Bluesnews 3 July 2009

Hello again. Here is another edition of a newsletter setting out all the blues news for South East Queensland.

Lots of people much more talented than me have written a gazillion words about the death of Michael Jackson. I promise not to add any more. To give you an idea though of the extent that his death has dominated the music industry headlines, here is a grab of those from the Billboard website, from the day after he died.

July 03, 2009 Michael Jackson On Track For More Billboard Charts Records

July 02, 2009 Michael Jackson Remains A Global Phenomenon Exclusive: AEG's Randy Phillips Talks About Michael Jackson Fallout Exclusive: Michael Jackson Was Working On Two Albums Michael Jackson Funeral Date Set, Mystery Deepens Federal Drug Agents Join Michael Jackson Investigation Michael Jackson Left 'Endless' Supply Of Unreleased Music Alice In Chains Reunion 'Gives Way' To New Album, Tour Michael Jackson Music Sales Surge Could Last For Months Aerosmith's Joe Perry Turns To Twitter Fans For Solo Album Title

July 01, 2009 Michael Jackson's Will Filed With Los Angeles Court Michael Jackson Superfans Share Their Stories Boys Like Girls Is 'Love Drunk' On Sophomore Album Staind, Shinedown And More Go On Stimulate This! Tour Mase Making Comeback, Inspired By Michael Jackson Jackson's Will To Be Filed In Court Wednesday

June 30, 2009 Michael Jackson Breaks Billboard Charts Records Aerosmith Drummer Pens Hard-Hitting Book Michael Jackson's Body Heading Back To Neverland Jay-Z Confirms Roc Nation Deals With Sony, Atlantic Daughtry Goes Back To Clubs For New Album Launch Michael Jackson Rocks Billboard Charts Drake Signs To Young Money, Distribution By Universal Republic Michael Jackson Shot 3D Video Project Before Death

June 29, 2009 Michael Jackson Ticket Refund Details Announced By AEG Michael Jackson Radio Play Jumps 1735% Bon Jovi, Don Was Team Up For Iranian Solidarity Song Slayer Ready For 'World Painted Blood' Michael Jackson Dominates U.K. Charts Susanna Hoffs, Matthew Sweet Go 'Under The Covers' Again Ashley Tisdale's 'Guilty Pleasures' Showcases Edgier Side

June 28, 2009 Beyonce, New Edition, Maxwell To Perform Michael Jackson Songs On BET Awards Tribute Janet, Brothers May Do Michael Jackson Tribute Tour Michael Jackson May Be Buried At Neverland Michael Jackson To Be Honored At BET Awards

June 27, 2009 Rev. Jesse Jackson: Family Wants Second Autopsy Michael Jackson Poised To Make Billboard Chart History, Again Jackson Family Gathers, Questions AEG Role Michael Jackson Death Mystery Remains Unsolved After Autopsy AEG Will Offer Michael Jackson Ticket Refunds

June 26, 2009 Akon On Michael Jackson: "He Was Completely Healthy" Drug Use Key Question In Michael Jackson Death UPDATED: Michael Jackson Mourned By Friends, Fans, Fellow Musicians Lisa Marie Presley: Michael Jackson Afraid He'd 'End Up' Like Elvis AEG Facing $85 Million Refund For Michael Jackson Shows Manager: Michael Jackson Rehearsed Night Before Death Michael Jackson Bit Cut From 'Bruno' Movie Michael Jackson Dominates Twitter, Amazon, iTunes Michael Jackson Died Deeply In Debt Michael Jackson Autopsy Planned For Today Michael Jackson's Legal Problems May Outlive Him Radio Remembers Michael Jackson

The MJ items account for 36 out of 52 items, or 70%. If you’ve been on Mars these last few weeks, this should give you an idea of the extent to which his death has swamped everything else. ‘A good career move’ as someone said after Elvis’ passing.

On another matter, there has been blues and rockabilly at the Boo (the Booroodabin Bowls Club in Newstead) for years now.

Obviously not wanting to miss out on the patronage, the Hendra Bowls Club (23 Lethem St), is now also advertising free Bowls and Blues ‘every Sunday arvo’.

I’ll try to get along and give you a report…..

Finally, after many months, I finally got along to Jazzworx in Bowen Hills last Thursday. I thought The Judy was Brisbane’s best kept secret, but this beats it. The website sums it up:

Jazzworx! Club runs every Thursday night from February through to December. The club is located at 4 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills. The Jazzworx! Club is dedicated to showcasing local and international jazz talent, with a focus on contemporary original jazz. It's run out of the performance space provided by Jazzworx! The Music Institute, a music school dedicated to jazz education. Doors open at 7.30pm every Thursday night, with music commencing at around 8.00pm. The venue is a BYO venue, with a $2 corkage. To contact us phone (07) 3216.1110

Although it’s not blues, it’s a great little venue, and byo as well. Although it says ‘every Thursday’ I’d recommend you call them just to make sure, before you arrive.

