MUSINGS & RAMBLINGS

Musings and Ramblings North Bay CALENDAR of Events

Listings for upcoming Notable Shows are near the bottom.

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or our message board at Sonoma Tunes Group.

More complete calendar listings on our Yahoo: Sonoma Tunes Group calendar. It's self-posting, so members, bands, bars/clubs can post gigs and shows. Join the group. Turn off the "recieve Yahoo announcements?" switch.

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Little Milton on NightMusic performing "The Blues Are Alright", with Robben Ford, Marcus Miller, Omar Hakim, and David Sanborn.

John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana - "Things Gonna Change"
Please send in those April and May show listings

May 2008
Bands, please send us your gigs or post them on the Sonoma Tunes Yahoo board calendar!

Sun 5/11

2:00 am-6:00 am Blues before Sunrise on KRCB 91 FM http://krcb.org/listen/listen.html

7:00 am-11:00 am "Breakfast with the Blues" on KVRM, Eugene OR http://www.kvrm.org

12:00 pm-6:00 pm Hellhounds at Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol

2:00 pm-5:00 pm Blues and Jazz at the Plaz, Helen Putnam Plaza, Petaluma

5:00 pm-8:00 pm Brother Cat at Moshin Vineyards, 10295 Westside Road, Healdsburg

5:00 pm-7:00 pm Singer/songwriter showcase, Black Cat, Penngrove

7:00 pm-10:00 pm ****KRSH "Blues with Bowker" 95.9 FM http://www.krsh.com/listen.html

8:00 pm-11:00 pm Goose's Blues Jam at Willowbrook Ale House, Petaluma

8:00 pm-12:00 am Open Mic with Chris Brown at Smiley's Schooner Saloon, Bolinas

Mon 5/12

6:00 pm-9:00 pm *Blue Monday with Sonny Lowe and Phil Ajioka at Sonoma County Golf Park, Cotati

7:00 pm-11:00 pm Open Mic at Pink Elephant, Monte Rio

7:00 pm-11:00 pm *Billy Dunn's Blues Jam at Sausalito Cruising Club, Sausalito

8:00 pm-11:00 pm *Pro Jam hosted by Donny Mederos at Tradewinds, Cotati

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at 19 Broadway, Fairfax

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at Cafe Amsterdam, Fairfax

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at Peri's, Fairfax

Tue 5/13

7:00 pm-9:30 pm Jon Popenoe Blues Band at Murphy's Irish Pub, Sonoma

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

9:00 pm-12:00 am Open mic at Jasper's, Sebastopol

Wed 5/14

7:00 pm-11:00 pm SC Blues Society Jam at Last Day Saloon., Santa Rosa

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

8:00 pm-11:00 pm Infamous open mic at Black Cat Cafe, Penngrove

8:30 pm-12:30 am Open Mic at Calistoga Inn

9:00 pm-10:00 pm "Fog City Blues" on KALW 91.7 FM, San Francisco http://www.kalw.org

9:00 pm-11:00 pm "Blues With a Feeling" with Scott Nickel on KGGV FM 95.1 FM, Guerneville

Thu 5/15

6:00 pm-9:00 pm Mark McDaonald and Friends at Ace Pub, Graton

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

8:00 pm-10:00 pm Blues Up the River KGGV 95.1FM, Guerneville http://www.kggvfm.org

9:30 pm-1:30 am Open Mic at 19 Broadway, Fairfax

Fri 5/16

1:00 pm-3:00 pm "Two Steps from the Blues" Fridays, 1-3 pm on KUSP http://www.kusp.org/

4:30 pm-6:30 pm Otis Scarecroe Happy Hour at Peri's, Fairfax

4:30 pm-8:00 pm Willy Holtom at The Juicery, San Rafael

6:00 pm-9:00 pm Raymond Victor Trio at Gracie's BBQ,--Sonoma Blvd and Virginia Street, Vallejo

7:00 pm-10:00 pm Open Mic at Ace-in-the-Hole Pub, Graton

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Gwen "Sugar Mama" Avery at Main Street Station, Guerneville

8:00 pm-10:00 pm Rhythm and Roots- on KRCB 91 FM http://www.krcb.org/listen/listen.html

8:00 pm-10:00 pm "The South Side" on KHUM Ferndale 104.7 / 104.3 FM http://www.khum.com/fsetstr

8:30 pm-11:30 pm Redbud at Ruth McGowan's Brewpub, Cloverdale

9:00 pm-12:00 am ****"Crazy About the Blues" on KCSM San Mateo http://www.kcsm.org

9:00 pm-12:00 am Ron Joseph Stepping Stone Band at Calistoga Inn, Calistoga

9:00 pm-1:00 am Boogie Aces at Forestville club, Forestville

9:00 pm-12:00 am **The Pulsators at Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol

9:00 pm-1:00 am Ralph Woodson (Jimi Hendrix tribute) at Quincy's Pub, Rohnert Park

9:30 pm-1:30 am Bobby Young Project at Tradewinds, Cotati

Sat 5/17

2:00 am-6:00 am Blues before Sunrise on KRCB 91 FM http://krcb.org/listen/listen.html [Edit] [Delete]

9:00 am-12:00 pm ****"Blues with a Feeling" w Byrd of Paradise KSZU 90.1 FM, http://kzsu.stanford.edu

11:00 am-2:00 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Mama's Royal Cafe, Mill Valley

12:00 pm-2:00 pm ****Tom Mazzolini's "Blues By the Bay" on KPFA 94.1 FM, http://www.kpfa.org

1:00 pm-4:00 pm Open Mic w/ Richelle Hart at Ruth McGowans Brew Pub, Cloverdale

1:00 pm-5:00 pm Brother Cat at Alexander Valley Winery, Hwy 128, Healdsburg

1:00 pm-4:00 pm J. L. Stiles at Marin Brewing, Larkspur Landing

2:00 pm-5:00 pm Blues & Jazz in the Plazz, Helen Putnam Plaza, Petaluma

4:00 pm-6:00 pm "Rollin' and Tumblin' Radio" on KUSP http://www.kusp.org/

6:00 pm-9:00 pm Alvon on the patio at Calistoga Inn, Calistoga

7:00 pm-11:00 pm Tom Bowers Band at Sausalito Cruising Club, Sausalito

7:00 pm-11:00 pm Wendy DeWitt at Saylor's Cabo Wabo Room, Sausalito

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

8:00 pm-12:00 am Brother Cat at Alexander Valley Grange Hall, Route 128, Geyserville

8:30 pm-11:30 pm *Maria Muldaur at Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio

8:30 pm-12:30 am The Linda Ferro Band and the Bluesburners at Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa

8:30 pm-11:30 pm *Hellhounds at Black Rose Pub, Santa Rosa

8:30 pm-12:30 am *Linda Ferro Band and the Bluesburners at Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa

8:30 pm-11:30 pm Manzanita Moon at Ruth McGowan's Brewpub, Cloverdale

9:00 pm-12:00 am *Layce Baker & The Black Diamond Band at Calistoga Inn, Calistoga

9:00 pm-1:00 am Gail Mojo Blues Band at Peri's, Fairfax

9:00 pm-1:00 am *Eugene Huggins Band at Presidio Yacht Club, Sausalito

9:00 pm-1:00 am James Mosely Band at Spanky's, Cotati

9:30 pm-1:30 am Ralph Woodson (Jimi Hendrix tribute) at Tradewinds, Cotati

Sun 5/18

2:00 am-6:00 am Blues before Sunrise on KRCB 91 FM http://krcb.org/listen/listen.html

7:00 am-11:00 am "Breakfast with the Blues" on KVRM, Eugene OR http://www.kvrm.org

1:00 pm-4:00 pm Jenny Kerr Band at Marin Brewing, Larkspur Landing

2:00 pm-5:00 pm Blues & Jazz in the Plazz, Helen Putnam Plaza, Petaluma

5:00 pm-7:00 pm Singer/songwriter showcase, Black Cat, Penngrove

5:00 pm-8:00 pm James Moseley (R&B) at Sweetwater Station, Larkspur

7:00 pm-10:00 pm ****KRSH "Blues with Bowker" 7pm-10pm 95.9 FM http://www.krsh.com/listen.html

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Gwen Sugar Mama Avery at Main Street Station, Guerneville

8:00 pm-11:00 pm Goose's Blues Jam at Willowbrook Ale House, Petaluma

8:00 pm-12:00 am Open Mic with Chris Brown at Smiley's Schooner Saloon, Bolinas

8:00 pm-11:00 pm California Honeydrops in the bar at Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio

9:00 pm-12:00 am Sugar Shack R&B at Russian River Brewing, Santa Rosa

Mon 5/19

6:00 pm-9:00 pm *Blue Monday with Sonny Lowe and Phil Ajioka at Sonoma County Golf Park, Cotati

7:00 pm-11:00 pm Repeating Open Mic at Pink Elephant, Monte Rio

7:00 pm-11:00 pm *Billy Dunn's Blues Jam at Sausalito Cruising Club, Sausalito

8:00 pm-11:00 pm *Pro Jam hosted by Donny Mederos at Tradewinds, Cotati

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at 19 Broadway, Fairfax

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at Cafe Amsterdam, Fairfax

9:00 pm-1:00 am Open Mic at Peri's, Fairfax

Tue 5/20

7:30 pm-10:30 pm Frederick Nighthawk at Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville

9:00 pm-12:00 am Open mic at Jasper's, Sebastopol

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Notable Upcoming Shows

So, Rolfy, what do those asterisks mean anyway?

