| Welcome to Mike Dollins' Blues Guitar News July 2007 |
Blues Guitar NEWS
Lovin' our advance copy of BJ Allen and Blue
Voodoo titled Hot Wire (My Heart) This is the
groups second CD, and with more better
arrangements, background vocals, song mix, solos
and keyboard work compared to their first CD
which was great too. I spent too may hours
listening to Lydia Pence and Cold Blood from San
Jose, California back in the sixties, and these new
Blue Voodoo cuts have that great California South
Bay R&B, Soul and Funk blues feel to it. Add the
superb horns Cold Blood had, and you would be
Deja Vu all over again. Even with the wonderful
big arrangements, the band still has it's own brand
of stew cooking too. Worth adding to your blues
collection, as these guys and gal boogie.
BlueVoodooBlues.com
Voodoo titled Hot Wire (My Heart) This is the
groups second CD, and with more better
arrangements, background vocals, song mix, solos
and keyboard work compared to their first CD
which was great too. I spent too may hours
listening to Lydia Pence and Cold Blood from San
Jose, California back in the sixties, and these new
Blue Voodoo cuts have that great California South
Bay R&B, Soul and Funk blues feel to it. Add the
superb horns Cold Blood had, and you would be
Deja Vu all over again. Even with the wonderful
big arrangements, the band still has it's own brand
of stew cooking too. Worth adding to your blues
collection, as these guys and gal boogie.
BlueVoodooBlues.com
Well I was off trading guitars again, and wound up with a double
cut Lester. Gibson uses Triple AAA rating on their wood,
not like PRS with a 10 top. Double cuts aren't anything new,
as they used to be called Les Paul Jrs., way back in the
per-everything days. Anyway, this new version is a AAA or
10 top. There are currently a couple of styles of new Les
Paul double cuts out on the market time being, but this three
knob version is a Guitar Center exclusive. With ceramic
pick ups, Gibson chose to put a 496 on the neck, and a 500
on the bridge. Brian a GC employee was playing a black
one when I first walked in just after they opened the boxes.
Brian is 335, jazz player, and was milking the black double
cut and getting nothing but sweet cream out of it. He let me
try it, and oh my gosh Gibson does remember how to make
a comfortable, fast playing neck. We, the guitar playing
world, were beginning to wonder. Why is this thing so lite
weighing in about half of what my other Lester weighs?
Chambered they told me. Some engineer from Gibson
pulled out a slide rule, and added chambers where needed,
and solid maple blocks in other areas like under the bridge
and stud tail-piece. Brian was playing it mellow getting a
jazz sound, I plugged it in a Hot Rod DeVille, and with two
red buttons on the footswitch, I cranked it a little bit. Anyone
for a dose of Freddy King, Santana or Albert King? With
the switch in the middle, blending the two pickups provide a
wide range of sounds from mellow yellow, to a black hornet
sting. After I took the guitar home, I opened the back cavity
cover, and this is basically a hollow body guitar, with a sound
block under the bridge, or a down sized 335 without the "F"
holes. No wonder it was getting such mellow neck pickup
tones. I've used it on stage twice now, and is my first guitar
of choice time being.
cut Lester. Gibson uses Triple AAA rating on their wood,
not like PRS with a 10 top. Double cuts aren't anything new,
as they used to be called Les Paul Jrs., way back in the
per-everything days. Anyway, this new version is a AAA or
10 top. There are currently a couple of styles of new Les
Paul double cuts out on the market time being, but this three
knob version is a Guitar Center exclusive. With ceramic
pick ups, Gibson chose to put a 496 on the neck, and a 500
on the bridge. Brian a GC employee was playing a black
one when I first walked in just after they opened the boxes.
Brian is 335, jazz player, and was milking the black double
cut and getting nothing but sweet cream out of it. He let me
try it, and oh my gosh Gibson does remember how to make
a comfortable, fast playing neck. We, the guitar playing
world, were beginning to wonder. Why is this thing so lite
weighing in about half of what my other Lester weighs?
