COREY STEVENS - One Of The Best Touring Blues Acts in the Country

Every once in a while I get lucky enough to see someone that I have never heard of before put on a show that completely blows me away and makes me feel like I've been missing out on some incredible music. The Corey Stevens show that I saw at the Railhead a couple of weeks ago was definitely one of those times.

The set list was a great mix of originals interlaced with some choice covers of traditional blues songs from greats such as Muddy Waters and Albert King. He even did a version of Voodoo Child that would have made Jimmy Hendrix proud.

I will give you all some background on him along with upcoming tour dates and an exclusive interview later in this article, but first I want to share some exclusive video from the concert so you can all see for yourselves just how incredible this guy really is. All of the following songs are from the second set of his appearance at the Railhead Lounge in Las Vegas, NV - 5/20/2010. Trust me, your going to want to turn the volume up for these. ENJOY!

My Love For You Has Died


Voodoo Child


Thats What the Blues Is All About and Before You Accuse Me


I Got A Rich Mans Woman


The Road To Zen


So, as you can plainly see, if you are into the blues this is certainly an act worth going out of your way to go check out. He is touring the upper Midwest starting TONIGHT! The tour schedule is posted below, but first I would like to treat you to an

Exclusive Interview.....


What attracted you to blues and roots music in the first place?

Interviews with the Rolling Stones, Allman Bros live album & the album called Howlin Wolf the London Sessions

Who were some of your early influences?

Duane Allman, Clapton, Keith Richards & Chuck Berry

Are there any young blues players today that you're listening to?

Brandon Scott Sellner

Did your career grow gradually, or was there a single event which really
helped you get noticed?

Gradual, but a 1995 record deal got me a lot of rock FM airplay

Are there any individuals who helped you get recognition?

Too many to list

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Touring all summer with Lynyrd Skynyrd, releasing each of my CDs they all have special meanings & memories, certain shows like my first huge show on a big stage in NY I opened for Foreigner & got a standing ovation

Do you do anything differently if you're playing a really big place versus a
small place? Is it just having the right P.A.?

You naturally are more excited if there's tons of people but small packed clubs can be more fun like a party- guys buying you drinks & girls grabbing your butt on the walk up to the stage

Do you think it's better for the audience to see music performed in a
smaller place?

Depends. If I go to a small venue and can go right up to stage I do. I love to hear the sound from the stage not just the PA. Most people seem to shy to do that. It's a pack mentality. If enough go up it fills up. I'm a lone wolf I guess.

What is your opinion of the blues music scene today?

It's finally coming back. It never went away. But the old wave has left the planet. Festivals still try to find the originals but the fans today like contemporary blues.

What advice do you have for aspiring blues artists?

Figure out how to make a huge time commitment to music. And don't waste your time with lazy musicians.

What do you think is the greatest blues album ever made?

This one we can talk about in (Upcoming exclusive video) interview. But my fave is a best of Muddy Waters so whatever album had the debut Sugar Sweet, Hoochie Coochie Man, etc

If you're writing songs or anything like that, do you have any kind of a
home studio that you record song ideas on?

I have a full blown studio but usually don't need to record as I'm writing. I have a good memory.

Do you have a songwriting routine?

Not really but I take my time. In the early days I wrote songs faster. Now I let it happen over a longer time frame.

Before a performance do you warm up?

Usually

Do you have any long-term goals?

Expanding my touring. Now I have CA and the northern Midwest. I am finally getting back down to FL in December.

What would you say are the keys to a happy and successful life?

Knowing what you need as opposed to what you want. People confuse the two. I have a lot of time to work on music which to some would be a dream come true.

Corey, thank you so much for your time and courtesy. Safe travels and best of luck on your tour. I look very much forward to your next show in Vegas and hearing about all the fun you had in our next interview.