And don’t forget, you can see this newsletter on the net. Click here

Cheers




Mark Hipgrave
0418 556048


NEWS
RADIO/TV
FESTIVALS
REGULAR STUFF AND GIG GUIDES


NEWS


Nick Holt Dies

About.com (and many other blogs) report:

Formers Teardrops bassist Nick Holt, the brother of Chicago blues legend Magic Slim (a/k/a Morris Holt), died in Lincoln, Nebraska on Monday, June 22, 2009 from brain cancer. Holt was 69 years old.

Born in Grenada, Mississippi in 1940, Holt accompanied his brother to Chicago in the late-1950s, and helped him form the popular Magic Slim & the Teardrops in 1960. The rock-steady bass player performed with his frontman brother for the next 40 years, both onstage and on the band's recordings through 2000's Blind Pig Records release Snakebite.

More here

There’s not much of Nick on youtube, but for a grab of Nick and the Teardrops warming up the stage before Magic Slim’s set at the Londoon Blues Fest in 2000 click here.


Living End win top song at APRA awards

The ABC report is here

The Blues and Roots category was won by Australian-born, and Australian and Israeli-raised Ohad Rein aka Old Man River who beat The Waifs, Lior and 8 Ball Aitken.

Interestingly, AC/DC`s 30-year old classic `Highway to Hell` won the award for the Most Played Australian Work Overseas.

The full list of winners is here



Rhythms Magazine Artists Directory

Rhythms Magazine has announced

‘the inaugural Rhythms Annual Artist Directory. We’re planning to provide an annual one-stop listing supplement for venues, labels and festivals looking for roots artists.

Rather than having to trawl through websites, booking agents and out of date contacts, bookers and labels will be able to simply go their annual Rhythms Artist Directory and look up artists in the genre and locality that they’re after.

Each listing will be a quarter page – all listings the same size and price – featuring a photo of the artist and all their relevant details in a uniform, easy-to-digest-at-a-glance format.

The booking deadline is Mon 13 July

More details are available from http://www.blogger.com/rhythmsmag@bigpond.com.au


Press Articles – Various

Head Butler on James Brown
John Butler Announces Lineup Revamp, from Undercover
Happily Seduced by the Blues, from the NY Times
Can You Dig It? from New Statesman
Blues legend with a sting of realism, from the Financial Times
Candye Kane: Celebrating herself by belting the blues, from Oregon Live
Concert review: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood deliver satisfying concert, from WFAA Dallas Fort Worth
Don Law Robert Johnson letter, from the Delta Blues
Leonard Cohen, from TOM Magazine
Spinal Tap Comes Back From the Dead, from Wired
Retailing Era Closes With Music Megastore, from NY Times






Video Selections

Here are a few clips of Mud Morganfield, who is appearing at the Fortitude Valley Festival Of Blues, on Sat 26 July – see below for more info

Walking Through The Park
Live in Rome
Mannish Boy



RADIO/TV/YOU TUBE

Arthur Elliot reports on his upcoming Sidestream shows– for Brisbane listeners 99.7 FM, Wed 7pm to 9pm.

The 8 July edition of the programme features music in the first hour from Tracy Grammer, Cheryl Wheeler, and the Iveys, with new local releases from the National Junk Band, and from Selena Cross.

Then, in the 8pm blues hour, we have the new album from Melbourne’s Geoff Achison. As well, there’s a new release from the six-piece group The Bridge from Baltimore in the U.S., plus Mia Vermillion, Kelly Joe Phelps, J J Grey & Mofro, D J Gosper, and Big Pete Pearson.


On 15 July, we play some of the superlative new instrumental album “Pictures Of The Coast” by Australian guitarists Peter Howe and Tim Gaze. There’s also a new release from Iron & Wine, a new Rod MacDonald CD, one from the Handsome Family, and a lot more.

The blues hour at 8pm includes the new CD from Australia’s Anni Piper, and new music from the Nightcats and 56 Deluxe. You’ll also hear from locals Kontraband and Suzannah Espie, and Americans Joe Bonamassa and Walter Trout.


Musicians whose name starts with C have a good chance of being featured in 22 July edition of Sidestream. In the first hour, we feature music by Ry Cooder, the Cruel Sea, Mary Coughlan, Martin Carthy, Catfish, Andy Cowan and more.

Then the blues hour includes top blues from Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Tommy Castro, Marji Curran Trio, Collard Greens & Gravy, Matt Corcoran and Canned Heat.


