Thoughts during Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a day that we set aside to remember those that gave all, so we could have all.

My family has a rich  history of service to this great country. The majority served in the US navy.

My eldest brother served in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam and is a retired storekeeper Chief Petty Officer. My other brother jumped ranks and served in the Army.  The Chief's son served in the navy as a Third Class Petty Officer, Gunners Mate Missiles on the USS Sterret CG-31.  

My father was a Third Class Petty Officer, Electricians Mate, served in the navy during WWII.

He mustered out in 1946 while serving on the USS Peregrine AM-373 a Minesweeper.

My Dad's brother served on the USS Vulcan AR-5 right before  the Cuban Missile crisis as a boatswain mate.

My dad's first cousin was a bomber pilot during World War II and was shot down over eastern Europe. I have a marine second cousin who was wounded in the first Iraq war. I have another cousin that recently completed two tours in Iraq.    

I served on board the USS Chicago CG-11 (Fire Control Technician Guns) during the Vietnam Conflict. I never made it to Vietnam as my older brother did.

My great grandfather served with General Pershing and rumor has it he rode during the Pancho Villa Expedition.. 

Patrick, my new son-in-law has enlisted in the Army and will start his boot camp June 2. He continues the tradition that my family has.

I am proud to honor all of those who gave their all for us.

I will have a personal, silent moment at 3:00 PM Monday to remember them all. I hope you will join me.   

CD Review: Addicted To The Blues

Addicted To The Blues

Phil Gates

(Setag Music, 2010)

by Steve "Fly" Klein

A funny thing happened when I was preparing to write this review; I was looking over the credits on the CD booklet and noticed a lack musicians on this disc. Without fanfare, Mr. Gates recorded an album of 12 original songs with only single musicians (or in the case of "The Wisdom", two female background vocalists) contributing on only five of the selections. In other words, a real solo album.

I remember back in the day when the term "one-man band" evoked images of a gaudily dressed man with a bass drum strapped to his back, cymbals between his knees, an accordion under one foot, bagpipes under an arm, and a clarinet and saxophone strapped around his neck so he could play them simultaneously while strumming a banjo. Les Paul pioneered overdub recording on acetate disks in the 1930s and released his first commercial success in 1948. But it wasn't until Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren, and Emitt Rhodes had success in the early 1970s with multitracking themselves on tape that the one-man band reached its height of notoriety.

Mr. Gates sings all of the lead vocals, plays all the guitars, plays bass, keyboards, and edited the drums (I might call it drum programming). While this could mean something was laking, it wasn't. In short, if you didn't read the credits you might not realize it was performed by basically just one guy.

To give you a little background, Phil Gates was born in Chicago, served in the Air Force, played as guitarist in the USAF "Tops in Blue" World Tour that performed at Superbowl XIX, was a sound engineer at a Texas jazz club, and moved to Los Angeles in 1989 to work in the aerospace industry. While in LA he had the opportunity to produce and do session work. In 2006 he created the film score for "My Normal Life".

This is the fifth CD by Phil Gates. Addicted To The Blues is an album of blues and funk with touches of smooth jazz and a little Nashville twang. Phil is a wonderful, soulful guitar player who understands his way around the fretboard as well as a multitude of other instruments. The songs here show real craftsmanship.

"Get Around Me" (with Eddie Baytos on accordion and additional percussion) is a smooth New Orleans type funk song. Nice blues riffs with fun chord changes. Very good arrangement and production perhaps due to the contributions of Matt Forger as engineer on this number (known for his work with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones). Gates can play a smooth slide guitar as in "Sexy Little Cool" (with Mark Justin on keys) or a grinding, screaming slide like in "Used Me Up". "Evening Train" (with Byron Gaither on keys) shows Phil's guitar prowess with some Nashville pickin', while "The Wisdom" (with Elizabeth Hangan and Gedina Jean background vocals) finishes up the CD with a nice change up as he features a New Orleans second-line syncopation in a song about learning from the wisdom of his departed family and friends. One of the CD's single worthy songs accompanied by a nice, understated guitar solo from Gates.

He grooves ya', he moves ya'; Phil Gates is a big time artist who deserves a listen for his outstanding work on this album.

Phil Gates website.

Check out the songs.

