BLUES INDUSTRY AND RACE RELATIONS

There is one color in this Industry of ours and it is GREEN!

I guess I started in this business in 1960 as a bass player. At the time I was a kid listening to Lightning Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed. I never paid much attention to skin color, as a matter of fact I was first exposed to racial differences  when I enrolled in an integrated high school in 1966. That is where I got my first look at the ugly beast. I hated the whole idea of it and still do.

I went to college for two years and just took up space. I wanted to do something more for society so I joined the Navy. Serving my country is the greatest honor I have ever experienced. I learned more about racial prejudice in the 12 week boot camp than most could in a lifetime. 110 guys from all parts of the country. I hate those that try to pigeon hole people.

I was exposed to a wide variety of cultures while sailing the seven seas and yes there are seven. Prejudgment seems to be an underlining theme in all cultures. I was personally discriminated against in one country because I was white. I do not profess that to be similar in anyway to what some people have experienced here. It is an “Ugly Beast.” I hate it still.

How one deals with the beast is an individual choice. I choose to live my life in the moment, because that is where life happens. Two days of the week as far as I am concerned do not exist, tomorrow and yesterday. 


I treat everyone I meet with an equal amount of respect. I no longer see color unless someone else brings it up. I learned a long time ago that I can not please everybody. If you are a jerk it doesn't really matter about color. I take it as gospel that 50% of the people will love you and the other 50% will hate you. I choose to hang with the ones who love me.

I once had aspired to play the blues, but those who know me personally know why I have not continued on that course. The next logical step was the record business. I do not have a clear cut reason why I am in that business. I guess it is the love of music and the fact an artist can relay emotions that can not be experienced through any other media.

There has been a recent discussion about the blues music industry and race relations.  There is no denying the sacrifices made by people that have gone before, but to limit it does the genre a great injustice.  One of our major label owners has recently been slammed for an interview he did. The reporter paraphrased what was said. This man has done more for "The  Biz" than most artists have in their lifetimes.

 All of us in the industry know where blues music comes from. The key word here is industry. A record label is a business.  Nothing more, nothing less. In order for us to record artists, we have to make MONEY. A record label functions as a no interest bank. We record the music in hopes of seeing a return. If label owners did not love this music we would not record it. 

It does not matter the artist's color, religion or economic status. We do not choose because of the aforementioned, but rather we look for a business person first.
The things mentioned below are not what I would call good solid business practices.

If an artist falls down drunk on stage or is too drunk to perform, I do not want them.
If an artist does not return my phone calls in a timely manner, I do not want them. 
If an artist has to get high to perform, I do not want them. 
If an artist feels it's OK to blow off a job that they agreed to for another job that pays a couple of bucks more, I do not want them.
If an artist plays if front of an audience and does not mention who they are or what label they record for, I do not want them.
If an artist reneges on payment for CD's that were loaned to him and claims that the label should take it out of their royalties, which by the way do not exist, I do not want them.
If an artist can not make it to a gig because their vehicle breaks down, I do not want them. 
If an artist demands a vehicle and a trailer loaded with equipment before lining up one job and before they will sign a recording contract, I do not want them.
If I have to call an artist to remind them to wake up so they can get to the place they have to be, than I do not want them.

Once one realizes that they are making art and history at the same time it all becomes crystal clear.  All of us must understand that we are in the entertainment business. People this is not brain surgery. If we do not play the right note at the right time or record the right artist no one will die. We must support one another and believe in each other, because sometimes that's all we have!.  

No Black! No White! Just Blues.

(A little green also. Could not hurt, could it?)

Terrance Lape

President

www.electrogliderecords.com

PS

People who know me personally know that I hate  discrimination no matter the source.  My great grandmother on my mothers side was an Native American born in the 1880's. I had a distant relative that fought during the Civil War on the Union Side at Antietam. That battle gave Lincoln the “victory” he needed before delivering the Emancipation Proclamation. Thanks Abe.

BIG DOG CD RELEASE

“Big Dog” with Big Heart to release second CD on Electro Glide Records

On Saturday, September 10^th 2011, at Heroes West at 1530 Commerce Lane, Joliet, IL 60431

eroes WestBlues artist Marty “Big Dog” Mercer will be celebrating the release of his latest cd titled “Big Dog Mercer” The event is open to the public and starts at 9:30pm with a performance including original music from the CD.  There is a $5.00 admission. There will also be special musical guests, raffles, etc.

