Read by thousands of discerning blues enthusiasts worldwide. MySpace Music: www.myspace.com/bluesguitarnews Email: mike@bluesguitarnews.com |
| Blues Guitar NEWS May 2008 |
| Since 1988 Journalizing on Blues |
| by Mike Dollins www.mikedollins.biz |
| Advertise with us, get seen around the world. Cheap & Easy, Details Page Down |
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Check out Jon Gindick's Harmonica Central, and
you will dive off into a pure blues harp camp
ground. Pack a lunch, and pour a drink as like
Alice following the elusive rabbit, Jon's sites are a
blues harp wonderland. Take your time, this isn't
a quick glance site. Dedicated to the art of blues
harp. A blues harp fix you will find here.
you will dive off into a pure blues harp camp
ground. Pack a lunch, and pour a drink as like
Alice following the elusive rabbit, Jon's sites are a
blues harp wonderland. Take your time, this isn't
a quick glance site. Dedicated to the art of blues
harp. A blues harp fix you will find here.
Bernie Pearl on
line at Los Angeles
Times video, and
follow up article.
Click both the LA
Times logo, and
the Bernie Pearl
photos to see the
video, the write up
and find Bernie's
great blues guitar
web site. 3 links in
all to blues tour.
Congrats Bernie.
Keep on jammin'
them blues.
line at Los Angeles
Times video, and
follow up article.
Click both the LA
Times logo, and
the Bernie Pearl
photos to see the
video, the write up
and find Bernie's
great blues guitar
web site. 3 links in
all to blues tour.
Congrats Bernie.
Keep on jammin'
them blues.
Hey y'all, lots going on all over the world in blues. Our
readership just keeps expanding in a global direction
unheard of just a few years ago. Our MySpace Music
sites are reaching upwards of 50,000 visitors and our
friend base is in the tens of thousands. MySpace is the
greatest music networking tool to ever come along. We
have personal blues friends from the four corners of the
world. Just amazing is what it is. This month will be
brief, as many of you know my wife Jo Ann, had major
surgery, and is home doing well. Gosh, all the well
wishes, prayers and good vibe thoughts from worldwide
friends was just astonishing, and I thank you all from the
bottom of my heart. Besides being my best friend,
manager and photographer, she is my traveling buddy to
blues shows. We have one great photo of Jo Ann, and
me with Bobby Bland back from 1992. She'll be up
and running in a few weeks, and thank you all for your
care. www.mikedollins.biz
We have two blues contributors now in Terry Knott and
T.Roy, and you'll see their pieces below. We are going
to toot our own horn, something we don't do much on
this site, but gosh I am so excited about our new CD that
isn't blues, but all over the plate in pure USA homeland
made music with jazz, R&B, soul and good time finger
popping, foot stomping music. It took me a little time to
build a new band once I moved from California, back
home to the delta land here in Arkansas.
So, I've got a little spread on our show in this month's
issue. Thank you all for the wonderful feedback on the
new CD. Actually we have two CD's, the new release,
and an all blues CD. You can find the link to our on
line, virtual CD. You can check both CD's out, vote for
them, and even leave a comment at MusicWebTown. A
great site to list your music in a great on line player. Just
click our CD cover & you'll find our site. Mike
readership just keeps expanding in a global direction
unheard of just a few years ago. Our MySpace Music
sites are reaching upwards of 50,000 visitors and our
friend base is in the tens of thousands. MySpace is the
greatest music networking tool to ever come along. We
have personal blues friends from the four corners of the
world. Just amazing is what it is. This month will be
brief, as many of you know my wife Jo Ann, had major
surgery, and is home doing well. Gosh, all the well
wishes, prayers and good vibe thoughts from worldwide
friends was just astonishing, and I thank you all from the
bottom of my heart. Besides being my best friend,
manager and photographer, she is my traveling buddy to
blues shows. We have one great photo of Jo Ann, and
me with Bobby Bland back from 1992. She'll be up
and running in a few weeks, and thank you all for your
care. www.mikedollins.biz
We have two blues contributors now in Terry Knott and
T.Roy, and you'll see their pieces below. We are going
to toot our own horn, something we don't do much on
this site, but gosh I am so excited about our new CD that
isn't blues, but all over the plate in pure USA homeland
made music with jazz, R&B, soul and good time finger
popping, foot stomping music. It took me a little time to
build a new band once I moved from California, back
home to the delta land here in Arkansas.