Chambered they told me. Some engineer from Gibson
pulled out a slide rule, and added chambers where needed,
and solid maple blocks in other areas like under the bridge
and stud tail-piece. Brian was playing it mellow getting a
jazz sound, I plugged it in a Hot Rod DeVille, and with two
red buttons on the footswitch, I cranked it a little bit. Anyone
for a dose of Freddy King, Santana or Albert King? With
the switch in the middle, blending the two pickups provide a
wide range of sounds from mellow yellow, to a black hornet
sting. After I took the guitar home, I opened the back cavity
cover, and this is basically a hollow body guitar, with a sound
block under the bridge, or a down sized 335 without the "F"
holes. No wonder it was getting such mellow neck pickup
tones. I've used it on stage twice now, and is my first guitar
of choice time being.
| Ozark Blues Society Presents... Blues In the Natural State July 21st - George's Majestic Lounge Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR Advance tickets available online soon at: www.georgesmajesticlounge.com LINE UP AND MORE INFO - CLICK HERE Ozark Blues MySpace |
This July, we will be heading up state Arkansas, to the north-west corner
to visit with, and jam with our friends the Ozark Blues Society. We've met
Roy, Sandy and Liz, and look forward to meeting the whole crew as we
play at George's Majestic Lounge on July 21st.
to visit with, and jam with our friends the Ozark Blues Society. We've met
Roy, Sandy and Liz, and look forward to meeting the whole crew as we
play at George's Majestic Lounge on July 21st.
In N/W Arkansas associated with the Ozark Blues, is the Blues Builders,
who target youth for playing encouragement, education and sponsorships.
Roy and Sandy McCann have been the spearhead in focusing on blues
players 21 and under. Check out their gig on Earth Day.
who target youth for playing encouragement, education and sponsorships.
Roy and Sandy McCann have been the spearhead in focusing on blues
players 21 and under. Check out their gig on Earth Day.
I met Shannon or Trimmed & Burnnin' through my
blues blood brother, Johnny Mannion, who uses their
amps and has a guitar on order. Not many new
companies these days do it like Leo Fender did; Make
guitars and amps. Well Shannon does, and he is over
the edge in technology to come full circle right back to
what us guitar players really loved in the first place.
Point to point hand soldered, tube amps. Guitars with
aged wood, simple straight forward appointments,
sound and quailty. I am still a Fender and Mesa
Boogie amp man, but am considering a Trimmed and
Burnning amp in the future from all the reviews I've
read. Not playing one, I have to take Johnny's word
for what they do, and his word is gold to me.
blues blood brother, Johnny Mannion, who uses their
amps and has a guitar on order. Not many new
companies these days do it like Leo Fender did; Make
guitars and amps. Well Shannon does, and he is over
the edge in technology to come full circle right back to
what us guitar players really loved in the first place.
Point to point hand soldered, tube amps. Guitars with
aged wood, simple straight forward appointments,
sound and quailty. I am still a Fender and Mesa
Boogie amp man, but am considering a Trimmed and
Burnning amp in the future from all the reviews I've
read. Not playing one, I have to take Johnny's word
for what they do, and his word is gold to me.
| Trimmed & Burnin' Web Site: www.trimmedandburnin.com Trimmed & Burnin' MySpace Site: www.myspace.com/trimmedandburninamps |
With John Mayer's permission, we've taken a few
graphics from his wonderful site. Mouse trigger any
photo to visit his complete, and comprehensive blues
web site. This year Hairy Larry, of Delta Boogie jumped
on board and for our Blues Fest in Jonesboro, Arkansas
on May 20th, 2007 we played our first Blues For Peace
song in the USA, from the Arkansas side of the
Mississippi River Delta, on world renowned Blues
Highway 49. We propose to make this an annual event.
Next Blues for Peace jam is on June 7, 2008 at
Mississippi River Time of 12 noon. Remember 678 BFP.
graphics from his wonderful site. Mouse trigger any
photo to visit his complete, and comprehensive blues
web site. This year Hairy Larry, of Delta Boogie jumped
on board and for our Blues Fest in Jonesboro, Arkansas
on May 20th, 2007 we played our first Blues For Peace
song in the USA, from the Arkansas side of the
Mississippi River Delta, on world renowned Blues
Highway 49. We propose to make this an annual event.
Next Blues for Peace jam is on June 7, 2008 at
Mississippi River Time of 12 noon. Remember 678 BFP.
Pssst: 678 BFP
| "The Best Little Gospel Blues Festival West of Chicago" www.back2blues.com |
Welcome to Gospel Blues Festival 2007!
This family event takes place at the same
location, in Chilliwack, BC
July 27, 28 & 29 - 2007
This family event takes place at the same
location, in Chilliwack, BC
July 27, 28 & 29 - 2007
My good blues blood brother Johnny is headed
back this year to one of the finest blues fests on
the North American, West Coast. Blues just
isn't for Juke Joints any more brother, and check
this out.
back this year to one of the finest blues fests on
the North American, West Coast. Blues just
isn't for Juke Joints any more brother, and check
this out.
