Blues Musicians - Want Your Gigs Listed On This Calendar?

Dallas/Ft Worth/N Texas Blues Musicians - Want to see your weekly gigs listed on this calendar and have them read live on the air on KNON's BIG TEXAS BLUES program?

Email (no texts, messages to this blog or Facebook posts accepted) your gigs for the upcoming week NO LATER THAN Sunday Evening to: bluelisablues@aol.com

Please include the following:
Your name * Band Name (if Applicable) * If it is full band gig, solo or duo * Name of Venue * City Venue is located in * Time your show starts and ends

Remember - this is a BLUES calendar posted on a BLUES blog and read on a BLUES radio show, so please only include BLUES gigs. Also, only include shows within the Dallas/Ft Worth/N Texas area.

Friday, August 27, 2010

20 Years Ago Today - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Alpine valley in the middle of the night
Six strings down on the heaven-bound flight
Got a pick, a strap, guitar on his back
Ain’t gonna cut the angels no slack
Heaven done called
Another blues-stringer back home

I must be the only person in Dallas who didn't know him personally (or maybe just one of the few honest enough to admit it.) Still, I had known and loved his music when I was a rocker, and after his death, when I read the books written about him, it was he who led me to Lou Ann Barton. That was how I entered this wonderful world of Blues. Thanks Stevie.

Strangely enough, the night of the 10th Anniversary, I was at one of Lou Ann's shows. Although I have been very lucky to have had many, many conversations with Lou Ann, she never mentioned Stevie's death - too painful, too personal I would imagine. But that night, on stage, she told us it had been 10 years ago that evening and how much she still missed him. Then she, Derek O'Brien and the rest of the band jumped into a tribute of sorts of the songs she and Stevie had done together. A beautiful, touching moment.

His Mom never liked people talking much about the anniversary - I think she thought it celebrated his death instead of his life. Even so, 20 years (20 years!! Can it really be 20 years?) is a milestone and I did talk about it briefly, respectfully on my show yesterday and played 4 of his songs, because of course, those songs are his legacy, and keep him alive in our hearts.

Buddy Whittington was my guest in the studio. He came in to talk about his new CD "A Bag Full Of Blues" (gotta check out the awesome "Hideaway Medley") Buddy, a native Texas guitar legend himself, and I talked about the anniversary of Stevie's passing. I played Buddy's excellent song "Stevie Rave On". It's one of my all time favorite SRV tributes because although heartfelt, it's upbeat and celebrates the positives of his life. (It's on Buddy's first solo release "Buddy Whittington" - get yourself a copy, the whole CD is stellar.) Buddy commented that when he's in Austin and he can, he makes a point of going by to see the statue and can't help but think "Not bad for a boy from Oak Cliff."

No, not bad at all.

Also, strangely (if you haven't figured out by listening to the stories on the radio show by now, my life is full of sometimes wonderful, sometimes painful strange occurrences) I also happened to be in Austin the day of the unveiling and dedication of the statue. I had read some time before that they were going to put one up, but I had no idea when. Just fate, I guess, that I was there. Sometimes you're just in the right place at the right time. It was one of those big Texas blue sky days, and there was a feeling of love and comfort in the air. It was a day of healing. From what I know about him, I think Stevie would have been happy and proud.

So I think the fitting way to end this is with his own words. Most of us heard this song for the first time on the evening news because it got it's first public playing at his funeral here in Dallas at Laureland. I still think of it as the funeral song because of that, which is a shame, because when you listen to it, it's such a song of hope and looking forward to the future. And it is a reminder to us all that time is indeed ticking away. That is why I end my show every week by saying "Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other." You never know when the clock is going to stop for you or someone you love.

On August 27, 1990, Texas lost a true champion of the blues. But through the songs he left us, Stevie Rave On indeed!

"Tick Tock"
One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dream
That all the people of the world got together on the same wavelength
And began helping one another
Now in this dream universal love was the theme of the day
Peace and understanding and it happened this way
The sick, the hungry, had smiles on their faces
The tired and the homeless had family all around
The streets and the cities were all beautiful places
And the walls came tumblin' down
People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
And the children of the world look forward to a future
Remember Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away
I had a vision of blue skies from sea to shining sea
All the trees in the forest stood strong and tall again
Everything was clean and pretty and safe for you and me
The worst of enemies became the best of friends
People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
And the children of the world look forward to a future
Remember Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away
Remember that, remember that Remember that, remember that
People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
And the children of the world look forward to a future
Remember Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away
Remeber that Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people
Time's tickin' away

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

KNON BLUES BOOGIE BENEFIT IN FT WORTH!!