There is no real system, it's just me, sometimes I forget. I pretty much have to see the band before I rate them.

In general, one star means they are a decent band that gave a good performance when I saw them and are worth seeing. Also, proven bands with a weekly gig somewhere (rare now) automatically get one star.
Two stars means I think they're really worth seeing.
Three stars means they are a top band and really worth seeing at the venue listed.
Four stars means usually they are a National Band at the top of their performance or else a very top regional star in a very fine setting.
Five stars means they sit at the right hand of God. Or are a Really Big Act at a Big Festival or major venue. B.B. King gets five stars.

Obey orders! Join the Sonoma Tunes Yahoo Group, you'll love it!

Political Blues: the Blog! Donna and Rolf write about moron politicians and other stuff

Just some ramblin' by mo....(4/08)

I hadn't been out to hear the blues on a regular basis like I used. Lots of personal crap goin' on in my life so I have been just staying home and trying to regroup. I do venture out every so often but it's almost as if I've gotta force myself out the damn door anymore. The excitement of it all doesn't seem to exist for me anymore either. The passion gone. For now anyway.
I do listen to the blues at home all the time but to get out and face the public has proven difficult. But, I've been enjoying my time at home alone. Fixing up "Mo's Palace" , working, and just learning to be alone is what I've been up too. It has indeed been a learning experience.
I never worried about missing out on anything on the live blues scene because it's like I always say....it'll always be there when I'm ready to get back out there. That's the one thing in life that is always dependable- The Blues.

And if I do get out, I haven't been writing about it. I haven't felt like putting myself out there to be honest. When you share your feelings, it's out there for others to blast and I just felt too weak to deal with the lashings.
But I do have the urge to share a few things right now about a couple shows so here they are;

]]> The weekend before last, I ventured out to hear Daniel Castro at the Last Day Saloon. They had an opener by the name of David M'ore and that was wild.
The guy can rip on the guitar. I mean rip!
Yep, he was pretty wild. He ventured into that Hendrix style and I do believe I heard some Chris Duarte and Kenny Wayne Shepard stuff in the mix too. He played that guitar every which way, behind his back, with his hat, on the floor while working the pedals with his other hand, with his shirt off, he was a trip. He fooled around too much with his pedals and stuff and that was annoying but he was pretty darn good. 'Leave the damn pedals alone and just play' is what I was thinking. I love when a guitar player just plugs in with no gadgets and crap, and plays the blues the way it was supposed to played.

After that wild set, Daniel came on to show us all how it's really done. He had Billy Hancock on keys and I really like his style. Real nice blues piano. T on drums and Glade on bass. What a great band!!
I was pretty wiped by the middle of the Daniel's set but hung in there. This why I don't like openers. They take up valuable bluesin' time ;-) Oh shit....did I just say that? Anything past 9pm is past my bedtime these days.

He had David up for the last two songs of his set and that was worth sticking around for. Together, David and Daniel did the best version of "All Along the Watchtower" I've ever heard. Daniel really calmed him down quite a bit.
They would be battling, trading off with one another and it was one challenging the other. Daniel had him backed in a corner at one point, and David came back on the defense then stopped to play with them damn pedals and Daniel said, "You don't need that crap, come on, play!' and that was when the magic really started happening. I love the way Daniel pushes, pokes, and challenges others' up there with him.
Definitely no huge ego with him. I'm glad I stuck around for that. Pretty good night at the Last Day Saloon.

The next night I went out to hear The Aces at the Tradewinds.
I just love that same old blues crap. It's hypnotic. Don't know what else to say about this band that I haven't said a bunch of times already except.....You guys are definitely one of my favorites around these here parts. Mississippi Delta Punk Blues with an attitude. Everyone sounded great and that Skye on harp has been sounding really good these days. Just wish David Burke would venture out on his own more because he is that good. Sure, he's a big part of that Aces sound but to hear his lead guitar is the best!!

This weekend I went out again. I wasn't gonna go out at all on Friday but had heard that The English Gentleman, Sir Charles Wheal, was going to be at Jasper's on Friday so that was a must. It had been a long while since seeing him last. He never gets up this way and this was a treat. He was a "blues survivor" and played with Mark Hummel for years. He left the Survivors and ventured out on his own more. He had with him on this night one all star line up!! Gary Silva on drums, Steve Wolf on bass, John Peterson on harp and of course, Sir Charles on guitar and vocals. What a fabulous band this was!!
Man....Charles is soundin' better than ever!! His style is so sweet. It's soft, precise, and just real clean blues guitar. Sweet, sensual stuff for sure. That was probably the best two sets of blues guitar I've heard in some time. And I mean in some time.
The crowd was sparse at Jasper's and mostly inattentive. That was a shame. Youngsters just don't get it.

Lastnight, I went out to hear one of my favorites around here and that was the Sorentinos. Not always the blues but when they decide to throw a blues number out there, they do it well. That Danny Sorenetino is one of the best songwriters around. At their shows, I find myself not dancing so much but just standing there, watching and listening to the stories. I don't like being distracted because I don't want to miss the story. And that Howard on lead guitar can rip!! I mean the guy can really play!! The whole band is tops and always a great show from the Sorentinos. I love Danny's drawl in his singing and I don't think I've fully appreciated his harp playing until lastnight. He'll pick it up every so often thru out the night.
The song, "Million Pills" was my favorite of the night and I think the crowd agreed. What a great job they did on that one!
I just love this band.

That's it for now. Next weekend is Levi Lloyd on Friday, the 10th, and A Case of the Willy's on Saturday, the 11th, at The Tradewinds. It's also the owner's, Tony's, birthday.
Saturday the 11th, is a real dilemma with One More Mile at Jasper's, Volker Strifler at Rancho Nicasio...what's a blues hound to do??
It sure is nice not having to venture down to the city or the eastbay for blues. Got lots of great stuff going on right here in our own backyard. I'd rather give the money for gas, tolls and parking to the bands and stay close to home. Sure would be nice to see more of my favorites from down that way get up here and play for us though.
I am gonna get my metal fix too. Coming up at the Last Day Saloon is Tantric and these guys rock!! I can't believe Tantric is gonna be there. I've been really enjoying some metal these days. Not the death metal or anything but that melodic metal. The Last Day Saloon has a real variety of music and Thank You Dave for throwing in the blues every so often. I do enjoy your place especially when the dancefloor is open ;-)

Well...burnin' daylight. Gotta get to work on my palace now. I scraped the popcorn crap off the ceiling and retextured it and now it's time to put some primer down.
Got rid of all the wallpaper too. I hate popcorn crap and wallpaper. I went for the rough texture look because smooth texture is very hard to do on a ceiling and I can't afford to pay anyone to do it. The livingroom is now "swirly" and it looks awesome! Just have to decide on colors and blues bud, Terri, is gonna do a mural on one wall for me. She's an artist and is very good at what she does. It's gonna be awesome if I ever get the damn room done. The carpet is coming out last to expose the hardwood floors underneath and they will be refinished. For that, I will hire someone.

Have a great week and hope to see some of yous out there on the blues trail.....
mo

Sonny and Phil at the Golf Club, and Donny's Pro Jam

By Anne Exton
March 11, 2008

I stopped in to hear Sonny Lowe and Phil Ajioka playing Monday night at the Sonoma County Golf Club in Cotati. It's a low key, early in the week gig. The regular customers at the bar loved the music. I heard countless murmurs, even declarations of, "Really good music", and "This is great!"

Sonny was in very good form; his harp licks are refreshing and brimming with feeling. It's so good to hear him again! It was great to hear him, and he'd playing well and he looks to be woodshedding increasing his chops.

He's sharing leads with Phil whose virtuosity shines. Phil's slide guitar work is a real stand out, very authentic and full of integrity.

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Not quite ready to quit, I pushed on to the Tradewinds where Donny Mederos presides over an invitational Monday night jam. This one was dynamic!

The Winds bandstand and most of the floor was virtually occupied by A-1 musicians. Two keyboards, two guitars, bass, tenor, trumpet, harmonica, conga and vocals trading off and sometimes all blowing together.

Donny's a terriffic organizer, conductor, however you call it, he managed to coordinate multiple, excellent solos without ever losing momentum. I think the crowd was having more fun than anybody should on a Monday!

I'll be back.

A month or so in review....by:Mo (1/08)

Wow!
What a month it has been too!!
Not just musically speaking either. Although, I did manage to get a few blues shows in and for starters it was Craig Horton at the Saloon about four weeks back on a Tuesday night. I can't even remember who I went with, it was so long ago.
I do remember one thing though and that was that Steve Gannon on second guitar was most excellent! I don't recall Steve sounding so damn good. He's always been good but I don't remember that good.
It was great to finally catch up to Craig again too. He was soundin' pretty good. His singing always sweet.
One other thing I remember too and that was the drums on that night were way to fast and loud for Craig's style. It seemed to be drowning him out and even seemed to be throwing him off, or distracting him, if you will.
Just a personal observation.
Craig has a pretty laid back style. I for one....love it.
It was great to be back in the city at the Saloon.

