity. Case in point "Jesus and Mohammed" by Candye Kane with lyrics about the similarities of the many over the differences of the few. Given the hoo-ha Stateside this weekend, I wanted to include some common-sense from one of our favourite artists.

The slice of serious was matched with slabs of new stuff from former gospel star James Nixon and nascent soul star Charles Walker - both on SPV later this month, both helmed by the really wonderful Fred James from Nashville (knighthood must only be a formality Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg). The Spikedrivers now have "Seven" issued and their take on "Easy Money" says more about our economic woes than any MP or banker. Best of the bunch is the Telarc project by Pinetop Perkins and Willie Smith - good old fashioned blues befitting two veterans at the top of their games. Smith made a name playing drums for Muddy Waters, on this one he just plays harp - and - get this - the inside booklet has a photo of Pinetop without hat. Rarity value in that alone, this dapper man is known for his titfer and love of the ladies. The Band Of Joy album by Robert Plant is out now too but I won't go further except to say his voice has markedly improved with age, a national treasure no less.

B. B. King is 85 on Thursday 16th so I included lesser known pieces from the Sixties and one from the essential "LIVE AT THE REGAL" album, and there'll be more next Sunday. Erja Lyytenen and the Golden Gate Quartet turned up with some nimble vocals in our sacred spot, Albert Ammons did his boogie woogie piano thing fronting a combo as tight as a ducks hind quarters. We topped and tailed with two guitar maestros: Albert Collins and Lowell Fulson (pronounced Fulton) - it was all over too soon.

Your invite was very kind and you were great company, I hope to do it all again this Sunday at 10 for two hours more white shirted tomfoolery: you're very welcome. Until we get together again, take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you.

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