For more videos, information on Corey Stevens (Really cool and interesting bio) and to purchase CD's you can visit his website at http://www.coreystevens.com

Music is also available for download & preview at the iTunes Store


UPCOMING TOUR DATES
--------------------

With The Band
June 4, 2010 Friday

Willow River Blues & Brews Fest
In Mary Park
New Richmond, WI 54017
(715)246-2900
http://www.willowriverbluesfest.com/
Showtime 8:00 PM
------------------------------------------

With The Band
June 5, 2010 Saturday

Bob's Blues & BBQ Fest
120 2nd Avenue Southeast
Elgin, MN 55932
(507)280-5887
http://www.bobssmokestackribs.com/events.html
Showtime 7:00 PM
-------------------------------------------------

With The Band
June 12, 2010 Saturday

Lakeside 4th of July Fireworks Fundraiser
131 Lake St. North
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Showtime: 9:00 PM
--------------------------------------------------

Solo Acoustic Show
June 16, 2010 Wednesday

Famous Dave's Minneapolis
3001 Hennepin South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612)822-9900
http://www.famousdaves.com/other-saucy-stuff/minneapolis-bbq-blues-club/
Showtime 8:00 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
June 19, 2010 Saturday

Santiago Shakedown 8
Santiago, MN 55377
http://www.baileysrays.com/
Showtime 10:15 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
July 17, 2010 Saturday

JazzFest
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/3-DMXH
http://www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com/
Showtime 10:00 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
July 31, 2010 Saturday

Fargo Blues Fest
Newman Outdoor Field
1515 15th Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102
(866)55-BLUES
http://fargobluesfest.homestead.com/index.html
Showtime: 4:30 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
August 8, 2010 Sunday

Taste of Marina Del Ray
Marina Del Ray, CA
Showtime TBA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
August 14, 2010 Saturday

Arcadia Blues Club
16 East Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626)447-9349
http://www.arcadiabluesclub.com/
Showtime: 9:30 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
August 20, 2010 Friday

Forada Fest
Alexandria, MN
http://www.foradafest.com/
Showtime 11:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Solo Acoustic Show
September 9, 2010 Thursday

Knuckleheads
Kansas City, MO 64120
http://www.knuckleheadskc.com/
Showtime 8:00 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Solo Acoustic Show
September 11, 2010 Saturday
POW/MIA/KIA Poker Run

Elmo's
2925 Lemay Ferry Rd
St Louis, MO 63125
Showtime 4:30 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
September 18, 2010 Saturday

Pierce County Fairgrounds
364 North Maple Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Showtime 10:15 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
October 14, 2010 Thursday

Pearson Lakes Art Center
2201 Highway 71
Okoboji, IA 51355
(712)332-7013
http://lakesart.org/tickets.php
Showtime 7:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------

With The Band
October 15, 2010 Friday

Blues On Grand
1501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
Showtime 9:15 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So if you live near any of those places then you REALLY do not want to miss the chance to go check them out. Seriously.




Now get out and see some live music and do your part to help keep the blues alive! It's good for the soul. Have a GREAT weekend everyone!


-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
American Blues Blog

WILLIE MAE "Big Mama" Thornton - By Doctor Mojo

Thornton was born in Ariton, Alabama. Her introduction to music started in a Baptist church, where her father was a minister and her mother a church singer. She and her six siblings began to sing at very early ages. Thornton left Montgomery at age 14 in 1941, following her mother's death. She joined Sammy Green's Georgia-based Hot Harlem Revue. Her seven-year tenure with them gave her valuable singing and stage experience, and enabled her to tour the South. In 1948, she settled in Houston, Texas, where she hoped to further her career as a singer.

She was also a self-taught drummer and harmonica player, and frequently played each instrument onstage.

Thornton began her recording career in Houston, signing a recording contract with Peacock Records in 1951. While working with another Peacock artist, Johnny Otis, she recorded "Hound Dog", a song that composers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller had given her in Los Angeles. Here is a version of her performing it with Buddy Guy on guitar...

Big Mama Thornton ft. Buddy Guy - Hound Dog (1965)


The record was produced by Johnny Otis, and went to number one on the R&B chart. Although the record made her a star, she saw little of the profits. She continued to record for Peacock until 1957 and performed with R&B package tours with Junior Parker and Esther Phillips. In 1954, Thornton was one of the eyewitnesses to the accidental self-inflicted handgun death of blues singer Johnny Ace. Her career began to fade in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She left Houston and relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she mostly played local blues clubs.

In 1966, Thornton recorded Big Mama Thornton With The Muddy Waters Blues Band, with Muddy Waters (guitar), Sammy Lawhorn (guitar), James Cotton (harmonica), Otis Spann (piano), Luther Johnson (bass guitar), and Francis Clay (drums). Songs included "Everything Gonna Be Alright", "Big Mama's Blues", "I'm Feeling Alright", "Big Mama's Bumble Bee Blues", "Looking The World Over", "Big Mama's Shuffle", and "Since I Fell For You", amongst others.