Sugar Blue to perform at the New Hope Center Blues Fest

Chicago King Snakes

Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Sugar Blue will perform at the first annual New Hope Center Blues Festival fundraising event Sunday June 6th. In addition to his performance, he will emcee the festivities. The fest will take place at New Hope’s new Crete Campus, located at 25930 South Cottage Grove in Crete, on Sunday June 6th, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Sugar Blue (not Pictured) has played and recorded with musicians ranging from Willie Dixon to Stan Getz to Frank Zappa to Johnny Shines to Bob Dylan, he is perhaps best known for his signature riff and solo on the Rolling Stones' hit Miss You from their Some Girls album. He has appeared across America, Europe and Africa at many prestigious festivals - Chicago, Zurich, Den Haag, Antibes, Nice, Cannes, Montreal, Pistoia, Bern, Rapperswil,... Blue continues to appear in clubs and festivals    around the world, and is currently on tour supporting his new release, “Threshold”

The Music festival will feature local blues bands, food, beverages, raffles and drawings, and promises to be a wonderful outdoor event for the whole family.

The musical lineup also includes the Chicago Kingsnakes , the Deb Seitz Band (right), Billy King, (top) Little Johnny and the Unknown Blues Band, (bottom Left) Joliet Al, (bottom Right) and an All-Star Jam Session featuring surprise guests. More details will be forthcoming, and will be posted on the festival website at http://newhopecenterbluesfest.weebly.com/

New Hope Center is a not-for-profit community service agency serving more than 500 persons with disabilities and their families annually. Their programs are licensed by the State of Illinois and nationally accredited by CARF. Service areas include Southeast Cook County, and Northeast Will County, and administrative offices are in Dolton, Illinois. For more information about New Hope Center and its programs, call Jeff Gajewski at (708) 841-1071 x 227, or visit their website at http://www.newhopecenterinc.com/.

CD Review: Jason King Band

Blues Skies and Black Shoes

Jason King Band

(Hip-Rox Music, 2009)

by Steve "Fly" Klein

Northern Nevada is Reno and Sparks, casinos and open spaces. It's not the home of the blues. But amid all of this Western grandeur is Jason King Roxas and his fellow musicians, the Jason King Band.

Born in the Philippines in 1973 of Japanese and Castilian ancestry, Jason King Roxas (vocals and guitar) immigrated to Los Angeles in 1980 and began playing guitar in the church choir during high school. His band consists of Wilbert Banks (bass), Michael Patrick Moore (drums), and Tommy Stiles (guitar, lap slide, and pedal steel) with guest appearances by Pat Dotson (drums), Jason Stanton (keyboards), Freddie Mills (harmonica), and Rick Metz (saxes).

The first thing I noticed was the well-crafted sound of Blues Skies and Black Shoes. Great performances that were really well recorded, not something you will always find in this era of the everyman's home studio. Hands off to Todd Rold at Watersign Studios in Reno for his recording, engineering, and mixing, as well as Jason King Roxas and Todd for their work as producers.

A highlight of the CD for me was "Cryin' Shame". It is a nice, slow blues that Jason Stanton drops some tasty piano behind. Mr. Roxas noodles through some classic riffs and sizzles with his solos.

I found "Broken" and "6 Years Gone" to be excellent acoustic blues numbers with yearning guitar work that will break your heart. While "Driftin'" and "SoulShaker" try to rip the doors off with vocals and guitar playing that Stevie Ray would be proud to hear. Jason is in total control of his voice and his other instrument, his Strat.

This CD is very good with some moments of greatness. All eleven tracks are original compositions and seem to show a good range in style and ability. Jason's guitar playing is both masterful and emotional, and the band lays down a solid groove and contributes textures and key solos that push this CD beyond the typical first album for a band.

Jason King Band website.

Check out the songs.

March 20 2010 Saturday night was Electro Glide Records Showcase and  it was a resounding success. By 8:00 PM there was not an empty set in the house.

 When the Catch blues Band hit the stage. All I could see from the back of the house were rocking and bopping heads. Catch Blues Band started off with that famous lumpty -lump refrain that sent the bodies swaying. By the time their short 35 minute set was over they had the crowd in the palm of their hand.  Catch Blues band is out of Virginia the Ohio valley area and they are smoking.

“Danny and The Devils” took the stage next and I for one was very excited about the quality of this act. Danny at one point yielded his guitar just like it’s proverbially nickname “AXE”. Man oh man this cat can play. He did all the tricks, behind the back over the head. His band was solid as a brick and right in the pocket. I am looking forward to great things from “Danny and the devils”.