]]> The following Friday, somewhere around the 30th of Nov., I went down to the Larkspur theater cafe to see Volker Strifler and band. What a cool venue that is! Great sound, nice dance floor in front of the stage, cozy feel to the place.
The band was soundin' better than ever on that night. You could feel the excitement in them and one could even tell that big things are in store for these guys.
I went with Teri and it was an honor to be with her when she became a Grandma for the very first time.
Congratulations once again, Teri!
A beautiful baby, girl!!
That was cool.
Real nice night and like I said....the band was soundin' real tight, all of them, and V really stepped up on that guitar this time 'round and it was real nice to hear that again. A musical genius, he is. Awesome night. The guy writes some really fine material and from what I've heard, loads of it that has not even been played yet. He's always changin' songs up on ya too. Just hope he keeps remembering that he is Volker Strifler and I hope this doesn't sound harsh, and yes, it is called the Volker Strifler "Band" but still, he's the main attraction. Don't be passing out the songs to all on stage. Keep his vocals and guitar as the main feature for most the show. This night at the Larkspur Theater cafe was a great example. Did I mention what a great night it was already?

The following week I drove to Kansas to see my Son come home from Iraq. Drove his truck so he could have it there at Ft. Riley while stationed there. I knew he was comin' home on leave soon afterwards but I really didn't want him drivin' back there from here by himself in the dead of winter. Besides, I wanted to see him get off the bus with the rest of the company.
The drive back there was hairy and I was glad we didn't have to the drive back home. It was during that icestorm they had around Okalahoma and Kansas. I drove down to San Diego to pick up my brother first. We headed over I-8 and at the top there of the summit between the coastal region and the desert, it was snowing. Not a good sign. Headed into Arizona and it was beautiful complete with rainbows and big billowy clouds. Got on I-17 goin north and wouldn't you know it....a blizzard in flagstaff! Got through that, slow but steady and no chains, and they closed the hwy soon after we passed. That one there caught everyone off guard.
Got to I-40 and headed east through some of the most dense fog I've ever been in.
Headed NE on 54 and it was nuthin' but ice, slush and more ice.
Stupid Californians, we forget to put some of that anti-freeze stuff in the wiper reservoir and it froze up. No solution whatsoever and nothing but sand, dirt, salt made up a nice icy concoction that covered our windshield pretty much for hundreds of miles. Learned a trick just to clear the windshield real quick and that was to come up on a bigrig and let them hit you with some roadspray and turn on the wipers real fast. That usually worked for a minute.

Made it to Riley and there we stayed, held up in Motel 6 for a few days. There were many delays getting the troops home due to the weather. They finally made it, safe and sound. A nice short ceremony and then the families were reunited. I was hopin' they would keep the ceremony short because I could tell, if they didn't, there was no holding back the families for long. They were ready to rush the formation!! It was a real nice moment.
Although I wouldn't want to live in it, Icestorms are beautiful!!
It looks so fragile yet it's so harsh. Everything is encased in glass it looks like. Like a big crystal wonderland. Not snow-covered but glassy. I really felt for the trees all broken and fallen from the weight of the ice but mostly I felt for the folks who had no power for days. On the final day there, a big thaw was happening and let me tell you.....that is more dangerous than the icestorm!! Heads-up!!
That was indeed an experience I will not soon forget.

Got home and thank goodness I wasn't in Kansas anymore!!
There's no place like home.

Looked on the blues calendars and what I saw coming up had me all excited and I didn't even have to leave the county.

I went to Tradewinds on the 15th to hear some Michael Barclay Blues Band. I'm telling you this and I swear it's no lie.....this is by far the best I've heard him in a loooong time!
Hot damn....he was on fire!! The whole band had his back too. It was euphoric, built up and didn't let up at all until the song was over.
What a great night that was.
The whole night pretty much featured the featured artist, imagine that!!
Kent Fossgreen, bassman extraordinaire was MIA and missed. Who they had in his place was no slouch though. Steve Winter, I think his name was, and he was fantastic. The whole band was soundin' great but that Michael is who I went to hear and did I get an ear full!
Thank you Michael and band for some killer blues but mostly.... Michael... I want to Thank you for that killer guitar work. Yep, he still reigns as 'King of Sonoma County Blues' in my book.

The next night, a Sunday night, was the Fabulous Thunderbirds at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma. I didn't see that one coming until I got back from Kansas and I got really excited about it. The T-Birds has Kirk "Eli" Fletcher with them these days and he is, in my book, one of the best blues guitarist out these days. I love his style and it really gets to me. He doesn't sing but he sure can make that guitar do some singing. The last time I saw the T-Birds, they had Nick Curran on the "other" guitar along with Kirk, but Nick is no longer with them. In his place was Johnny Moeller. I had heard of him but not familiar with his stuff. He, and his brother on drums, were there on this night.
I noticed that Kim Wilson likes to keep a more rockin', faster player on his left and a more tradional blues guitarist on his right. I love his right side best.
That Kirk got to really shine if not for just one song and that, to me, was worth all the wait. The whole song was his and did he ever make it his own. Man, can that guy play!! It was a pretty good night, I guess. Not enough Kirk though. In the second set, Kim asked Elvin Bishop up and that pretty much killed any more chances of hearing some more Kirk. I do love Elvin though. Elvin & Kirk were standing next to one another, trading off some serious licks and riffs. Elvin does have a strong stage presence, no doubt.
They broke into "Tough Enough" and that's when I decided I had "Had Enough" and bailed.
A pretty decent night from the T-Birds.
Being a Sunday and all, they should have skipped the opener and just had the featured band play earlier so us older workin' folks could get a decent nights sleep.

The next weekend was almost a flop as far as my blues ventures go.
I went out Saturday to hear the Aces at Jasper's in Sebastopol, once again. They were so good the last couple of times I've seen them. My plan was to hit them for a set and half or so and then inch closer to home for the Sorentinos' Christmas party at the Tradewinds. They are not necessarily the blues but what a great band that does some rock, folk, Americana and they'll throw in some blues too.
I just love the Sorentinos and that Danny Sorentino sure can write some great songs.
Anyway...I got to Jasper's, fashionably late because I know they always start later than they're supposed to. They didn't start until almost 10:30!! Everything was set up and ready to go so I wasn't gettin' it. They played what seemed like a short set and then it was already breaktime. I left because my time is valuable to me and especially bluesin' time and sleeptime.
I stopped at Tradewinds for one awesome set from the Sorentinos. It was so warm and cozy in the 'winds on this night. The crowd felt good and the spirits "High".
The Aces will be at the Tradewinds this coming weekend I think I saw on Rolf's calendar so maybe this will be a better night for them. it just didn't seem to run as tight as the last couple shows I've seen of theirs lately.

The following week, I broke my toe and tore a ligament. That was Christmas eve. That shit there hurt!! I got a few days off out of it so why not go down to the city to hear some blues, right?
I did after a couple of days of pain and healing. I went to the Saloon on Thursday night to hear some Steve Freund. I love going down there on the weeknights best but gettin' up at 4am kind of puts a damper on that.
I must say that that was the best I've heard Freund in a while. it was a trio, Steve, Burton Winn on bass and Robi bean on drums. What a trio it was!! Most times, he'll start out a trio in the first set and then start inviting people up but not on this night....no siree! it was nuthin' but Freund....Freund....Freund....lettin us have it on that guitar. He was absolutely killing me on that thing although I'm still alive. I couldn't do much dancing and jumping's around and that was hard. What an incredible night by Steve Freund. the guy really puts himself out there these days, and takes all sorts of risks and man....do they ever pay off. To my ears anyway.
Thank You, Steve!

The following night, a Friday, I went to the Forsetville Club to hear Eric Lindell. I hadn't seen him in years. I was most curious to hear his new sound from old days of the Reds and he's since then signed on to Alligator Records and doing some touring, lived in New Orleans for awhile, so all of those things told me, "Mo, go check him out". Besides, I was tired of hangin' out at the house.
He's sounds really good these days.
He had a guitarist by the name of Marc Ford with him and this guy was awesome!!! he and Eric were both awesome. They play off each other well without crowding the each other. I loved the sound, plenty of blues and I have to admit, I was quite skeptical. Sure, some of his stuff has that reggae/world beat flavor but he always brings it back to the blues. Yep, plenty of it. Highly danceable stuff too.
Yes indeed, it's good to see Eric doin' good for himself.

I left there after a set and headed towrds home but decided to make a quick stop at Spanky's in Cotati to hear some Levi Lloyd.
I walked in and the joint reeked of stale beer. I've never smelled it that strong in there before. It was a bit much.
Levi was sounding good. It was a nice set of Levi & his second guitarist, Jeff, trading it off. Mostly though, it was Levi. He really puttin' it out for the small and mostly inattentive crowd.

I guess I should've stayed at Eric's show but I was wanting to get home anyway.
Across the street at tradewinds was....that's right....DJ night. Yep, DJ on a Friday night. That was a sad sight.

The following night, (yep, three in a row) was Daniel Castro at the Last Day Saloon.
Oh my god!!!
This was anight NOT to be missed!! T. Moran was with him on drums (Thank you, Jesus ;-) and
Glade Rasmussen on bass. Mike Emerson was not with him, and missed, but you know what.....?
This guy Billy Hancock is phenomenal!! A keeper for sure. What a sound. I just love that traditional blues piano sound. He just held it real steady and built off the band and backed Danny beautifully. What a fine, fine player.
I felt I was being worked over and it felt great!
It was like going to church too. Daniel's shows are always like that for me anyway. that's why I love just a whole night of nuthin' but Daniel and band. No jams, no sit-in's, just Daniel. I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night of Daniel Castro.
Thanks Gang!!
Did I mention that guy named Billy Hancock? Oh my.....
A whole two long sets of power house blues. What broken toe??
A pretty decent crowd, a very appreciative too, and the floor was full of dancers.
What a great way to start the New Year!