This one speaks for itself. Just hit play and enjoy!

Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, Shakey Horton & Dr Ross playing the harmonica


Her Ball 'n' Chain album in 1968, recorded with Lightnin' Hopkins (guitar) and Larry Williams (vocals), included the songs "Hound Dog", "Wade in the Water", "Little Red Rooster", "Ball 'n' Chain", "Money Taker", and "Prison Blues".

One of Thornton's last albums was Jail (1975) for Vanguard Records. It captured her performances during a couple of mid 1970s concerts at two northwestern prisons. She became the talented leader of a blues ensemble that featured sustained jams from George "Harmonica" Smith, as well as guitarists Doug Macleod, B. Huston and Steve Wachsman, drummer Todd Nelson, saxophonist Bill Potter, bassist Bruce Sieverson, and pianist J.D. Nicholas.

Thornton performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1966 and 1968, and at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1979. In 1965 she performed with the American Folk Blues Festival package in Europe. While in England that year, she recorded Big Mama Thornton in Europe and followed it up the next year in San Francisco with Big Mama Thornton with the Chicago Blues Band. Both albums came out on the Arhoolie label. Thornton continued to record for Vanguard, Mercury, and other small labels in the 1970s and to work the blues festival circuit until her death in 1984, the same year she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

During her career, she appeared on stages from New York City's Apollo Theater in 1952 to the Newport Jazz Festival in 1980, and was nominated for the Blues Music Awards six times. In addition to "Ball 'n' Chain" and "They Call Me Big Mama," Thornton wrote twenty other blues songs.

More to come......

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusvie Las Vegas Correspondent
AmericanBluesBlog.com

TINSLEY ELLIS -- The most significant blues artist to emerge from Atlanta since Blind Willie McTell

Hard-rocking blues-soaked guitarist/vocalist/song-writer Tinsley Ellis will be appearing in Las Vegas on June 3rd at The Rail Head Lounge. If your in town this will be a show you do not want to miss.

He sings and plays with the energy and soul of all the great Southern musicians who have come before him. Ellis attacks his music with rock power and blues feeling, following in the tradition of Deep South musical heroes Duane Allman, Freddie King, Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. His live shows feature extended fretwork filled with melodic and rhythmic experimentation, in the spirit of jam bands like his friends Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers. Atlanta Magazine declared Ellis "the most significant blues artist to emerge from Atlanta since Blind Willie McTell."



Since first hitting the national scene with his Alligator Records debut, GEORGIA BLUE, in 1988, Ellis has toured non-stop and continued to release one critically acclaimed album after another. His stellar guitar work, always a staple of his live shows and CDs, is matched by his strong songwriting and powerful, soulful vocals. Tinsley's hometown paper, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, calls his music, "a potent, amazing trip through electric blues-rock."

Ellis made five critically acclaimed albums for Alligator between 1988 and 1997 before recording for the Capricorn and Telarc labels. His high-energy LIVE-HIGHWAYMAN, the long-awaited live album his fans have been demanding for years, marked his return to Alligator records. "Tinsley is one of the finest younger generation blues rockers. He's made great albums for us in the past, and we're excited to have him back in the Alligator family. He's great in the studio, but even better live, so I'm really excited about this recording," said Iglauer.

Born in Atlanta in 1957, Ellis grew up in southern Florida and first played guitar at age eight. He found the blues through the backdoor of the British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream, and The Rolling Stones. He especially loved the Kings--Freddie, B.B. and Albert--and spent hours immersing himself in their music. His love for the blues solidified when he was 14. At a B.B. King performance, Tinsley sat mesmerized in the front row. When B.B. broke a string on Lucille, he changed it without missing a beat, and handed the broken string to Ellis. After the show, B.B. came out and talked with fans, further impressing Tinsley with his warmth and down-to-earth attitude. By now Tinsley's fate was sealed; he had to become a blues guitarist. And yes, he still has that string.



Ellis has played in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Europe, Australia and South America. Whether he's out with his own band or sharing stages with The Allman Brothers, Robert Cray, Koko Taylor or Widespread Panic, he averages over 150 performances a year, bringing his fast-moving, high-energy, guitar-drenched performances to fans all over the world. Live, there's simply no one better at igniting a crowd, jamming with focus and purpose...