Mercer has been playing guitar for over 20 years and has been a part of the Chicago Blues Scene for more than 10. In October 2010 he was signed by Electro Glide records, and has recently put the finishing touches on his latest album. With his passion for the blues and his experience with a variety of musical styles he has taken the true spirit of this time-honored tradition and put his own unique spin on it.  Among his many musical achievements to date Mercer was awarded the “Best Blues Band” in SuburbaNite magazine’s “Best of the Burbs” Contest (2011), placed second in the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Slide Guitar Contest (2010) and has been crowned Joliet’s “King of the Blues” from the area’s Guitar Center. (2007)

In addition to his musical achievements the “Big Dog” is also known for having a big heart. The Joliet resident has consistently lent his time and talent to several charitable organizations including Big brothers/Big Sisters Foundation, Guardian Angel Home, Heal with Love Foundation, and several area Animal shelters.”Whenever we can, we do our part in giving back to the community that has been so supportive to us over the years. I like to say if it weren’t for people like you, there would be no need for people like me. And I mean that”.

The CD boasts 10 original songs. The music demonstrates Mercer’s depth in a variety of genres, such as Blues, Rock, Gospel and Jazz, combined with soulful vocals that sometimes growl, aggressive slide playing and heartfelt string bends creating a truly unique experience with a sound unlike that of any other bluesman around. “I’ve been infatuated with music all my life - I got my first guitar when I was 17 and I learned that I had to work at it. I practice every day with the goal of becoming a better musician and a better person each and everyday.” Mercer said.

A mainstay in the Chicago Suburban music scene, Mercer has performed with Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Billy Branch, L.V. Banks, Lonnie Brooks, Larry McCray, Chris Beard, Ronnie Baker Brooks , Mud Morganfield (Muddy Waters Jr.) and Eddie C Campbell. Mercer also supports local charities by donating his talent to fundraisers & benefits.

The CD will be available at www.electrogliderecords.com, digital download media sites, and at Big Dog’s performances.

For more about Big Dog Mercer, a schedule of performances or booking information please visit www.bigdogmercer.com

I'm Back.

I can't believe I have not written anything for 6 months. I guess I could offer excuses such as "I'm going through a divorce" (true), I have a major neurological disease (true), I just spent the last six months traveling the world, (false), I took control of an indie Record label (true).   The label is Electro Glide Records.  We are trying to turn around a rather turbulent past year that the label had and I am asking all our readers for help. In order for it to survive we need people such as yourself to buy an occasional CD. If you like cutting edge blues we got it. Please visit our website for more information.
Terry 
President.

Mavis should be one of your musical staples

Mavis Staples

You Are Not Alone

(Anti-, 2010)

by Steve “Fly” Klein

Chicagoan Mavis Staples started singing as a teenager with her family’s group, The Staple Singers in 1950. After success with the group, she began a solo career in the 1980s. Her father was the legendary Roebuck “Pops” Staples who was born in Mississippi in 1914 and played with such legends as Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and Son House.

While Mavis Staples and her latest touring band have been performing regularly for 3 years, this is their first studio album together. The band breathes with Staples’ performance and producer, Jeff Tweedy (of the band Wilco) is wise enough to understand that relationship. Mavis' voice is mixed up front and center on this CD.

The musicians are Rick Holmstrom (or “Pops Jr.” as Staples has called him, guitar and vocals), Jeff Turmes (bass and vocals), Stephen Hodges (drums) and Donny Gerrard (background vocals.) Additional background vocals are by Kelly Hogan and Nora O’Connor (frequent Neko Case collaborators) and Richard Parenti. Tweedy and members of Wilco make appearances on some cuts.

The first number sets the tone with Pops Staples’ "Don't Knock." Holmstrom has the chops and the tremolo drenched sound of Pops, yet he expands that style and drives this gospel song into one of the best on the CD. Mavis’ smooth vocal is punchy and gravelly at the right times and glides over the accompaniment with power and grace.

“You Are Not Alone” is the first of two songs written by Tweedy on the album. It features additional instruments by Tweedy on acoustic guitar and Wilco members, Patrick Sansone, keys and vibes, and Mark Greenberg on celeste. This song serves as a good contrast to the first, as it presents a contemporary vibe with its pop hook.