So, I've got a little spread on our show in this month's
issue. Thank you all for the wonderful feedback on the
new CD. Actually we have two CD's, the new release,
and an all blues CD. You can find the link to our on
line, virtual CD. You can check both CD's out, vote for
them, and even leave a comment at MusicWebTown. A
great site to list your music in a great on line player. Just
click our CD cover & you'll find our site. Mike
Bernie Pearl, the God Father of Los
Angeles, California Blues. All blues
roads in LA, lead to this blues legend.
Angeles, California Blues. All blues
roads in LA, lead to this blues legend.
Essie “The Blues Lady” Neal
I was introduced to Essie “The Blues Lady” Neal by
Mike Dollins of “The Mike Dollins Band” who Essie
joins on stage from time to time. Mike of course heads
up “The Blues Guitar News”. Essie is a self taught
guitarist who listened to records as she was growing
up and imitated what she heard on guitar. It’s what
guitarists call “playing by ear”. She is an
undiscovered gem and has a heart of gold!
Raised in Arkansas, her and her family hunted and
fished with her family when she was young. She has
lived the blues. Chores being part of her daily
schedule, she and the rest of her family anxiously
would wait until the sun went down to hear her Dad
pull out his guitar and play while her mother sang.
This fueled the desire she felt inside to learn to play
the guitar. Later on, at the early age of 12 or 13, her
Dad bought her first guitar. Her early influences were
B.B. King, Albert King, and Little Milton which you can
hear weaving in and out throughout her songs.
Early on, she felt the most tension from fellow male
guitar players. In the beginning when she took the
stage and strapped on “Ruckus” her guitar, she could
see and feel the astonishment from people as this
lady with her electric guitar stood in front of them
ready to perform. It was as if she had entered the
forbidden territory of “Male Only Electric Guitar
Players”. That didn’t stop her. When she began to
play and sing the astonishment was replaced with
appreciation and applause from male and female
alike. Now she says that most male players
appreciate her talent and her devotion to the blues.
This woman has definitely found her calling!
In 2003 Essie was the winner of Little Rock’s “Over 40
Revue”. She performed in the 2002 and 2003
telethons for the United Negro Fund. Essie was a
featured artist at “The King Biscuit Blues Festival” in
Helena, Arkansas. She has graced the stage for
audiences of all ages through the Arkansas Art’s
council’s “Arts on Tour Program”. She performed at
Arkansas State University’s “Folklife Program”, who is
sponsoring the third annual “Blues in the Schools”
project in West Memphis Schools. Essie “The Blues
Lady” Neal and “The New Orleans Jazz Ramblers” will
be the resident musicians at West Memphis Christian
School, the host school for the 2008 program.
Two of my favorite songs are “We Gotta Pray
Sometime” and “Loser Goodbye”. The first is a
smooth and easy flowing song with lyrics that make
you stop and think. I really got into this track. The
guitar in this has a style that reminds me of Jeff Beck.
The keyboards are beautifully arranged and send
chills down my spine as I close my eyes and listen to
Essie sing. She definitely has a taste of B.B. King as
evidenced in “Loser Goodbye”. The haunting piano
line that starts the song immediately catches your
attention. The touch of reverb she adds to her guitar
playing shines here!
No wonder the electric guitar riffs that you hear today
came from our brothers and sisters who grew up
living and playing the blues, like Essie, a human
being who plays and sings what she’s lived. Her newly
released CD, Shape Up, can be ordered at www.
cdbaby. com/cd/essietheblueslady. Her tracks can
also be heard on last. fm
T.Roy Taylor
I was introduced to Essie “The Blues Lady” Neal by
Mike Dollins of “The Mike Dollins Band” who Essie
joins on stage from time to time. Mike of course heads
up “The Blues Guitar News”. Essie is a self taught
guitarist who listened to records as she was growing
up and imitated what she heard on guitar. It’s what
guitarists call “playing by ear”. She is an
undiscovered gem and has a heart of gold!
Raised in Arkansas, her and her family hunted and
fished with her family when she was young. She has
lived the blues. Chores being part of her daily
schedule, she and the rest of her family anxiously
would wait until the sun went down to hear her Dad
pull out his guitar and play while her mother sang.