Saturday night I'll be heading West to the Key's Lounge to host the KNON BLUES BOOGIE BENEFIT!! I love Fort Worth - the Blues Fans are passionate and there must be something in the municipal water supply because the place has spawned and nurtured some of the most fabulous Blues musicians ever - especially guitar players.
We've got another great line-up for you, a hot Texas evening of even hotter Texas Blues headlined by the one and only Anson Funderburgh!!!! Here's the schedule:

8:00P – 9:30P - BLIND DOG COOLEY
10:00P – 11:00P – JIMMY SLACK
11:15 – 12:15 – MICHAEL LEE
12:30 – 1:30 – ANSON FUNDERBURGH AND FRIENDS

You can get more information and your advance tickets at http://www.knon.org/

There's more info about the Key's Lounge on their web site at http://www.keyslounge.com/

We'll be doing one of our famous KNON raffles, and the Dallas Picnic Company will be selling BBQ Brisket plates for $5. So for a total of the $15 ($10 cover and $5 BBQ), you can have dinner and see a great blues show with all proceeds supporting KNON and our blues programming!

My special guest in the studio tomorrow at 10 am will be Michael Lee, and then Anson Funderburgh will be doing a phone in interview in the 11 o'clock hour, so make sure and set your alarms and tune in, my cheeky little monkeys. (I've really got to start going to bed earlier and stop staying up to watch Craig Ferguson!)

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT ABOUT MY DRUMMER

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT ABOUT MY DRUMMER: My drummer is one of the most wonderful, dependable, honest, all around good men I know.

And neither of my brothers plays drums. But other than that, I'm pretty sure I've played with this nut job. Supposingly this was a real posting on Craigslist. Thanks to Smokin' Joe Kubeck for sharing it with me:

Looking for someone special who would kill my drummer for $100.00. do not fear any negative consequences for this act. any self respecting law enforcement agency would gladly turn the other cheek once they hear this guy "play". I am tired of hearing his 70's style fills put in the wrong spot and ending one half beat early or late depending on how much he's had to drink. I am tired of him standing up behind his drums between songs and ripping his shirt off and flexing his muscles at wedding receptions where we were hired to play Air Supply, carpenters , and ann murray songs because "chicks dig the pecs, dude". I am tired of him showing up 20 minutes late for rehearsals then pouting until someone helps him load in his drums, then taking 30 minutes to set them up and needing a smoke break every 15 minutes, then wanting to leave early because"this chick is so fine, I can't say no, and she knows record people dude, so it's for the band" I am totally done with him calling me up at midnight to play me some damned jazz fusion album from 1981, crying and saying how we shouldn't have sold out to "the man"and asking if I know anyone who can get him some weed knowing full well I smoked twice in 69 and never touched it after that. I am sick of him farting on stage where the drum mics pick it up and thinking this shit is funny. I am tired of kicking off slow ballads at well under 80 bpm only to have them morph into the methamphetimine version of flight of the bumble bee, because that's the tempo he "feels" it at. I am tired of having to carry jumper cables to the gig because "I must have left the dome light on again, dude"instead of admitting his 84 oldsmobile is a worn out piece of crap. I am tired of him asking when he's gonna get a drum solo.. I am tired of paying his tab at restaurants because "that chick must have stole my wallet man, but it was worth it 'cause she was a phreak".. I will not move my amp again so he can put another new cymbal on the stage, because "when we learn some fusion i'll need this sound".........please somebody kill this motherfucker. i can't do it because he's my brother and mom would be so pissed off even though she thinks the band would probably sound better too. besides, if you are good at killing drummers, you could probably make a lot of money in this town.

PS - Don't think I don't know there are a BUNCH of great (and probably accurate) female lead singer jokes out there. After 27 years, I might have heard them all. My favorite? How do you know you're female lead singer is at the door? She has forgotten her key and doesn't know when to come in.

Oh, yeah. Hardy, har,har. At least I don't fart into drum mics.

In the Beginning...The Natural Order of Musical Instruments

I am extrodinarily blessed to play with some top notched bass players these days. They, as well as all REAL Bass Players will laugh at this. Frustrated guitar players masquerading as bass players will be ticked off. As it should be. Have a nice day.

In the Beginning...

"The Natural Order of Musical Instruments"

In the beginning there was a bass. It was a Fender, probably a Precision, but it could have been a Jazz - nobody knows. Anyway, it was very old ... definitely pre-C.B.S. And God looked down upon it and saw that it was good. He saw that it was very good in fact, and couldn't be improved on at all (though men would later try). And so He let it be and He created a man to play the bass. And lo the man looked upon the bass, which was a beautiful 'sunburst' red, and he loved it. He played upon the open E string and the note rang through the earth and reverberated throughout the firmaments (thus reverb came to be). And it was good.