David Gerald from Detroit is a Blues man in every sense of the word and Saturday he showed us all what the blues is all about. David hails from an area of the country that is economically depressed and probably worse than other areas in the country.  I felt this in his music and I find his work intriguing and absolutely well worth going to see and hear even if you have to travel some distance to do it. Pure Gold.

Al Stone came up next and was meet with thundering applause from the audience. The venue was located in Al’s hometown and after twenty years away he was back. Al lives in Jacksonville, Florida and the crowd had not heard him play in a long, long, time. As the heat goes in the sweltering summertime in the everglades so does Al.  His guitar riffs set the stage on fire. I literally saw a guy rush to the fire extinguisher and pretend to use it.  After Al left the stage it took me awhile to realize it was over. He is one of that rare artist’s that stun you and then makes you want him to play again and again.  He did an encore and I was double stunned. .  I like this Guy!!

The Mighty Jimmy Warren

The last act was the Jimmy Warren Band. As Rembrandt is to the oil portrait crowd and Pavarotti to the opera world, Jimmy is to Blues Rock. From his opening fiery almost mystical solo to the last resonance from the last note of the night he captivated the audience. He took us on a roller coaster ride and the ride was stupendous.  He has assembled a band that will go very, very, far. I predict within six months he will be a force to reckon with. You better lookout Trout, look out Bonamassa, lookout new releases from the Hendrix estate Jimmy Warren is knocking at your door.

The night concluded with an after hour Jam session. It featured Vivian Vance Kelly and L V Banks. Just smoking. 

Electro glide Records launched that Saturday night with a rocket headed straight towards the sun. I can’t what to see what’s next. 

Check out Electro Glide Records  Click Here

Terry "Gatorman" Lape

CD Review: The Bluesmasters featuring Mickey Thomas

The Bluesmasters featuring Mickey Thomas

The Bluesmasters featuring Mickey Thomas

(Direct Music Distribution)

By Steve "Fly" Klein

The eleven song CD, The Bluesmasters featuring Mickey Thomas was released today. Tim Tucker (guitarist and producer) has truly assembled a wealth of top players. Tucker and pianist Sean Benjamin (who guests on two tracks of this CD) started The Bluesmasters in 2007 utilizing their past bandmates and contacts throughout the blues world.

First let's review the band:

Tim Tucker's guitar playing shows he's mastered every blues lick, every nuance, and sizzling solo in the great American Blues catalog.

Anysley Dunbar (drums) may be best known for playing in Journey and Jefferson Starship, but few realize he was in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Peter Green and John McVie and was part of the first Jeff Beck Group (frustrated that the band was not playing a strict enough blues set for his taste, he left after their seminal record Truth).

Danny Miranda (bass) has been playing in Blue Oster Cult since 1995 and joined Queen + Paul Rodgers for their album and the 2005 and 2006 tours.

Ric Ulsky (Hammond B3 organ) is a big time keyboardist in bands such as The City Zu and Smokin' Guns and has put in his time touring with such as The Turtles, Spanky & Our Gang, Chuck Berry, and The Coasters to name a few.

Doug Lynn (harmonica) is a famous harp player in both the Omaha and Seattle areas and knew Sean Benjamin back in his days with the Benjamin's band in the late 70s.

And finally, Mickey Thomas (vocals) has made his name as lead singer for Jefferson Starship, but more than a few should remember his turn as the vocalist for the Elvin Bishop Group and their hit "Fooled Around And Fell In Love". Just in case you've forgotten, they've included the hit on this CD.

The CD sets the bar high with the first cut "Cherry Red". Guest musician Sean Benjamin pounds out the blues on the piano while Thomas pushes his vocal chords into a soulful shout. Doug Lynn's harp excellent work rounds out the song.

"Rock Me Baby" sends the proceedings into passing gear with nice Chicago-style harp work by Lynn. While Thomas does a great job of selling the song, I hear echos of the Jeff Beck-era Rod Steward in his voice. While "Fooled Around And Fell In Love" is a bluesed up version that showcases Thomas' nice vocal reinterpretation of the classic and some solid drumming by Dunbar. And be sure to listen for Ric Ulsky's excellent organ work on the Etta James gospel-tinged classic, "I'd Rather Go Blind". Adding guitar to "Get Your Business Straight" and "Can't Get No Grindin'" (plus sharing lead vocals) is the Mississippi-born Magic Slim. These songs loosen up the band a bit and Magic Slim cuts through with his tough guitar tone.