So, there it is....all caught up now.
Besides all the bluesin, I've had much goin' on around here. I'm really enjoying my adult children and just hangin' out with them while I have the chance. The soldier boy is doin' well, seems emotionally sound, doesn't complain about nuthin', and is just happy to be home.
I asked him if he missed his M-16 and he said that is the hardest thing to get used to so far.
Shoot...I can imagine after eating, sleeping, and shitting with that thing for 15 months, one would feel a little vulnerable and defenseless when it's taken away. I tried to get him a toy one for Christmas as a joke but hell....I can't find a toy gun no where!!
He's stateside for a least a year and then he'll probably do one more tour before getting out. I'm thinking next time...Pakistan??

So, I got an ipod for Christmas. I knew it was time for one at work when my partner and I got into a disagreement about the music at work. Sure, I play blues a lot. Shoot, no one else puts anything on the player there. I get tired of trying to make everyone happy playing DJ and playing crap I really don't want to hear, so we hear more blues than most there want to hear. My partner says to me not so long ago, he said, "Mo, you've got your head so far up the ass of the blues, you don't see nothin' else!"
At first I got upset and then I thought about it and came to the conclusion that it was a compliment, I guess.
So, I have an ipod now loaded with nuthin' but the blues baby! Still not full yet but it will be.
It is so cool because I can hear stuff I've never heard before in a song that I've heard hundreds of times. Lots of details that I miss on my crappy sound system at home and in the car. Nice head phones I purchased separately, very convenient by just putting it in my pocket, and better yet....I can tune the world out. Maybe that's not healthy but it works for me and keeps me out of trouble there.

Man, did I ramble on!
Thanks for listenin' if you made this far.
Have a great New Year and see ya on the blues trail......

,
Mo

Ramblin'/Guitar Shorty/The Aces! by:mo (11/07)

Yep....I'm still here.
I tell you what....I've been busier these days then when I was rearin' kids!
I think I'm doin' it intentionally just to keep my mind from chatterin' too much.
Lots has been goin' on around here though.

I've got my fence almost done with the help of a friend from work. Pretty cheaply I might add. I'd say it's the best damn fence on the street!
Been workin' on the rooms one by one too. There's some cool old Oak floors under the ratty old carpet. I have come to really hate carpet. So far, the floors that have been "exposed" aren't in too bad a shape. Definitly need to be refinished one day when all the carpet is out of the house.

Gettin ready for my soldier to come home from Iraq next month. This is very exciting!! Yep, it's been almost 15 months already. He's not out of the Army yet, about half way through his enlistment, and will probably do another tour before gettin' out. He has no regrets, never complains about it (even with the pathetic pay they get), but he's pretty sure he's not re-enlisting.
I worry about the readjustment but....I worry about everything.

]]> I was on "The Blues with Bowker" show on the KRUSH a couple of Sundays ago. You want to talk about nervous!!!
I still can't believe I was on the show.
It was most surreal, sitting there in the studio, blues a playin', all the Cds laid out everywhere, autographed photos hanging all over the walls, posters too, and Bill sittin' there doin' his DJ thing. It was really cool watching him.
The song that was playing when I walked in was Brenda Boykin's, "Home Cookin' with Anthony Paule playing guitar on it. That was really weird because it was Anthony Paule's Cds I had brought along has one of my favorites in the bay area. Bill played a couple songs off of them after the spot. I just have this Paule itch that I need scratched here and soon.
I do know one thing, I talk really fast when I'm nervous. I threw a cassette in the player and pushed record right before I left my house for the studio and by golly I got it on there. Barely, but I made it. I didn't have anybody here to record it for me. The kids asked me to record it so they could hear it when they come and besides I never heard myself on the radio before, so I wanted it too. I'm hopin' I'm a bit more relaxed on the next one. I guess he just wants to talk about the blues scene, shows, and stuff like that, once a month for a short spot. It is a real honor to be on his show that's for sure. I tried to get out of it a few times but then I figured I'd regret at least not trying it. Life is short so why the hell not, right?
It had been in the works for a couple of months but I didn't say anything but to a few people. To be honest, I didn't want anybody to hear the first one at all.
It was really cool hangin' with Bill for that spot. He made it easier than I thought it'd be. As I was leaving, he was talkin' to the listeners and he played something off of Steve Freund and Dave Specter's, "Is What it Is".
Great to see so much support for the local blues players.

On another note....
I'm not a huge MySpace person although everyone and their mama has a page. I wouldn't even have a space if it weren't for my Soldier boy over there. It's how we keep in touch and I am VERY thankful to MySpace for it.
My page was blank for the longest and the kid said, "Mom, please let me Pimp out your page. it's boring!". So I let him. He put a few things on there for me and at least now there's something on it.
The most amazing thing to me though was that a friend from 4th-6th grade, found me on Myspace! We're talking 30 plus years ago.
It is stirring up all kinds of childhood crap since we've talked. Things I would've rather left buried but aaah well, it was really good to hear from her.
That MySpace is pretty neat. I love you, Tom! Thanks for keeping soldiers' families connected. It is used by many of them.

I haven't been out much but I did go to see Guitar Shorty at the Last Day Saloon last Saturday night.
I was really anticipating this show because The Aces were opening too!
The Aces were so good. It's really great to see them out and about again and in such top form. Hope they can keep it going for awhile. They played one hell of a set that had me in a frenzy at times. I just loved that hypnotic delta stuff. They add some attitude to it and like they say, it's "Mississippi Romp Punk Blues".
Derek Irving is awesome on guitar, and Dave Burke drives the song playing that rhythm/bass bit with Mike Gutch on drums, but man....I would love to hear David featured on guitar for a song or two because he's that good too!!
Skye O'Bannon is soundin' real fine these days on them vocals and especially on that harp.
I was really sorry to have missed their gig the previous night at the Black Cat bar and I was real close to going but knew I had a big day the next day.
Great set by the Aces. They have a gig coming up at Jasper's on Nov. 24th.

Shorty was...well....should I?
I don't know...let's see...
...off, he was off.
It was not a good night for Guitar Shorty. It started bad from the get-go.
I got there at 8pm and the doors weren't open yet.The Aces were to start at 8:30 but Shorty had just gotten there after getting lost, I had heard. They were unloading as I was sittin' outside watching. If only I had a camera because there was one shot that was worth a thousand words. Shorty walkin towards me, behind him he was pulling a big keyboard case it looked like. Shorty in his get-up just draggin' this bigass thing told the tale of weary bluesman. He had the look of a bluesman that has been on the road for many a decades. He looked tired but true to this life he has led. That's what I saw anyway.
I was wonderin if I should go see if they needed help since no one that worked there was. I felt sorry for them. I always want to help when I see musicians working like that. Is it OK to ask? I may be small but I sure can haul. I do know one thing....if I had a venue I would accommodate the musicians more and help with the loading and unloading. There were a few very capable candidates just hanging around the doors. To watch Shorty parallel park the big van with trailer was amazing too. You could tell he has done it more than a few times because it was tight but he made it look so easy.
The band got set up and did pretty good time so The Aces could start.

After the Aces though, it took Shorty forever to come on. I think he even got locked outside the stage door at one point, maybe even two. No one was there to assist him around the back area. He had amp problems, took forever to come on, left the stage for too long, playing was off, it just was not a good night for Guitar Shorty. We did indeed get a few glimpses of what an excellent performer he really is but there was just that.....a few. His band sounded great and I just know the next time he comes around, things will be better for Shorty. Like I said, the night was going bad for him from the get-go.
Thank goodness for Ronnie Jean keepin' a eye on Shorty. She tried her best, even with hands tied a couple of times. She was so cute. Even wearing her Guitar Shorty T-shirt, she couldn't get backstage to go help the poor guy. Ronnie.... I love ya, sis! Thank you for helping him.
The crowd was pretty darn good on this night and that was great to see. Lots of dancers and lots of familiar blues lovin' faces.

I was pretty fried and lost momentum before long so I left before it all ended. I wanted to go to Michael Barclay at the Tradewinds but never made it. I could barely keep my one lazy eye open. It's been too long since seeing Michael Barclay and the next time they play, it's a must.
Next show for me is Applejack and Blues Power at the Tradewinds this Saturday. I love these guys. Saturday is a tough one. So many to choose from including HellHounds at a club I've never been to yet- The Toad in the Hole. I wonder...do they have a dance floor/area? I need to go scope that place out.
Bill Noteman is at Jasper's too.
I'm sorry but I need my Applejack fix and it's hard getting down to the city anymore.

That's it from me, I'm goin' to bed now.
Thanks for lettin' me ramble.

Later,
mo

Little Johnny Taylor/Blues Bud Lenny. By:Mo (9/07)

I was at my blues buddy, Lenny's, house the other day. I visit him every now & then. I should more often, no excuse really, but I promise to more often from this point on.
You see....this guy has turned me on to so much blues I would of never discovered on the national blues scene.
Locally? I think I've done pretty good. I keep him updated on that scene for he doesn't get out at all anymore. Health problems and disabilities, seclusion, you know....life.
I just love this guy and take his friendship for granted.