This fueled the desire she felt inside to learn to play
the guitar. Later on, at the early age of 12 or 13, her
Dad bought her first guitar. Her early influences were
B.B. King, Albert King, and Little Milton which you can
hear weaving in and out throughout her songs.
Early on, she felt the most tension from fellow male
guitar players. In the beginning when she took the
stage and strapped on “Ruckus” her guitar, she could
see and feel the astonishment from people as this
lady with her electric guitar stood in front of them
ready to perform. It was as if she had entered the
forbidden territory of “Male Only Electric Guitar
Players”. That didn’t stop her. When she began to
play and sing the astonishment was replaced with
appreciation and applause from male and female
alike. Now she says that most male players
appreciate her talent and her devotion to the blues.
This woman has definitely found her calling!
In 2003 Essie was the winner of Little Rock’s “Over 40
Revue”. She performed in the 2002 and 2003
telethons for the United Negro Fund. Essie was a
featured artist at “The King Biscuit Blues Festival” in
Helena, Arkansas. She has graced the stage for
audiences of all ages through the Arkansas Art’s
council’s “Arts on Tour Program”. She performed at
Arkansas State University’s “Folklife Program”, who is
sponsoring the third annual “Blues in the Schools”
project in West Memphis Schools. Essie “The Blues
Lady” Neal and “The New Orleans Jazz Ramblers” will
be the resident musicians at West Memphis Christian
School, the host school for the 2008 program.
Two of my favorite songs are “We Gotta Pray
Sometime” and “Loser Goodbye”. The first is a
smooth and easy flowing song with lyrics that make
you stop and think. I really got into this track. The
guitar in this has a style that reminds me of Jeff Beck.
The keyboards are beautifully arranged and send
chills down my spine as I close my eyes and listen to
Essie sing. She definitely has a taste of B.B. King as
evidenced in “Loser Goodbye”. The haunting piano
line that starts the song immediately catches your
attention. The touch of reverb she adds to her guitar
playing shines here!
No wonder the electric guitar riffs that you hear today
came from our brothers and sisters who grew up
living and playing the blues, like Essie, a human
being who plays and sings what she’s lived. Her newly
released CD, Shape Up, can be ordered at www.
cdbaby. com/cd/essietheblueslady. Her tracks can
also be heard on last. fm
T.Roy Taylor
| T. Roy Taylor |
Hello friends,
I hope you are having a fantastic spring and all things are going just
great for you?
To kick the Proceedings off I wanted to indulge in a bit of self
promotion, for no other reason other than I think you will enjoy what
has been going on!
Firstly, I created a site last your that I have since re worked and re
launched as follows:
http://groups.myspace.com/britpackbluesclub
Despite the name, this is not solely about "The Blues" although its a
big part of who I am and what like minded people enjoy!
It is a place to share "Music" as a whole. If you have a particular
Youtube or Myspace TV Clip, CD, Band or Gig you want to tell people
about that's the place! It on public Join, all you need to do is click, go,
join & join in!
I am featuring bands from all over the world, which we who are on
myspace are so very lucky to be able to enjoy at the click of a mouse.
Don't forget, like you I am a huge music fan and I get so much
enjoyment from listening to Bands in Germany, France, The States,
Norway just doing their thing. And we have had Posts of Clips from
Robert Johnson, to Amy Winehouse, Muddy Waters to Jeff Beck. Otis
Redding to Arthur Conley so as you see, the spectrum is broad! I am
also trying to provide the visitors with great links for their enjoyment!
It will only be as interesting as the involvement of the members itself,
and it has been. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the posts, debates and
memories that are being shared currently, and being privy to some
truly great artists. I hope to see you there too!
Over the last several News Letters, I have had a considerable amount
of requests asking what I am up to! Well, for me, paint drying holds
more interest, but here is a quick up date on what I am doing!
In addition to re building the club site, I have also totally overhauled my
site, making the graphics you see on a very Blues/Retro theme. I will
(thankfully) begin recording after many false starts and have a bag full
of original self penned tunes to lay down over the coming weeks. I cant
wait to begin, my fingers are itching. So I've been busy Building,
Writing and getting involved on many projects, which has been really
enjoyable too!
http://www.avantelectronics.com/
For the Musicians among you, this may be of interest! "Avant
Electronics"
I've met the fella via my site who is a studio sound man & engineer, and
a really nice chap. Its a costly business studio equipment and the
products and prices look very favourable. Obviously I can only
compare to prices I see here, but the site is sure worth a view, and if an
intro to the fella is sought, just let me know!
http://www.earlyblues.com/
If like me you have a fascination for historical music information
coupled with great links for the scene today, none come better that
Earlyblues.com.