A QUITTER NEVER WINS. Nov 15, 2008



Tinsley Ellis - To the Devil for A Dime
At the Walnut Room in Denver CO



.....So do yourself a huge favor and go check him out live whenever you have the chance. And be sure to check back here in a couple of weeks when I will be posting video from the upcoming show here in Vegas along with an exclusive interview with the man himself.

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
AmericanBluesBlog.com

ROGER HOWSE - An Icon of East Coast Blues in Canada

Born and raised in St. John's, NF. Roger Howse is extremely fortunate to have come from a very musical family, and to have grown up in what is still an unbelievably vibrant music, theatre, film and arts community.

He started playing the guitar at age nine, and did his first gig at fifteen.

"I've been playing the blues for about 25 years now. I've had lots of other gigs, from rock to country to reggae, etc., but the blues has been a constant."

"I've also had the opportunity to work a little in radio, both as an on-air personality and as a guitarist/producer of radio programming, and had some experience in audio production for film and video."

"Like many of my friends and colleagues, I have had some pretty weird jobs to help pay the bills, but I always come back to the music."

"These days I have 'diversified' my efforts; I still play locally, do the occasional road gig, do some music programming, some business programming and some audio consulting."

"What would I tell younger players starting out? Keep an open mind, listen to a wide variety of music, work toward reasonable goals and get yourself some other skill set to help you through the dry spells (and, yes, 97% will have.em!)"

Here is a video from the Arts Council Awards, May 7, 1994, LSPU Hall St. John's, Newfoundand.
With Roger Howse (guitar), Karl Peet (guitar), Brian Kenny (bass), Bob Hiscock (drums), Paul Kinsman (piano).



This one is called Double Life. A song that he wrote about two friends of his and what was going on in their lives at the time. This video is also from the Arts Council Awards, May 7, 1994, LSPU Hall St. John's, Newfoundand.



As you can tell, if you have the chance to see this guy live it would be a mistake to let the chance pass you by.

(If there is one thing you can do with Roger House Band - and that is DANCE!"
-and in the end, that is what it is all about...d.a. President)

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
AmericanBluesBlog.com

THE CARSON DOWNEY BAND - by Doctor MoJo

If the Carson Downey Band were a fighter, it would be Mike Tyson. Every show the pride of North Preston, Nova Scotia, gives, it seems,is a battle for the allegiance of the audience. The trio likes to come out swinging, but instead of biting ears, they make them ring with a sonic assault that has left a veteran bluesman or two on the ropes.

It happened that way earlier in a Toronto club where the burly
guitarist/vocalist Carson Downey, along with brother Murray on
drums and bassist Marlowe Smith, opened for Buddy Guy, at 64
perhaps the last of the great Chicago bluesmen. The Downey
crew unleashed a seven-song set of sweat-drenched intensity and
left the delirious audience primed for the expected coup de grâce
from Guy. Guy, however, failed on the follow-up.

The members of the Carson Downey Band have been in the music business for more than 20 years, but it has been only in the last few that they've broken through to a bigger, trans-Canada audience. They're a rarity in Canada's music scene: an all-black, all-Canadian band playing the blues from a part of the country better known for Celtic-style fiddling and
indie rockers such as Sloan and Thrush Hermit. Their hometown of
North Preston, population circa 3,000, about 6 miles northeast of Halifax,
is one of the almost exclusively black townships scattered around Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick.

Carson Downey's musical roots are in soul and rock, bassist Marlowe came
from funk, and Murray was a drummer-of-all-trades.

A first album "All The Way" came along to critical success, along with over a
dozen awards right across the country. Several tours from coast to coast, as
well as extensive tours of Germany, Greenland, as well as Asia and parts of the US.

Here is a version of "All The Way" Live in Halifax, NS, New Year's Eve




Here is another great one for you.
Live at the 11th band anniversary Oct. 2008 in Frankfurt Sinkkasten!
"When The Blues Come"




"Burnin' Up Live" is the band's second CD and it captures what the band does best: burning up a stage with their intense delivery. Whenever the Carson Downey Band starts playing, it doesn't matter if the audience is brand new, young or old, they leave the venue amazed and as fans. What could be better than that ?

AND THE PERSONAL ALL TIME FAVOURITE CANADIAN BLUES BAND OF OUR PRESIDENT -
MR. D. ALEXANDER BUTCHER (NEED WE SAY MORE!) The Carson Downey Band!