2006 Photos
Editor Notes: You got something to say, photo to share,
event coming up, let us know all about it for review in next
month's issue. Questions, comments and feedback back
to: whiskerfish@mikedollins.biz
event coming up, let us know all about it for review in next
month's issue. Questions, comments and feedback back
to: whiskerfish@mikedollins.biz
Pat's Blues Highway
Pat Graham & Blues Guitar News have been blues buddies for a
couple years now. We thank him for spinning our new CD
release on the West Coast, Long Beach CA USA. Long Beach
has been a hot bed for blues since the forties where the movie
stars would have their limos out back of joints, while they
listened to T Bone Walker, Lowell Fulsom and Johnny Otis.
Folks that didn't want their photos taken on the infamous blues
Central Avenue, and joints like the world famous Alabam Club.
Long Beach hosts one of the worlds largest blues fests, and grand
daddy to West Coast Blues Fests, all a creation of the highly
acclaimed DJ and Country Blues Star Bernie Pearl. Pat knows
all about the Long Beach blues history, as he is making more
Long Beach, CA blues history each night he is on the air ways
spinning "The Blues". In his own worlds, we asked for bio
feedback, so here is Pat Graham, a benchmark in Blues DJ'.
Hi Mike,
This is the first bio I have ever written. If there is more info
you wish, just let me know.
Pat Graham
Born – Santa Monica, California
Raised – Los Angeles
School – Grammar, High School, and some college.
Favorite subjects in High School - None.
Favorite subjects in college; Field Botany and Radio.
Favorite teacher, Mr. Armacost.
Favorite places to go as a kid – My grandparent’s house
and my Aunt Lue and Uncle Gene’s house
Favorite pastime as a kid and teenager – Listening to Rock’
n’Roll
Favorite activity as a teen and young adult – listening to
neighborhood Rock’n’Roll bands and going to see live
music and concerts. We had some guys in our
neighborhood in a band called the Crossfires. They
covered a Dylan tune It Ain’t Me Babe that made it to
number 8 on Billboard. I was so happy for them. They had
several years of top 40 hits: Happy Together, She’d Rather
Be With Me, You Showed Me and others.
First Concert – Beach Boys, 1964, Wow! They lived about
20 minutes away from me.
Second Concert – Cream’s farewell concert, 1968, Forum,
Inglewood, CA, Wow!
First blues song I ever heard – I think it was Slim Harpo,
Baby Scratch My Back in 1966, I was hooked.
Married – Yes, to a lovely lady!
Children – Two wonderful sons
Grandchildren – Yes, one of each. I am a very lucky guy.
First Job – Paper route
Career Job – Grocery industry, 34 years
Retired – yes
Hobbies – Spinning the blues on KLBC.org and I play a
little guitar. The blues makes me feel happy, it's all about
attitude. I often say, "They call it the blues but it sure makes
you feel good".
Heros – My parents. They taught me about God, love,
respect, honesty, and so many other wonderful values.
P.S. – I wish all good people on this wonderful planet of
ours health and happiness.
Now is this one great, good guy our what? Mouse trigger his
photos and logo to visit his web and MySpace sites.
Pat Graham & Blues Guitar News have been blues buddies for a
couple years now. We thank him for spinning our new CD
release on the West Coast, Long Beach CA USA. Long Beach
has been a hot bed for blues since the forties where the movie
stars would have their limos out back of joints, while they
listened to T Bone Walker, Lowell Fulsom and Johnny Otis.
Folks that didn't want their photos taken on the infamous blues
Central Avenue, and joints like the world famous Alabam Club.
Long Beach hosts one of the worlds largest blues fests, and grand
daddy to West Coast Blues Fests, all a creation of the highly
acclaimed DJ and Country Blues Star Bernie Pearl. Pat knows
all about the Long Beach blues history, as he is making more
Long Beach, CA blues history each night he is on the air ways
spinning "The Blues". In his own worlds, we asked for bio
feedback, so here is Pat Graham, a benchmark in Blues DJ'.
Hi Mike,
This is the first bio I have ever written. If there is more info
you wish, just let me know.
Pat Graham
Born – Santa Monica, California
Raised – Los Angeles
School – Grammar, High School, and some college.
Favorite subjects in High School - None.
Favorite subjects in college; Field Botany and Radio.
Favorite teacher, Mr. Armacost.