I'd say that Willie Dixon's "Third Degree" and Elmore James' "Over Yonder Wall" are my favorites on the CD. Dunbar and Miranda lay down a nice groove to set the table on "Third Degree", while Tucker's smoky guitar work and Ulsky's B3 set the song on fire. "Over Yoner Wall" features a great performance by the whole band led down the path by Thomas' vocal and Tucker's blistering guitar.

I enjoyed this CD. The musicianship is excellent and the song choice is right on target. On the other side of the coin, the performance is a little too polished; some of the songs seem to be missing a certain edge. I would love to see these guys live, because I believe that is where the magic will be heard.

Check out the songs.

(Chicago, Illinois) This Coming Saturday March 20th there is a huge show coming to my area. Electro Glide Records will be launching it's new label with a CD Release of "No More Promises" the latest from Jimmy Warren and his band. I have a copy playing in my computer as I write this and belief me when I say "This is one hot CD".  

Jimmy Warren Band

Jimmy writes all the material. The first cut is called "Watermelon Money". Jimmy says it was a phrase that his daughter used and he wrote a song about it. Another very interesting cut is called "Darker Side of Grey". It is an instrumental that reminds me of some of the great guitar pickers. I hear Hendrix, Trower, Santana and SRV all rolled into one. Bob Margolin contributes a lead line on "It Ain't Fair".  Jimmy Warren is an artist that will go a long way in this biz. An ex Capital Records executive has come out of retirement to manage him. This executive has said that he has more potential than some top name entertainers and the band can not be touched instrumentally. Mr. Executive has helped with Jimmy's digital distribution. That distribution is set for April 6th when "No More Promises" goes world wide. It can be ordered at Electro Glide Records Website.  Mr. Executive is setting up a meet with the PBS People later in the week.
  

Al Stone is a phenomenal musician that is based out of Jacksonville, Florida.  I have heard excerpts from his soon to be released Cd called "I Want It all".  If Al keeps cranking out CD's like this then he will get it all.  His CD is scheduled to be released May 18 and Al will be at the showcase.  I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing him with Jimmy Warren March 20th.

Chris Beard @ Kingston Mines

A recent  entry to the "Stable' is none other than the legendary blues man Chris Beard. Chris just recently played at the legendary Kingston Mines and I attended. Killer, killer, killer. Chris exploded on stage. He is a true blues man. I have written before about the question, "Where does a musician get the emotion from?" I do not know in Chris's case, but it is the blues and it is as deep as the ocean and as wide as the blue sky.  Chris thank you for your contribution. Unfortunately Chris will not be at the March 20th show. He currently is bluesing it up overseas in the most unlikely of spots. Beirut, Lebanon. He has a one month engagement there. His CD release is scheduled for  May 25.

  "Catch Blues Band" is out of West Virginia and these boys have it going on. Mike Roeder lead guitarist and vocalist is responsible for  most of the original material. I have not heard these guys except for some videos on youtube. What I have heard is outstanding work and they will be opening up the showcase.


There will be a lot going on at this party. Jimmy Warren will be shooting a video for the European TV market. He plans on turning it into a DVD for U. S. distribution.  There will be a raffle for a signed Fender Guitar. All the musicians that play will sign it and if you bring a Sharpie and you win you'll be able to get some more. The $20 ticket price for this raffle will also include a free performance, subject to tour schedule of the "Jimmy Warren Band."  All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Peotone, Illinois food bank. Some of the greatest blues men in the city have been invited and should be in the audience. I will not reveal their names because an invite is an invite. You do not have to come, but if you don't you are going to miss one of the biggest shows to hit the city in a long time.


 Watch the Electro Glide Records  website for upcoming releases. There is a couple of Blues compilation CD's coming out and I have it on good authority that Austin, Texas blues rocker Zak Perry is coming on board. If you have a CD you can submit it to the label. There is directions on the website.   David Gerald will be playing March 20 and will be heard on one of the future Blues CD compilation's.   Yours truly will be Emceeing the whole event and I will be working without a net.
PS Watseka Theater on March 21
Blues Me Or Lose Me,
  Gatorman

John the bassman says "What chord is that?"