He's full blood Italian, grew up in South Philly, 50 something years old, you get my point. Hard core blues fan. Some thrills from Doo-Wap too.
First time I met him, maybe ten plus years ago, he was workin' the production line, I was workin' the cafeteria.
I'm down doing something behind the counter, he's walkin' in with the lunchtime crew singin' "Boom, Boom, Boom..." and I pop up and respond, "Gonna shoot ya right down..." and that was all she wrote.
At that time I was dabblin' in the blues gettin' my feet wet on the local scene and he introduced more national stuff. He had subscriptions to all the blues magazines at that time, buys lots of CDs, religiously listens to what blues radio shows he can get......That's Lenny.
Sure wish he had a computer!!
Man, a whole new blues world would open for him.
Oh my god.....look out. You think I'm bad!
He's the one that made me what I am. It's all Lenny's fault. As a matter of fact...Lenny was the one to turn me onto Nick Moss for the first time. You want to talk about a Nick Moss fan??!!

]]> Anyway...
We sometimes swap CDs, usually me loaning him all the local ones I pick up. He would never hear of most of them if it wasn't for me bringing them over and telling him about the shows. He don't get out anymore.
I asked him if he had any Little Johnny Taylor and I never ask him to borrow CDs.
I don't like the whole responsibility thing..... I don't know.

He looked at me strange and said, "I don't know, Mo. I don't think you'll like him. He's too soulful, a lot of R&B for you, I bet."
Kinda feeling insulted, I said, "I don't know, I just love his singing and I'm in that mood I guess".

We went back & forth about it for a few and he tried to give me Johnny Copeland and John Littlejohn saying that I would like them better. Sure I like Johnny Clyde and can't wait to become more familiar with John Littlejohn, but I was just in the mood for that voice of Johnny Taylor. There was no talkin' me out of it, although he tried.
So I got out of there with Little Johnny Taylor's Greatest Hits, (Galaxy years) and two each of Johnny Copeland and John Littlejohn. Seems to be a lot of "Johnny's" in this piece for some reason. Weird.

I don't think I've listened to the others but for a minute just yet, because I can't seem to get away from that Little Taylor. Some tasty horn arrangements and the guitar work on some of those numbers is just down-right twitter-pating!
According to the linear notes by Lee Hildebrand, who's playing on the songs is obscure. Arthur Wright, a studio guitarist, is on many I guess. Never heard of him but he's great if it's indeed him.
I'm glad I finally got the message about Little Johnny Taylor. Come to find out about him, he sang in church for many years before recording as a blues artist and playing clubs. Thus the reason I felt the need to submerge myself into his music, I guess.
For I have seen the light when this guy wails and it was healing!

Yep.... just in the mood I guess.
Funny how one's taste in the blues is forever evolving. So many shades and flavors.
I'm outta here. Gonna go read this piece on Little Johnny Taylor by Lee on the sleeve a bit better, give Little Johnny a break and blast some old Nick Moss while I paint.

Later,
Mo

Just Some Ramblin'.....by:Mo (10/21/07)

It's been a few weeks since going out to hear some blues. Lots of stuff came up but mainly, I just tire of the blues scene sometimes and need to take a break. I think I tire mostly of the baby-ass whiners that always complain about what I say but yet, I don't see them writing anything or attending any shows. No, I haven't gone away "forever" as one person requested in an anonymous hate email I received. It was such a chicken shit act to sign up under a fake yahoo user name (loser MO) and then close it out after sending me their regards. Yes, I would've emailed them personally, and tried, but it came back. That wouldn't be the first of those sort of things and I'm sure it won't be the last. So here's to you and all you whiners......GET A LIFE!!!
There....I'm done with that now.

]]> I have been listening to lots of blues while working around my house fixing it up. I've got a big push going on to finish the boy's old room before he gets back from Iraq. Major over haul in there. And talk about going crazy with colors!!! I am getting brave through out the house.
I can't wait till he gets home, stateside, in the good ol' U.S.of A. I wish they all could come home right now. Maybe then, I can relax a bit. I tire of the worrying.

While at work the other day....I was changing the tapes on the boombox and my co-worker, Shorty, yells out, "Mo, play me some of dem down-home blues, babygirl"
Of course, she knew that that's all I play so I popped in the mystery tape of misc blues and the first song that came on was "I'll Play the Blues for you" by Albert King. How fitting that was.
I think I have them conditioned to the blues now at this job. Out of all the 150 or so cassettes we've accumulated over the last few years, I'd say a forth are blues. Anybody can put on anything they want at any time but mostly it's me playing DJ since no one wants to take the time to walk over there and put something on. I will only play nice for a short bit by playing some R&B, oldies, country, R&R and such before it's....BLUESTIME BABY!
Shoot....I could listen to the blues all day, and we do most the day, but I do try to mix it up a wee bit to keep the masses happy.

So, the blues scene......it's just dry these days. I seldom travel down to the city anymore for just any ol' show. I need to save my miles for my vehicles are getting old and I can't afford a new one right now. I have to work to survive and that's a priority. I'm staying close to home for the blues mostly and not much of it up here. Not any big shows anyway with dancefloors and such. Lots of jams and cover bands though. Last Day Saloon is about the only place that has big blues shows these days and usually it's only one to two times a month on a good month. I do appreciate that. Tradewinds has some local blues, and a new jam going on Tuesday's now. I just tire of the whole jam mentality. Even when it's not called a jam, it turns into a jam. Whatever happened to putting on a real show. I'm bored I guess is what I'm trying to say.

I did go to the Tradewinds last Friday for a great blues show from Bluestate. They are really good. I love their song list, arrangements, everything about them I love. I just wish I wasn't so fried on that night. I had to leave after the second set, for I couldn't stand on my feet anymore or keep my eyes open. I crashed when I got home. I didn't even make it to the bathroom to brush my teeth, I was so fried.
I was wondering why I was feeling this way and then I thought back to the work week I had, and all the work around this house I did, and it was then I realized....I was just plain ol' tired!

Great, great band this Bluestate. I wish I wasn't so out of it so I could've enjoyed them more. Gregg Heumann.....you can sing me the blues any ol' time! Man, I love his voice!
And Vince's guitar work is amazing, the keys, the rhythm section, the whole band...tight!
One thing I would love to see though and that's that they step up and stretch out a bit more. Bring it up just one more notch and it would be even more exciting.
Each of the front guys, the keys, the guitar, Gregg's singing and playing harp & sax, they are each very talented individually. It would awesome to hear let's say....Gregg featured a whole song on just his awesome vocals and harp. Or maybe just let the keys really stretch for a whole song with no interruptions- the guy is incredible in dem keys!
Vince got to stretch a bit more this time on guitar and it was great! That guy can play some blues guitar, no doubt.
Thanks guys for coming all the way up here to play for little or no money. Although it was pretty quiet in downtown Cotati on this night, the small but appreciative crowd loved ya.

The Last Day Saloon has a couple back-to-back blues shows coming up this next week that I'm really lookin' forward to- Mark Hummel on Thursday and Volker Strifler on Friday. This is exciting!!
Guitar Shorty will be there too next month with The Aces opening. That one is very exciting as well. Nice and close to home too.
There is one show down at Biscuits and Blues I'm gonna try to attend and that's Smokin' Joe Kubek this Wednesday night. It's been a few years since seeing him and want to talk about some searin' blues guitar! I just love Bnois King's singing too. Now, that's a show!!!

Well....that's all I've got to say for now. I've got a fence to tear down so a new one can go up next weekend. This should be fun.
Thanks for lettin' me ramble.
later,
mo

Joe Bonamassa-My New Guitar Hero! by: mo (9/20/07)

Made it half way through the work week and man did it fly by!
All day Thursday at work, my blues buddy, everytime he'd see me, he'd look at his watch and point, signaling he was counting down to....Joe Bonamassa time!!

He's a huge fan of Joe's and Joe is in fact his guitar hero of all time.
I had heard a couple of his songs here & there, and yes, the guy is good but he really didn't grab me. I even watched his DVD of a concert in Budapest, awesome but still I wasn't feeling the excitement.

We loaded up the van and made awesome time to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. What a beautiful venue. I had never been there before. It was a decent house. After the opener, we finally got our seating arrangements right and what great seats they were. Six rows back and centered.
He has quite a following this guy, Joe. Just turned 30 years old, I heard. Yep, just a baby.

]]> I have to say right now that this was probably the show of the year. It was spectacular. The best guitar show ever for me. Good thing I was restrained in a seat that was surrounded by people because if there was a dance floor....I would've been floored all night long!
The chairs were comfy, rockin', and springy, so that helped in some chair-dancing. I spent a lot of time jumping up because he would hit a nerve in me and I just couldn't stand it, it was so intense. He hit many nerves during his show. He was hitting nerves I didn't know I had!
During his slow numbers, I was layin' back in my seat using my blanket with sleeves as a pillow. It was so cool & comfy just layin' back watching him, feeling it, taking it in, closing my eyes with that guitar just penetrating through me.
The guy plays like no one I've ever seen or heard. A real show and nuthin' but Joe.... Joe..... and more Joe.

He pulled out an acoustic and played the hell outta that thing. He played some blues, classical, jazzy stuff and more blues on it and it was superb. I don't know where the guy learned how to play like that and where he comes up with the stuff but he's simply amazing.
I hear his father was a guitar dealer or something. Maybe that helped ;-)
He's got a load of originals and his voice is great too.
He made a fan outta me on this night. He played more blues than I thought he'd play. Loads of it.