A British based Blues Bureau that covers home bound and
international links to some wonderful Blues sites. It really is worth
paying a visit.
News in Brief!
I advised in the last addition about the sad loss of friend, musician and
broadcaster, Les Lewellyn!
It was just wonderful to see the show back on the air again being more
than ably steered by Mark Kerr. Mark has placed his own stamp on the
show but has maintained the very high standards that Les Built.
The new home of " Les Lewellyn's Road Rash Blues Show" can be
found here:
http://www.markkerrltd.com/roadrash.htm
And also on myspace, so please join Mark as a friend right here:
www.myspace.com/leslewellynsroadrashbluesshow
As always this and Marks "Blues Nation" show can be heard 1st on
KCOR
http://www.kconlineradio.com/
Well that's it from me, hope you get something out of the info provided
and till next time stay safe, god bless and the best possible wishes from
me!
For more great Blues News, Reviews and Great sounds, visit:
http://www.bluesguitarnews.com/
Terry Knott
Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee
And Ambassador for the Blues
To London!
www.myspace.com/britpackblues
Terry Knott's Blues Club!
http://groups.myspace.com/britpackbluesclub
http://www.cafepress.com/terryknott
| Deb, KABF Blues Radio |
For my long time readers, you know
we shout-out for everyone under the
sun with a blues thyme in their music
life. Our network just keeps growing
globally, and the contacts increase
daily. Not slamming folks with our
own music, I reserve this site to
share with others. I can't keep the lid
on much longer, and have to put out
a little something on us this month. I
am personally so proud of my new
band, I am really distracted in all the
other blues endeavours I do, and
below are folks that gave us great
feedback on the new CD. Our
Release is at Studio Joe's on May 9th,
and we will be on Good Morning
Arkansas, ABC KATV Ch 7 in Little
Rock, AR on May 8th. Mike
we shout-out for everyone under the
sun with a blues thyme in their music
life. Our network just keeps growing
globally, and the contacts increase
daily. Not slamming folks with our
own music, I reserve this site to
share with others. I can't keep the lid
on much longer, and have to put out
a little something on us this month. I
am personally so proud of my new
band, I am really distracted in all the
other blues endeavours I do, and
below are folks that gave us great
feedback on the new CD. Our
Release is at Studio Joe's on May 9th,
and we will be on Good Morning
Arkansas, ABC KATV Ch 7 in Little
Rock, AR on May 8th. Mike
Dig that Kenny Burrell influence.
Really nice material. Jim
Really nice material. Jim
Mike, The CD sounds fantatic.
Gog UK
Gog UK
Mouse click their photos, and
visit their blues sites too.
visit their blues sites too.
Mike, Mighty fine playing.
"Blues Mama" Kris
New Zealand
"Blues Mama" Kris
New Zealand
Great musicians and style.
Johan, France
Johan, France
Mike, Blazing guitar work.
Michael Harrison
Michael Harrison
Can't wait to get my copy,
Joe Pitts, Arkansas
Joe Pitts, Arkansas
I love, "Live-Love-Laugh"
"Lady into Blues" S. Carolina
"Lady into Blues" S. Carolina
Your music is very good.
SRV Tribute Site, Kansas
SRV Tribute Site, Kansas
Your blues is music to my ears.
Marc, Australia
Marc, Australia
I like your sound.
Skylla, Naura
Skylla, Naura
"Cool Tracks".
Wales, UK
Wales, UK
Essie "The Blues Lady" Neal with the Mike
Dollins Band, May 9th at Stduio Joe's.