Favorite places to go as a kid – My grandparent’s house
and my Aunt Lue and Uncle Gene’s house
Favorite pastime as a kid and teenager – Listening to Rock’
n’Roll
Favorite activity as a teen and young adult – listening to
neighborhood Rock’n’Roll bands and going to see live
music and concerts. We had some guys in our
neighborhood in a band called the Crossfires. They
covered a Dylan tune It Ain’t Me Babe that made it to
number 8 on Billboard. I was so happy for them. They had
several years of top 40 hits: Happy Together, She’d Rather
Be With Me, You Showed Me and others.
First Concert – Beach Boys, 1964, Wow! They lived about
20 minutes away from me.
Second Concert – Cream’s farewell concert, 1968, Forum,
Inglewood, CA, Wow!
First blues song I ever heard – I think it was Slim Harpo,
Baby Scratch My Back in 1966, I was hooked.
Married – Yes, to a lovely lady!
Children – Two wonderful sons
Grandchildren – Yes, one of each. I am a very lucky guy.
First Job – Paper route
Career Job – Grocery industry, 34 years
Retired – yes
Hobbies – Spinning the blues on KLBC.org and I play a
little guitar. The blues makes me feel happy, it's all about
attitude. I often say, "They call it the blues but it sure makes
you feel good".
Heros – My parents. They taught me about God, love,
respect, honesty, and so many other wonderful values.
P.S. – I wish all good people on this wonderful planet of
ours health and happiness.
Now is this one great, good guy our what? Mouse trigger his
photos and logo to visit his web and MySpace sites.
Saturday July 7th. 2007-INTERNATIONAL BLUES DAY.
From Terry Knott: I wanted to send an addtional news letter to you, to give you some information that I know as Blues fans you will want to know.
In addition to my recent induction to The Blues Hall of Fame ®, as Ambassador for the Blues to London. I had the huge honour to be invited to join its
board members at The Blues Hall of Fame ® in San Diego, California. As the only non American on the board, I am very proud to be working with my
American brothers in what for me, is exiting times.
The main purpose of this mail, is to ask you to share with us in what will be a global event on a huge scale. I will leave it to our Chairman, Dan 'Lucky'
Merolt to tell you more about it:
"Hello to you all.
Firstly I want to begin by thanking you all, our friends, for the warmest of welcomes, since our arrival here on myspace.
Prior to this, my colleagues here on the board, advised me what a wonderful array of staunch Blues friends were on myspace. Having now
experienced it first hand, I can say with absolute conviction, how true this is. Again, my sincere thanks to you all.
Saturday July 7th. 2007-INTERNATIONAL BLUES DAY.
As you will have read in our communication with you, Saturday, 7th July, we have proclaimed this day to be 'International Blues Day.' We feel any
token of celebration, be it grand, or small would be a wonderful way to pay tribute to the genre that we love so much, and to honour all the great Blues
Artist, Fans, DJ's indeed anyone who has supported the Blues past & present.
Should you choose to go to your local Pub, Club, Bar to watch your favourite local band or play your favourite Blues CD at a BBQ will be an incredible
way to join us, and our friends across the world, in making this day so very special.
Please drop by to tell us what you will be doing to honour this day, we really want to know. For some friends, you may choose to celebrate your
'International Blues Day' by simply coming to our site, and watching the wonderful video clips we now have. Or listen to some of our Ambassadors on
our Jukebox. However grand or small, please tell us.
Remember our aim is to not only to honour the Inducted Master Blues Artists we also want to induct Great Local Blues Artists, Great Blues Societies
and appoint Ambassadors and offer free lifetime Membership. So please tell us of people in your town, city, county that you feel should be honoured.
We want to hear from you!
It is a very exciting time here at The Blues Hall of Fame ®, and we have many things to talk to you about in the coming months, so please stay tuned.
Also, visit our main site at http://www.blueshalloffame.com/ or on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/blueshalloffame
It just leaves me again to thank you for the warmest of welcomes.
From Chicago to London, Berlin to Auckland, lets make July 7th International Blues Day, a day to remember, we know we will.
Dan 'Lucky' Marolt"
So, here you have it. However large or small your celebration will be, know you are joining thousands of people around the world paying their tribute
to our beloved Blues.
Have fun, all the very best.
Terry Knott Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee
& Ambassador to the Blues for the City of London
Birth Place of British Blues.
Terry K's Brit Pack Blues
English Blues Played with Soul.
Terry Knott Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee
& Ambassador to the Blues for the City of London
Birth Place of British Blues.
Terry K's Brit Pack Blues.
& Brit Pack Blues Club.
English Blues Played With Soul.
http://www.myspace.com/britpackblues
http://groups.myspace.com/britpackbluesclub
And they shall beat their swords into Guitars..TM