The traditional “Creep Along Moses” is a Tweedy-arranged gospel classic that features warm harmonies and Holmstrom's weaponized guitar lead. Another standout is “Wonderful Savior” done a ccapella. Surprisingly the lead vocal was recorded by Staples in the unheated stairwell at Wilco’s Loft Studio in cap, gloves, and coat during the middle of December.

Closing out is “Too Close”/”On My Way To Heaven.” Gerrard does a powerful job singing “Too Close” while Staples is raw, raise-the-roof preachin’ on “On My Way To Heaven.” Holmstrom lays down some impressive, twangy riffs that feel as if John Lee Hooker is testifying alongside the vocalists.

Staples adds her special touch to covers by Little Milton (“We’re Gonna Make It”), Reverend Gary Davis (“I Belong To The Band”), Allen Toussaint (“Last Train”), John Fogerty (“Wrote A Song For Everyone”) and Randy Newman (“Losing You”).

On You Are Not Alone Mavis Staples is sounding better than ever. Of the many collaborators Staples has worked with over the years, Jeff Tweedy's role as producer has proven to be the catalyst in creating one of her best solo albums to date.

Originally published in Chicago Blues Guide, www.chicagobluesguide.com

Check out the songs.

Mavis Staples' website

Staples performing at Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Chicago, August 6, 2010

Doctor Duke Tumatoe "I Wanna Be Rich" Electro Glide Records

DR. DUKE TUMATOE

"I JUST WANT TO BE RICH"


NOVEMBER 16TH, 2010

ELECTRO GLIDE RECORDS

AVAILABLE AT

ELECTRO GLIDERECORDS

Legendary blues rocker, Duke Tumatoe, is set to release his newest album since
"You’ve Got the Problem"  (Blind Pig Records) in 2006. I Just Want To Be Rich will be released worldwide on November 16th via Electro Glide Records.

As self proclaimed in the opening track, “Bionic Tumatoe”, Duke describes himself as the “man of tomorrow, here today.” After one listen to I Just Want to Be Rich, you might actually believe him.

The Doctor grew up on Chicago’s south side. This allowed Duke the opportunity to experience blues history in the making. He experienced first hand "The greatest of the greats."  Chicago artist's such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy and Bo Diddley. These artists helped Duke become the player he is today. But in true fashion of great entertainers, Duke took it all in and gave back something truly original.

Duke is an artist with a sense of humor. That gift has shown through on his songs, such as “It’s Christmas (Lets Have Sex)” and “Tie You Up.” Such notable hits have led him to record with comedy legend Sam Kinison and a weekly spot on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom radio program.

The one thing that’s no joke is Duke’s guitar playing on I Just Want to Be Rich. As a founding member of REO Speedwagon, Duke knows his way around an ax. “Long Legged Woman and Blues Guitar,” a remake of an earlier Tumatoe song, portrays Duke at his best, with solo’s swooping in intensity and grinding with power and emotion.

Look for I Just Want To Be Rich in stores on November 16th. This album may just get him there.

http://www.duketumatoe.com/

http://www.electrogliderecords.com/

www.facebook.com/duketumatoe

www.radiosubmit.com/rs/duketumatoe

http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1529340922

DANNY BARON "Rocking Blues Man'

Danny Baron hails from the south-side of Chicago and now resides in a far north-west Chicago suburb.  He is self taught guitarist, songwriter and vocalist that has toured and or worked with some top name national and regional talent. Top name talent you ask? How about Brian Wilson, yes that Brian of the "Beach Boys". He did one tour with Mr. Wilson. He also played and recorded with Chicago radio hosts Steve Dahl, Donny Bonaduce and Kevin Matthews.


In my capacity as a pseudo journalist and a die hard to my grave blues fan, I see and hear a lot of blues rockers. I can honestly say Danny is one of the best. He has it all, song writing, vocals, stage presence and oh, by the way this guy can play a guitar. I mean really play a guitar. He can go toe to toe with Joe B., Eric C, Jimi and dare I say it,,,,,,the "Guitar God Stevie Ray" Amen brother and hallelujah be his name. (No disrespect)  


I first heard/saw Danny perform at an Electro Glide Records showcase. Within that first millisecond of sound, he exploded. I was riveted to his pure emotional filled performance. Some of the pickers get it and some don't; If you can't feel the music why do it? 