Dollins Band, May 9th at Stduio Joe's.
| Advertise & Support the blues, and pass the word around to thousands of worldwide blues fans about your blues adventure. Cheap affordable rates, and safe, convenient PayPal, Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex payment. This site receives up to 8,000 hits on good days and averages 3,000 hits per day. Get known, exposed and passed around in the blues network. One Month Six Months One Year Banners, graphics, or photos with link to your web site or MySpace Inquiries: Blues Guitar News POB 2077, Benton, AR 72018 mike@bluesguitarnews.com Mike Dollins Blues Guitar CD www.mikedollins.biz $10 per CD: Donations to Blues Guitar News - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -> Hey, I've played gigs all my life. This is our tip Jar. Thank you |
Great guitar player
Ferdinando, Italy
Ferdinando, Italy
Your blues sounds great.
Stefano, Italy
Stefano, Italy
Exellent blues on your site.
Squale 2, France
Squale 2, France
Nice sounds your have.
Gary, Maine
Gary, Maine
Love you work.
Dan, Wales - Australia
Dan, Wales - Australia
Mike,
You are the Bluesman. Your
work is a big influence on how I
approach the blues.
Pinky, Stanton Island, New York
You are the Bluesman. Your
work is a big influence on how I
approach the blues.
Pinky, Stanton Island, New York
Your new CD is awesome.
Tom Mannion, Arizona
Tom Mannion, Arizona
Mike, blues the way it should be
played.
Les, Washington
played.
Les, Washington
Great blues on your site, man.
Blues Mates, Norway
Blues Mates, Norway
Your songs are awesome.
Stacy, Tennessee
Stacy, Tennessee
Love listening to your music.
Ron, Wales - Australia
Ron, Wales - Australia
Love your playing my friend.
Great blues.
Frank, Belgium
Great blues.
Frank, Belgium
Great Electric Blues
Baba Jack, UK
Baba Jack, UK
Hey, y'all: From the Arkansas Delta Blues Land, USA - I spent a lot of time on
the band's new CD, and that is totally out of context for us. This site is always
about other blues folks. But, we are so excited about all the fabulous
Feedback, it is a tingly fuzzy feeling we just wanted to share. Y'all's comments
were just tremendous, and below is the CD player you can hear all the tunes
off the new CD. The 2007 "All Blues Guitar CD" is on the link below, and you
can buy our CD for a cheap ten bucks, including postage. If you live
somewhere around Arkansas, come on out to our CD release celebration,
and have some fun with us. The PayPal and Credit card links are as safe and
convenient to buy our new CD. Thank you, and God Bless. Mike
Blues CD - > http://www.musicwebtown.com/mikedollins/187239
the band's new CD, and that is totally out of context for us. This site is always
about other blues folks. But, we are so excited about all the fabulous
Feedback, it is a tingly fuzzy feeling we just wanted to share. Y'all's comments
were just tremendous, and below is the CD player you can hear all the tunes
off the new CD. The 2007 "All Blues Guitar CD" is on the link below, and you
can buy our CD for a cheap ten bucks, including postage. If you live
somewhere around Arkansas, come on out to our CD release celebration,
and have some fun with us. The PayPal and Credit card links are as safe and
convenient to buy our new CD. Thank you, and God Bless. Mike
Blues CD - > http://www.musicwebtown.com/mikedollins/187239
FREE service provided by MusicWebTown.com
$10
$10
Mike Dollins
POB 2077
Benton, AR 72018
Mike Dollins
POB 2077
Benton, AR 72018
Check out my good blues
buddy Texas Jake Lee, and
yeah, he is a real bluesman
from Texas. Click his logo and
photos to see what's happening
in T. Bone Walker & Lighten'
Hopkins blues guitar land.
buddy Texas Jake Lee, and
yeah, he is a real bluesman
from Texas. Click his logo and
photos to see what's happening
in T. Bone Walker & Lighten'
Hopkins blues guitar land.
Mouse click their photos, and visit their blues sites too.
Guitar Porn:
A few blues guitar buddies started sharing
what we call guitar porn. You have to be a
guitar player to understand it. Anyway,
here is the pin-up, centerfold guitar of the
month. If you have guitar-mania in your
blood, this photo will make you drool out of
one corner of your mouth. Click photo for
owner John"Hot Tub" Krier's site.
A few blues guitar buddies started sharing
what we call guitar porn. You have to be a
guitar player to understand it. Anyway,
here is the pin-up, centerfold guitar of the
month. If you have guitar-mania in your
blood, this photo will make you drool out of
one corner of your mouth. Click photo for
owner John"Hot Tub" Krier's site.
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