Nice venue and the sound was good. Couldn't hear his voice on the first song but after the second song, an instrumental, all was good.
His band tight and I think we got a couple of token keyboard solos and one great drum solo!
Yep, nuthin' but Joe playing and can he play!
It said 'Joe Bonamassa' on the ticket and by golly, that's what we got. No jammin', no BS, just guitar.
The best guitar show I've seen yet, hands down.
I was checking out the crew I was with while Joe was playing and most were literally on the edge of their seats. I was too.
I thanked my new blues buddy for turning me on to him. I had no idea but now I do. I didn't have the cash on me to pick up his new CD, 'Slow Gin' but I will get it soon. It's been #1 on the blues charts for at least four weeks now.

I was at Backdoor yesterday picking up a CD to send to the kid, and my special order "House Rockin' & Blues Shoutin' - Celebrating 15 years of the Rhythm Room". While there, I looked for Joe Bonamassa but he wasn't in the blues section. I looked in the rock section and there he was.
I couldn't get it yet but just wanted to make sure he was there. They tend to put lots of blues in the rock section I've noticed. My next CD is gonna be one of Little Johnny Taylor. He makes me melt when I hear him.

Anyway....The drive home was lots of talkin' of the show and most were out for the count 'cept for me of course, and my blues bud. We had eyes wide open. Dropped off the gang and went home to get some shut-eye before work but I was amped. It took awhile to fall asleep. Had to turn on the TV for that always makes me sleep.
Got a few hours before that alarm went off and I should've been fried but I wasn't. I was still amped from the show and it kept me going strong all day. Those are the kind of shows one doesn't mind losing sleep over.

Thank You, Joe for a real show. It's what I'm always on the prowl for and by golly....you delivered.

Later,
Mo

Nick Moss & the Fliptops/SCBS Jam by:mo (9/19/07)

I didn't do anything on Tuesday after work but some errands, packages for the kid overseas, and tying up some other loose ends.
But Wednesday night was the show I've been waiting for. I was so excited that he was in our neighborhood.

I decided to go early to check out the Sonoma County Blues Society Jam before Nick came on.
They had a featured band on stage, whatever that meant, and they were pretty darn good. There was a fourteen year kid playing guitar and singing and he was really good for his age. His singing is what caught my ear. Real mature soundin' and a blues feel to his voice.
Everyone was in awe, watching and cheering for him, but while all that was going on, I was paying close attention to the other guitarist, John Andersen. He was incredible over on stage left and not getting much attention. That guy can really play!!
The whole band sounded tight but waaay too much jammin' for me. Oh wait....that's right, it was a jam.

]]> John Andersen plays with Soulshine and you can bet, the next time they play, I'll be there if only to hear some more of that guitar work. The guy is really good, I tell ya.
I have seen Soulshine before. It was at the Tradewinds months and months ago. They are a band that emerged in Sonoma County while I was on hiatus for a year or so. They were good when I saw them 'cept for the drumming was too fast and loud. They have since changed drummers, twice, and I hear they've really improved since. And I don't remember John being so damn good either. He has definitely improved!!

That particular band left the stage, it changed up and the rest of the jam was just that....a loose jam.
Jams are great for discovering new talent and all, and I'm a firm believer in them and believe they have their place but just not at shows. Ain't nuthin' worse when you go expecting a show and you get a jam. This jam was alright. No, it didn't creep into Nick's show at all.

I waited, and wandered around, making many trips to the van, I even locked my keys in the van for the very first time ever! I panicked. It was fifteen minutes before Nick came on and I wasn't sure what to do. I saw Rolf and he gave me a ride to my house to get my spare. That was so sweet. He didn't hesitate either. We made it back and Nick was just half way through the first song- whew!!
Thanks, Rolf. You're a life-saver.

Nick is so awesome. Just straight up Chicago Blues.
He's a bit hairier than last time but it sure don't effect his playing.
I remember when I saw him at Biscuits a couple years ago, when it was time to rip on the guitar, he would stand back in the shadows on the far left. This time, it was behind the suitcase on stage left. I knew when he stepped over that way and behind that suitcase, that's when the magic would start.
The band is multi-talented with everyone switching instruments all the time. Nick played lots of harp on this night and man....he sure can play that thing!
Me? I would've preferred just Nick's guitar all night but he does have one helluva talented band.
One of the best piano players I've ever heard that, Willy Oshawny. Yes, I had to look up that spelling. Plays bass and sings too.
The bass player, Gerry Hundt, put down the bass for a few and played an electric mandolin and sang a couple and it was great!!
He really played that thing like I've never heard a mandolin played before. I love his voice too.
Can't remember who the drummer was and for that I apologize. Great blues band, filled with all that Chicago tradition of letting everyone shine.

I can't get over at how good Nick was on that harp! But his guitar is what gets under my skin. I love the tone of it and the way he just steps up and takes it away. His voice is haunting. He writes a lot and I don't remember hearing many of his older songs.
I know a few of us requested Sadie Mae while talkin' with him on break, he said he would see what he could do but we didn't hear it. That's Ok because he has much new material to share. Really nice guy, highly approachable, and just down-home folk the lot of them.

I picked up his new double CD and it's pretty darn good just as the others are. The first disc is Nick doing his thing and the second features the band's talents and some real down-home blues. Man..... does he have a lot of Cds out!

Thank You Dave and Bill for bringing Nick and the Fliptops to us. It was a real treat.
I'll probably go down to Biscuits to see him again next Saturday, not sure yet.
I suggest you all do the same.
He'll be at the San Fran Blues Fest on Saturday, the 29th, Biscuits that same night and Friday the 28th, he'll be at The Torch Club in Sac.

Love to you Nick and gang. You guys are awesome. Thank you for bringing us some Chicago Blues and hanging with us. Have a great tour and safe return home to Chi-town!

Later,
Mo

Eric Johnson at the Mystic & Ramblin' by:mo (9/17/07)

What a busy week I had last week. All weeknight blues, while going to work as well and I wasn't late 'cept for once. It's taken me all weekend to catch up on rest and also getting caught up around my house.
I was so fried by Friday night, that after work I did absolutely nothing after I got home that evening. Yep, a netflix night. I didn't even make it through the darn movie before I was passed out on the couch!
I awoke, once again, to the critters wanting breakfast. And man....that couch don't do your back no good either, that's for sure.

]]> It started out on Monday night when I went to see Eric Johnson. He was at the Mystic Theater. I had heard of him but wasn't familiar with his stuff at all, knew he was a favorite of some other famous guitarists, heard he was most extraordinary on that guitar, and so now it was time to finally see what all the fuss was about.

I got there and the place was filling fast. The opener was Tucker Roundtree, I think he was called. A power trio and what a trio it was!
Not blues perse but powerful all the same.
Amazing all the stuff they had going on on stage. Very fusiony, and loaded with Jazz. The kid can play the hell outta that guitar, no doubt. Fun but just not my style. I was wantin' that blues.

Eric was about to come on and I was getting a drift of what he would be like when someone told me that Tucker was the perfect opener for Eric so that kind of clued me in to his style.
It was alright. He's a fabulous guitarist, I must admit, but again... not my style. Way out there and I need predictability. Amazing though, I swore I heard some rhythm guitar riffs while he was doing leads and solos. Yep, he was playing both at the same time. A powerful rock/jazz/blues/fusion guitarist. I like rock, I love blues, I like some jazzy stuff, but when you combine all those and it's waaay fusiony, it's a bit too much for me.
I was thinking, while standing there on the packed-like-sardines dance floor, that to appreciate this kind of music, there's a certain part of the brain that must be open to really enjoy it and my is sealed shut.
A pretty packed house and what a following he has. And on a Monday too! Lots of youngsters too.

I left there early and headed home. As I was passing Penngrove, I decided to stop at The Black Cat to catch a couple songs at Karl's Monday Jam.
They were wrapping it up. Mike Emerson was there sitting in on keys. They were jammin. It ended two songs later.
As I was leaving, Karl put on some of his own house music and man....what a trip down memory lane that was!!
It was Frank Zappa's 'Over-Nite Sensation' and the song was "Fifty-Fifty'. I was trippin' on that 'cause I hadn't heard that in years!! I even have the vinyl of it and haven't pulled it out since the last time I can't remember. I was leaving but had to stand and just listen to it while they were packing up their gear. What foggy memories that brings back.
That Frank was a trip and a musical genius. I know everyone remembers "I Am the Slime" and "Yellow Snow". I have since pulled out the albums and have had some good laughs to his records "Apostrophe" and "Over-Nite Sensation".
"Moving to Montana soon. Gonna be a dental floss tycoon....."
Man, he was great!

I left after the song and headed home to catch some shut-eye.
I was glad I finally got to hear this Eric Johnson even though it's not my brand of blues. Amazing all the different shades of the blues there are, isn't it?

Later,
mo

Let's Hear It For Johnny Rawls........by:mo (9/15/07)

....Ladies & Gentlemen, give it up one more time for Mr Johnny Rawls.....!!

What a great night that was!
I was wonderin' if maybe too much of a good thing is a bad thing but not in this case.
Johnny Rawls is just so good that it's never too much. In fact....it's never enough!