And God heard that it was good and He smiled at his handiwork. Then in the course of time, the man came to slap upon the bass. And lo it was funky. And God heard this funkiness and He said, "Go man, go." And it was good. And more time passed, and, having little else to do, the man came to practice upon the bass. And lo, the man came to have upon him a great set of chops. And he did play faster and faster until the notes rippled like a breeze through the heavens. And God heard this sound which sounded something like the wind, which He had created earlier. It also sounded something like the movement of furniture, which He hadn't even created yet, and He was not so pleased.

And He spoke to the man, saying, "Don't do that!" Now the man heard the voice of God, but he was so excited about his new ability that he slapped upon the bass a blizzard of funky notes. And the heavens shook with the sound, and the Angels ran about in confusion. (Some of the Angels started to dance, but that's another story.) And God heard this, how could He miss it. And lo He became bugged. And He spoke to the man, and He said, "Listen man, if I wanted Jimi Hendrix I would have created the guitar. Stick to the bass parts."

And the man heard the voice of God, and he knew not to mess with it. But now he had upon him a passion for playing fast and high. The man took the frets off of the bass which God had created. And the man did slide his fingers upon the fretless fingerboard and play melodies high upon the neck. And, in his excitement, the man did forget the commandment of the Lord, and he played a frenzy of high melodies and blindingly fast licks. And the heavens rocked with the assault and the earth shook, rattled and rolled. Now God's wrath was great. And His voice was thunder as He spoke to the man. And He said, "O.K. for you, pal. You have not heeded My word. Lo, I shall
create a soprano saxophone and it shall play higher than you can even think of." "And from out of the chaos I shall bring forth the drums. And they shall play so many notes thine head shall ache, and I shall make you to always stand next to the drummer." "You think you're loud? I shall create a stack of Marshall guitar amps to make thine ears bleed. And I shall send down upon the earth other instruments, and lo, they shall all be able to play higher and faster than the bass."

"And for all the days of man, your curse shall be this; that all the other musicians shall look to you, the bass player, for the low notes. And if you play too high or fast all the other musicians shall say "Wow" but really they shall hate it. And they shall tell you you're ready for your solo
career, and find other bass players for their bands. And for all your days if you want to play your fancy licks you shall have to sneak them in like a thief in the night." "And if you finally do get to play a solo, everyone shall leave the bandstand and go to the bar for a drink." And it was so.

Thus endeth the lesson for the day.

Amen.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Update on Joe Jonas

As promised, here is the information on Joe Jonas and his condition since having a stroke on 8/2.
He was initially released from the hospital after several days and taken to a rehabilitation center, but after complaining of chest pains, he was moved back to the hospital. All tests looked good (including an EKG), so on 8/12 they moved him back to rehab.

Today I received this e-mail from T-Wayne, keyboardist for The Silvertones, who have been gigging with Joe:

Hello all......We went to visit Joe Jonas in the rehab hospital last night. He was sleeping, but the nurse was coming in for a medical treatment. She woke him up, so we visited for a few minutes.He is looking some what better, getting some rest and eating well. He is very alert (when he is awake, LOL) and likes the company as long as you don't stay too long, he tires quickly.Cards, letters and pictures are welcome.I've been asked about a benefit by several people, and yes there is one in the planning stages. I will try to keep everyone posted on the plans as soon as the date and venue are set. For now, donations of items for an auction and monetary contributions are being accepted through Joe's management and record label (Whale Records). This information and more are being posted on "Joe Jonas Benefit" face book page. More info to come! And, of course, your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome and needed for a speedy recovery! Thanks to all. It is going to be a long road ahead of us - T. Wayne

More information is available on Facebook under Joe Jonas Benefit, including the following: Please contact his granddaughter, Terrie, to schedule a visit w/Joe 817-323-4140.

I share this information with the expectation that everyone reading it will be respectful and appropriate about trying to visit and/or contact Joe. I think what he really needs right now, in addition to your prayers and well wishes is rest and recovery. I would be more than happy to make sure Joe receives your cards, letters and other messages. You can send them to me at: Blue Lisa, PO Box 721384, Dallas, TX 75372 or by e-mail at bluelisablues@aol.com

I will also be sharing information with you about the upcoming Joe Jonas Benefit both on Big Texas Blues and here on the blog, so be sure to check back.

On a personal note, if you are a regular listener to my radio show you know what a huge fan I am of Joe Jonas the Bluesman. But Joe is also a close personal friend, confidant and mentor, and I am devastated by this situation. Many of you have heard me joke that Joe is such a true friend to me that he played both my wedding and my divorce, which is true. However, all kidding aside, he also watched out for me and helped me get through the dark days of my divorce, and gives me wise, loving and, when necessary, brutally honest practical advise about all aspects of my life! It is rare in life that you make a friend who cares about you not for what you can do for them, but just for who you are. Joe is that kind of man. The reason you have not heard me talk about it more on the radio show is quite frankly I can't do it without crying, as I am doing now as I type this. Please be patient - I will share all with you as I can.