The Daily Planet, Weekend Planet and Music Deli (ABC Radio National)

The Daily Planet website, the Weekend Planet website and The Music Deli website all have links to shows broadcast over the past few weeks.



FESTIVALS


The Redlands Bluegrass Convention will be held from 10-12 July


Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival

Organizers for this festival, at Narooma on the south coast of NSW in early Oct announced an 'Early Bird' Ticket Offer from Wednesday, July 1st


Rainforest World Music Festival

Finally, if you are in Borneo next week, you can go to the Rainforest World Music Festival , from 10-12 July

“a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.
Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far.

The festival site also sets up a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience. World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery.

The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle !”



REGULAR STUFF AND GIG GUIDES

Palmwoods Got The Blues –at the Palmwoods Hotel

July is a very special month for blues at Palmwoods as some of the greatest blues acts to hit the stage anywhere in Australia come together for a Sunshine coast blues shootout

Kicking off the month on Saturday, July 4, Mojo Webb returns to the Palmwoods with his road hardened trio in tow. Mojo is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most outstanding young blues talents and the Palmwoods stage is one of his favourite places to let it all hang loose

Then on Sat July 18, Palmwoods Got The Blues returns with another amazing lineup of the best blues and roots talent Australia has to offer

Opening the show will be the Margie Curran Adam Hole trio. Fresh from some great shows at the Broadbeach blues festival and an extensive tour of Western Australia, Margie and Adams rootsy blues will be the perfect entrée for the smorgasboard to come

Steve Lott moved to Australia back in the mid 90’s and took Australian blues by storm. His two Australian releases, “West Texas Refugee” and “If Licks Could Kill” were critically acclaimed and much sought after examples of the Lubbock Texas born Lott’s mastery of the Texan blues style made popular by the Vaughan brothers, Jimmy and Stevie Ray. Not surprising really with Steve having grown up in the Texan university town of Austin, widely regarded as the best musical town in the world today

In recent years Steve Lott has been based in New Mexico where he has collaborated on movie soundtracks with Randy Quaid and played and recorded with Kay Kay & The Rays who visited Australia for the Byron Blues fest a couple of years ago. After providing wonderful backing for Kate Meehans appearance at Palmwoods in June, it was only fitting that Steve should bring his band back to Palmwoods for an encore performance

Then, if too much blues is barely enough, the Hipshooters will bring their mix of Hendrix and Vaughan inspired blues funk back to Palmwoods to ensure the courtesy buses will be crisscrossing the coast, ferrying blues fans to the hottest gig in the region

The Kiwi threesome made a name for themselves in Australia in a feverish 10 yr period that featured packed houses across the country, with three wonderful releases and rabid fans yelling for more. These days, it’s a little harder to catch the band with frontman Anton “Tipi” Elkington based back in New Zealand but for one special night in July, the band that played the first ever Palmwoods Got The Blues night in 2006 will be back on the sunshine coast to rock the house like only they can.

So, in summary:

Sat July 4 Mojo Webb 8pm

Sat July 18 5.30pm

· The Hipshooters
· The Steve Lott band
· Margie Curran Adam Hole Trio

All free entry ………..



Doug Parkinson is visiting SEQ during July. You can catch him on Fri 10 July at The Full Moon Hotel Sandgate


At The Troubadour

No blues but lots that look interesting. I can recommend Tijuana Cartel on Sun 19 July


At Joes Waterhole, Eumundi

Look out for:

· Sat 4 July James Reyne
· Fri 10 July Augie March
· Sat 25 July The Backsliders (Dom Turner, Rob Hurst & Ian Collard
· Sun 2 Aug Diesel
· Sat 8 Aug Borich & Borich


At the Cooly Hotel

· Fri 3 July Salmonella Dub
· Thurs 9 July Augie March


And at The Judy.

· Thurs 16 July Michaelangelo & The Black Sea Gentlemen
· Sat 30 July diesel


At The Soundlounge, Currumbin

· Fri 28 Aug Dallas Frasca


Don’t forget the Fortitude Valley Festival Of Blues, on Sat 26 July, from 2pm at the Jubilee Hotel

“over 3 BIG STAGES Featuring from Chicago Muddy Waters’ Boy Child number 1 MUD MORGANFIELD, Mojo Webb, 8 Ball Aitkin, Asa Broomhall, Mick Hadley and the Atomic Boogie Band, Mama Voodoo, J B Lewis, Natural Ball, Natural Born Lovers, Sly Jack, The Medicine Show, Jam Stage + many more”


Finally, GreazeFest with USA rockabilly star Marti Brom as headliner, runs from 30 July to 2 Aug.