I love his guitar work. It's so gentle and sweet. It's delicate and intricate. It caresses my soul, my body, and is downright tantalizing.
He just plays that thing and never looks at it. He just strolls the stage area, looking about, all the while just playing that thing so effortlessly.
It's real sweet and I could've made love to that stuff all night long. Yes, I make love to the blues, so what. It's safe, almost always satisfying 'cept if it's a bad show, and no complications or heartaches. Loyal and always there for me when I need the companionship.

]]> Johnny Rawls is the real deal and a true blues/soul man.
It's was a real treat to have him in our neck of the woods for this tour of his. Thank you, Johnny for coming out here and hanging out with us North Coast folks for a spell. We loved having you and we will miss you!
Hat tip to the Blues Defenders for they have turned out to be one helluva tight blues band!
They back him beautifully in those soulful numbers too.

Pretty good dancin' crowd at the 'winds. As he laid down his guitar after the last song, the dancin' lady, Barbara, said, and I don't think she knew anyone heard her for she kinda said it to herself, "I'm gonna miss him" as she hung her head and walked off the dance floor.
That was so sweet. I walked up to her and told her I would too. She was at every show of his just about I had heard and I just love that lady's spirit. I don't know where she came from but she appeared about 6 months ago and I see her at many local shows and she is one hell of a dancer!
Great addition to the live music scene this Dancin' Barb!

Thank You Tradewinds for having Johnny.
Between the Last Day Saloon and the Tradewinds, we have us a semi- blues scene here in Sonoma County.

What a week of blues ahead!
Eric Johnson for some rippin, rockin' blues at the Mystic on Monday. My blues bud at work talked me into this one. He loves that vein of the blues and yes, I admit that I do too.
Wednesday is Nick Moss at the Last Day Saloon. Straight up Chicago blues and man can he play dat gitar!!! I can't wait for that one.
Thursday, again some rippin rockin' blues guitar with Joe Bonamassa at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Fran.
This guy is amazing!
Again....blues bud at work is a HUGE fan of this guy. I'm taggin along with his family. They kind of adopted me, it seems ;-)

I was thinking of going to Rancho Nicasio today for Elvin Bishop and John Nemeth at the BBQ on the Lawn deal there but I doubt if I go. I've got some ceiling retexturing to do and priming before I paint.
I scraped all that popcorn crap off the ceiling in a room and what a mess that was. I hate that stuff. I'm getting brave with colors these days but still not sure what color to paint this room.
I'm leaning toward some shades of blues.......what do ya think?

Have a great Sunday whatever you do and talk at ya later,
Mo

Just A Few Shows-Rawls, Dudek, Pulsators.... by: mo (9/15/07)

Just some reflection on a few shows I've been to this past week......

First off, I just gotta say that it took me all week to recover from that Levi Lloyd Trio show last Saturday Night (9/8) at the Tradewinds. It's gonna be hard to top that show!!

I went to the Forestville Club the following Sunday (9/9) afternoon for more Johnny Rawls. I got word that it was a start up of 5pm so that was good enough for me. I'm just not gonna attempt to go down to the City for any afternoon shows at least until winter gets here and people are staying home more. The traffic is just too much to bare. I wish winter would hurry up and get here though 'cause I'm sure gettin that "Apple Jack and Blues Power" itch. They play at the Saloon on Sunday afternoons and well worth the hassle.

The turnout at the Forestville Club for Johnny was awful. I felt bad for the poor guy. Talkin' with people afterwards at other shows about it, no one knew about it. It wasn't promoted, publicized well or nuthin'. All the same, he sounded pretty good. He did lots of soul numbers and his singing was the highlite on this night. Man....can he sing some sweet and very soulful songs!!
His band, The Blues Defenders, sure are soundin' tight these days. Really good band.
Johnny and band are gonna be at the Tradewinds here in a few hours, it's close to home, and so I'll be there. I really don't feel like traveling too far tonight.

]]> Last Thursday night (9/13), I went to the Last Day Saloon to hear Les Dudek. Killer guitar I heard, so I went.
The opener was the best part of this show. No, it wasn't blues but Les was such a letdown that they stole show.

"Holiday & the Adventure Pop Collective" was the name of the band and the name pretty much sums it up. A power trio with a fiddle, a guitar and a simple three piece drum kit. It was amazing all the stuff they had going on up there on stage!
The drummer was awesome! A big bass drum with a snare and a high hat.....that's it! He was tearin' it up.
The guitarist had a few tricks of his own and some might call it cheating. He would play a riff on his guitar, step on a pedal and it was recorded and it played over & and over while he put that down and picked up something else to play. He had a few instruments going at one time in this manner and the song just grew and grew with the whole band building up around it to this energized, euphoric, piece that just left me standing there with my mouth hung open. Just too much fun to watch. Great arrangements, loads of originals, and just a bundle of energy this band has.

I waited around for Les to come on and it took forever. He came up at 10pm and I was anxiously waiting to hear this "killer guitar".
It started off bad from the get-go. The stage monitors weren't working properly so it was hard to hear the vocals but the band sounded alright. Man, was he unhappy with the sound guy. I was really starting to feel sorry for the poor guy. After every song he let into him. It was ridiculous, to say the least. No, we couldn't make out the vocals too well but most were there to hear that guitar anyway so why not just make it an instrumental show? The guy really does play badass guitar and had what it takes but noooo... he walked off stage after apologizing for the sound and said he couldn't play for us like that. The crowd was not happy. Some were yelling,"just deal with it. we don't care!". He should've just went with it instead whining the whole time and stormin' off stage. He is no doubt a great guitar player and to be honest, I just wanted to hear that and not his singing.
That was waste of time and loss of precious sleep for nothing. Oh, wait, I take that back....The opener was awesome and well worth it.

I was pondering something while sitting outside waiting for Les to come on and that is....The Last Day is about as close to a blues club we have here in Sonoma County. Sure I bitch about the tables on the dance floor and so on & so on... but I do appreciate all the blues they have there and there is lots of it.

Thank You, Dave for bringing us some great live music and sorry for naggin' about the way you set your floor up. Hey, it's your club you can do what you want with it. Just a heads up on the "limited dancefloor" situation would be great ;-)
And a HUGE THANK YOU for bringing Nick Moss up here this coming Wednesday Night. (9/19) I can't wait!!

I went out lastnight (9/14) to hear the Pulsators at the Tradewinds. I just love these guys. No, it's not strictly blues but they do enough of it to keep me happy all night. I tell you what though, the blues is where that Douglas McKenzie is most at home on that guitar, I can tell. The guy plays some real nice blues guitar.
Sure seems like they did more blues than usual lastnight. It was a fun night but man was I wiped from the starting gate. Of course the two beers I had didn't help but they sure went down good after a hard work week. Tommy Tutone sat in for a few songs and that was fun too.
Great, great band, The Pulsators. I had a blast and when I got home, I was out like a light. I awoke on the couch with a dog and a cat in my face whining for breakfast. There's no sleeping in with them two, I swear.

I got much accomplished today fixing up my palace. It's been nice spending time alone with just me, the blues, and of course the critters, fixing up my home.
I'm re-doing my house a bit. Taking shit off the walls, painting, ripping out carpet and all sorts of stuff. I'm making it my place now and I think it will reflect me. Switching gears from mother and wife to living alone is a big change but it seems to be smoothing out now and I'm getting to know me. It was scary but come to find out....I'm not so scary after all.

Well....thanks for lettin' me ramble. I gotta go get ready to go down to the Tradewinds for one last show of Johnny Rawls and this whirlwind bay area tour he's had goin' on. The guy has been busy, that's for sure.

Later,
mo

Levi Lloyd Trio! by mo (9/8/07)

So, I wasn't sure if any band was going to be there at all after the DJ thing the Friday night before but I went anyway.
I drove past the Tradewinds and sure enough, there was Louie, bass player extraordinaire, hanging out in the front. As I was walkin' up I said hello to Dee Wills. Soundman and the soulman of Sonoma County, and he says "Mo, good to see you and I think you're gonna love tonight".
I says, "I hope so and I'm sure I will" but to be honest, I wasn't sure of the latter.
He says, "No, really, we've got Willy Jordan on drums and tonight is gonna be a treat!".
His enthusiasm was infectious and I was pumped!.

The band started and it took me well into the first song to realize that we had ourselves.... The Levi Lloyd Trio!
I got really excited and then it hit me and I became worried - I don't think I've ever seen Levi in the trio format and I was wonderin' if he had it in him. "Aaah, don't worry", I said to myself, This is Levi is his purest form. The moment I've been dreaming of. No distractions, no fillers, just pure Levi. And Willy backing him and pushing him, and Louie doing the same, there was nothing to worry about, right?

]]> Man.... was I wrong to even worry for a second! I'm ashamed to have even thought like that.
This is by far, the best I've ever heard Levi. I was in blues guitar heaven and if I died right then and there it would've been cool because like I said, I was in heaven already. I was floored, I was pullin' at my hair, ready to crawl, beg him to stop because I just couldn't take anymore, and I had to sit after an instrumental number they did because if I didn't I was gonna fall, my knees were so wobbly.
This is what I've been dreamin' of - A whole night of Levi, fronting his own band and really steppin' up to the plate. It was HIS show and what a show it was!
Yep, he really took the reigns on this one.