Danny feels it, uses it, chews it up and spits it out. His song "Jealously"on his self produced CD "Danny and The Devils" is exactly what I am referring to. It's like he is in a trance and all those great guitarists before him are manipulating his fingers. Almost ZEN Like.


There are far too many talented musicians whom never get the recognition they deserve.  I refuse to let this talented man be one. There is nothing to stop him on his journey to the top. He has it, no doubt in my head. 
One special note;  Danny is a real straight shooter and all around great person. In other words he's not a jerk. 

Danny's CD

November 16, 2010 at 11:30 am to 2:00pm. Danny will be playing live in WEFT studios. WEFT.org "Daves Blues Show" That night he will be playing in Pekin , Illinois at "Goodfella's" for The River Blues Society.  Facebook him @ Danny Baron

Blues Me Or Lose Me,
Terry Lape Aka "Gatorman"

80 Miles south of Chicago with Ana Popovic

80 Miles south of Chicago with Ana Popovic

I have been fortunate enough to see Ana Popovic perform in a small venue located in Bradley, Illinois. It was then and still is struggling to survive. The club contains two main bars, one in the front and one in the back. The back bar is where they have live music and that area seats about 75 people.


I first heard of Ana in Vintage Guitar magazine. My friend Ricky directed me to the article. Rocking Rick, as I call him, is a walking encyclopedia of musical trivia. Ricky served as “Question Mark and the Mysterions” road manager for three years (96 Tears). When Rick tells me about an artist I have a tendency to listen. The man knows what he’s talking about and I thank him for leading me to Ana.


I walked into that Bradley club and paid the $5 cover. You are reading that correctly 5 bucks. The stage was set with all the equipment and the blues were pounding through the sound system. The show was sponsored by a local blues organization called “The Friends of The Blues”. The only requirement for membership is to attend the gigs. Kind of a loose knit bunch of blues fanatics very weird, but fun. They book bands that are in between gigs. They offer the visiting groups food and lodging and some spending money.


Ana’s band opened up with a couple of numbers. They were quite good. Then it was Ana’s turn. You know how a picture sometimes does not capture the essence of its subject. I had seen her photo in Vintage guitar magazine, but was not prepared for the person. Ana is HOT!!!!!!!!!!


Every head in the club turned and every eye fixated on her pure beauty. She slowly walked from the back of the room towards the front like a Queen. She climbed the four steps that led up to the stage as if she was Queen Cleopatra and Queen for the night she was. Over her shoulder carried a royal scepter. It was her Fender Stratocaster. She carried that guitar like a mother carries a newborn child. She hooked it up counted 1,,2,,3,,4,, and she took us into a steamy den of iniquity. She caressed that strat with such pure innocent sexuality that half, no three quarters, of our jaws dropped. I overheard one woman tell her boyfriend that all the men in the place wanted to make love to her and some of the women too. At that point in time every mothers son was love smitten. Her love flowed through the crowd like fog rolls into a seaside town and we breathed deep, very deep. You know the old adage if you look up a certain word you will find a picture of someone next to it. Go ahead and look up the word sexuality Ana Popovic's picture is next to it. She handles a guitar like an exotic dancer handles a pole. I wish I could be her Stratocaster for just one gig.


Once you get past her unusual beauty and extreme sexuality, you find a very accomplished talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, a woman after my own heart. Her musicality is way beyond most current artists. In short she has SOUL and knows how to use it. Her playing comes from a much deeper place then few have ever been.


She was raised in war torn Serbia and lived there during the horrid years of the Milosovic regime (1990-1996). Milosovic was a tyrants’ tyrant. He was directly responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Can you imagine walking down the street to get basic necessities while snipers try to kill you? Crime was rampant and unemployment was at a record 80%. That is a form of the blues that few people have ever experienced.


Out of tragedy comes goodness and that goodness is Ana Popovic. She is a blues angel sent to us from a very special place and no one can deny her right to play the blues. Thank you Ana , thank you.


I have to admit I am in love with Ana and I would gladly string her guitar anytime, anywhere, any place.

Terrance “Gatorman” Lape
http://www.zazzle.com/terlap
Bookmark us at www.chicagobluesnews.com