There was one moment where Levi was rippin' a solo, and I mean just rippin' it, off in his world somewhere, and Willy and Louie were building up the song behind him and it just built up & up & up....and then it happened.....Willy's leash snap and the guy went wild!! I mean he was standing up over them drums and he became this intense wild madman back there. All the while Levi was goin' at it, Louie right behind them and I found myself just standing, watching, jaw on the ground. It was way too much, the crowd cheered and then about a minute later, it hit me and I couldn't believe what I just saw and heard!
I was thinking to myself if I only had a picture of Willy in that state....no, better yet, a video because that was an amazing sight! But it don't matter because that moment will forever be burned into my memory. I have never seen that side of Willy before and it almost scared me.
Was that two sticks in each hand I saw?

An amazing band this here trio. It was magic.
Willy's really sounding great these days. He always sounds good but lastnight was real special. Everyone- Louie, Willy and Levi, had a lot of ground to cover and they covered every square inch, wall to wall.

Dee Wills, Soulman of Sonoma County, got up and sang us some. It's always a treat to hear him. And you can bet, when he's at the sound board, it's gonna sound great!
Carl "Boom Boom" Bowers sat in on the T-bone for a couple of sets and that was cool.
Beth Kohen got up and played some harp. She's really good. Love her style. Very laidback, gentle but effective. She plays off Levi really good and I never heard her crowd anyone. Really nice style. I've got to catch up to her band and soon.
Karl Marinko sat up his keys in the last set and that was kool. Always a treat to hear and see him. I just love that guy's style. Steve Guererro came by and sat in the drums for a couple of songs.

Levi....I love ya, man. You really got to me lastnight. I almost had to surrender a few times. I'm not sure what happens when it comes to that because I've never gotten that far, yet, but you are the one who can take me there. You are my blues guitar hero. Sure you can do it all but when you play dem blues....it's euphoric. Wonder if you even realizes just how good you are?
I think this here band should stay together and these guys should hit the road because it was that good and others need to hear and see what we saw lastnight at the Tradewinds.

Thanks Gang, you have fulfilled a dream of mine I've had for some time. Problem is....I need another dream.
(I think James Armstrong has a song by that title)

Love ya!
mo

Friday Night Letdown/Ramblin's by: mo (9/07)

I was gonna go down to Biscuits & Blues to check on Joe Louis Walker lastnight. He has been sounding great the last two times I saw him, he's always been one of my favorites, and I was just hopin' that he still had that momentum going.
Things were bad there for awhile for him. At least that's how his shows were sounding. Ever since he came back from France, he's been sounding really good. I'm hopin' it sticks. I never made it down there. I was wiped, too expensive to park, gas, tolls etc....
I also noticed that Tradewinds had a band I never heard of. I googled them, "Lane Coker & Big Delta" and their website came up. I think what got my curiosity was the "Delta" part.
Read their bio and it sounded interesting enough, their calendar said they were scheduled for the Tradewinds too so that was a plus.
So that was that.... I was staying close to home to check out this band from the south bay area that I've never heard of.

]]> I drove through downtown Cotati and it's great to see it hoppin' again. Friar Tucks is open at the old 'Inn of the Beginning' and Spancky's was goin' at it too. I pulled thru the alley and into the Tradewinds parking lot and man.....was it dead!!
Got out, walked up and saw they had no instruments on the stage area but they did have a DJ going at it.
I just couldn't believe it!! Again???
I asked Dwight, the doorguy, what was goin' on with the 'winds these days and he could only say, "things have changed, Mo".
I guess.....
I'm not upset or angry for the inconvience but I am really sad to see it coming to this- A DJ on a weekend.
This wasn't the first time and it seems it won't be the last, I'm afraid.
The place was empty too.

I ventured across the street to Spancky's cuz I heard some live sounds coming outta there. It was heavy metal and it sounded pretty damn good so I stuck around for a set. Motogruv was their name and their sound was wicked. I love that wicked metal sound. The guy could sing, I mean scream, and had that voice of an angry Youngman. The band was good but it's a good thing I'm not epileptic because I would've had a seizure for sure with those blinding flashing lights. That was fun and I do say that was one of the best local metal bands I've seen around here yet. Nothing punk or shredding about them.
I looked around and it seemed I was the oldest one in the place. I didn't care but when they were announcing someone's Birthday and jokingly said, "Hey happy Birthday, man. How old are now? 40?" and everyone started laughing....that's when I really felt outta place.
I stuck it out for the set but bailed after that.
I was thinking of my boy, the musician/soldier, he would've liked this band. I was also thinking about the band he and his friends had before they split up and how much better they sounded. I really miss hearing them out in the garage studio. I put on their Cds every so often but it's just not the same.

I was thinking to myself on the way home that I should've headed to the city in the first place just like I planned. That would be the second time this week I bowed out of going there, the first being the James Armstrong show last Tuesday. I really regret missing that one. I've been most curious has to how James is sounding these days.
It was too late to head down to B&Bs the time being 10pm and all and living an hour north, so I just went home and crashed.
Aaaah well....I'm really trying to stay in Sonoma County to support the blues but it just doesn't have it goin' on most the time. The blues, I mean.
It's so sporadic.

Tonite?? I don't see anything worth venturing out for so I'm saving my money and gas for another day. I see Levi Lloyd is scheduled for the Tradewinds tonight but who knows.....
Shoot, maybe Sunday night, if I can afford the loss of sleep on a school night, I might head to the west county and the Forestville Club for some more of that Johnny Rawls. But that start up of 9:30 really has me doubting it. What a show he put on in Healdsburg a couple of weeks back.

Great to see Nick Moss will be in town, Wednesday the 19th at the Last Day Saloon, so now I don't have to travel so far for that show. I probably will anyway just to catch him twice. He's so good and just straight up Chicago blues, baby!!
It just don't get any better than that.

I did have me a netflix night lastnight before I crashed and it was with Howlin' Wolf!
He was so awesome, wasn't he? He was a serious bluesman and that Hubert was really puttin' it out in those days!! Man, just to listen what he's playing there in the back is amazing!
I've got a few of his cds when he's on his own but back in the Wolf days, he was at his best. That's just my humble opinion. I still listen to his stuff, all the time as a matter of fact, but watching this film gave me a new appreciation of Hubert's guitar work back in the days. Wowsers!!
Hubert's on the film, a lot needless to say, talkin' about the Wolf and he'll play a bit all the while laughing like a little kid. He's so cute and so giddy. Great stories of the Wolf, and a really good piece here. That is if you can stand listening to that Marshall guy. I don't know what it is about him, or the whole story of the Chess family, but just listening to them, it just sounds so fake, so phony. They didn't seem sincere or something. All I see is $$ signs in their eyes. This is just what I get from listening to them and their stories. I don't know....maybe I'm wrong.
But...I'm gonna watch it at least a few more times before I send it back.
I remember the first time I heard Chester howlin', it scared me half to death. Kind of like Ron Hacker did the first time I heard him. It's that goosebump, hair-raisin' kind of scary. That hypnotic sound that just mesmerizes you. Haunting.
Man, I love that!!

Thanks for lettin' me ramble.
Later,
mo

Now That's What I'm Talkin' About, Daniel! by: mo (9/1/07)

I woke up this mornin', really early like clock work, thinking I was late for work. I hate when I do that. I couldn't go back to sleep. Not because I wasn't tired, I was, but because of what had happened lastnight came back to my head once the cobwebs cleared a bit. As I was laying there still sticky with sweat, and I was wonderin' if what I witnessed lastnight was a dream or if it in fact was real. Once I realized it wasn't a dream, my heart started poundin', my head spinnin', thinking of just how awesome that real show was!
I truly couldn't go back to sleep. My adrendiline is still pumped!
I will be getting lots done around hear today.
I'm not gonna try to go out and hear any music today to try and fulfill that need because I have been satisfied.
Talk about a real show. It just don't get any better than that there lastnight. For me anyway.

]]> I'm tired of embarrassing myself by ending up on the floor so I really tried hard not end up there too much. I was in the air quite a bit and I haven't been that drenched with sweat in a looong while.
T., Blade, Michael, and especially you, Danny, I just love you guys! You are the best.

Danny just played and played. He really stepped up to the plate on this one. I could never get bored listening to him play that guitar. Never a boring moment when he gets goin'.
It gets to where I just don't know what else to when he gets me there. It's either jump around and up & down, pound the floor or crawl to him and beg for mercy, or yell, scream and whistle as loud as I can because if I don't do something I feel I'm gonna explode!!
It's a weird feeling when a guitar can take me to that point. I can't explain it. Sometimes, my neck gets real tight and it feels like that juggler vain is gonna burst. I start pullin' at my hair too. I just can't explain it. I'm not gonna try to figure out why it does that to me but it's the best damn high ever!!

Of course, a drivin' band such as these guys just makes even more so euphoric. I just love you guys.

No openers, no jams, just pure unadulterated Daniel Castro. Just what the doctor ordered. Thanks gang. Thank you, Last Day for having them.
Those of you who missed out....well....YOU MISSED OUT!!
Daniel's back.......

I wish I had lastnight on CD or something. That would most awesome. Funny how live shows are much more rippin' than studio recordings. It's as though musicians hold back, are more restrained in the studio. I can't count the times I've gone to see someone, picked up a CD of theirs only to be disappointed. Nope, nuthin' beats that live sound.
Wonder why they can't just cut loose in the studio like they do on stage.
Man....I'd pay top dollar for a copy of lastnight's show of Daniel and band.

I don't know what else to say except....be on the lookout all you Sonoma County Blues lovers because Daniel Castro's back!!

Later,
Mo