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
AmericanBluesBlog.com

LAS VEGAS BLUES SOCIETY ANNUAL PARTY!

Today is the day of the Las Vegas Blues Society annual party!

The Night Owls Blues Band will be performing and food will be catered so come out and join the fun! The Party starts at 5:00 p.m.

The Cavalier Lounge

3850 E Desert Inn Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89121

Hope to see you there!

More info on the Las Vegas Blues Society is available on their website at:

http://www.lasvegasblues.org/

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent

AmericanBluesBlog.com

LADY "J " HUSTON - INTERVIEW - LAS VEGAS.

-by Doctor Mojo

If any of you were lucky enough to be able to make it to the Sand Dollar's 20th anniversary party last week then you will understand just how difficult it is to decide where to start with writing a review of such a spectacular event. The line-up was incredible and showcased many unbelievably talented artists, some of which I have been lucky enough to be able to get interviews with to share with my readers. So instead of going on about how much fun that I had and how good the music was I will let the artists and their music speak for themselves.

It is my pleasure to bring to you the first interview in this series. The featured artist is Lady “J” Huston. If you have not seen or heard her then let me be the one to tell you, you are definitely missing out.

She is an internationally acclaimed Vocalist, Trumpeter, Songwriter, Recording Artist and Entertainer Extraordinaire. Possessing an amazing style of soul, blues and jazz whose vocal range (tenor to first soprano), songs, trumpet, percussion & arrangements are world renown. Many feature articles in magazines, newspapers, television, radio interviews and theatres have expounded on this class act lady with professional rave reviews and standing ovations -- over and over.
A performer with her own perfected dance arrangements, she holds an
audience spellbound with her one-woman show or band “The Fireballs”,
adorned with too many accolades to mention.


WINNER! Black Music Association (BMA) Entertainer’s Award (Soul of the
Strip) for “Best Blues Performer” at Cashman Theater, Las Vegas, with
special band performance.
Featured in Season 3 finale of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” All Stars cast.

Trumpeter/Vocalist/Music Director for Blues Hall of Fame inductee Albert ‘Blues Boy’ King.
�� On concerts with legends such as: B.B. King, Millie Jackson, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Albert
Collins, Etta James, Rufus Thomas, a Dick Clark TV special, PBS’ Maintenance Shop Blues, and more.
�� Vocalist for Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer, Johnnie Johnson,
Father of Rock ‘n Roll piano & pianist for Chuck Berry.
�� Performed/on shows with: George Wallace, Clint Holmes, Bill
Pinkney's Original Drifters, Lowell Fulson, Bobby Blue Band,
Donald Byrd, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Freddie
Hubbard, Gary Lewis, Fabian, “The Music Man” w/Tony
Randall at St. Louis Municipal Opera House, and more.

Click here to watch Lady "J" Huston (Down Home Blues) August 30, 2008 Performance recorded at Sam's Town Live at the taping of the "Las Vegas Now" radio program.

And now onto THE INTERVIEW:

What attracted you to blues and roots music in the first place?

I’m from St. Louis, MO which is where the iconic tune by W.C. Handy (Father of the Blues) was written “St. Louis Blues”. My Aunt Joyce especially loved playing the blues and I loved watching her swoon over it. My mother is a singer who also sang blues and I used to dance on her shows to “Watermelon Man” a blues number that I still perform to this day on trumpet.

Who were some of your early influences?

My mother, Loyce Huston, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, just to name a few.

Are there any young blues players today that you're listening to?

Jonny Lang

Did your career grow gradually, or was there a single event which really helped you get noticed?

My mother took me to a club one night and encouraged me to sit in with the band. I had been playing classical trumpet, so I was a bit frightened. I played and they liked me and asked me to audition for a new jazz program at the Conservatory and School for the Arts (CASA). I got in, started learning more about improvisation, then was asked to replace a trumpeter in the Albert King Blues Band which propelled my music career.

Are there any individuals who helped you get recognition?

My mother was quite influential in my childhood, David Hines (now deceased) is a legendary trumpeter in St. Louis who helped me get the gig with Albert King. And currently my manager for 10 years, Z. Lipsky, has provided me with outstanding coaching and leadership that has helped my career reach new pinnacles.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Performing at the St. Louis Opera House in the Music Man with Tony Randall, recording with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, touring as Music Director with Albert King where I was able to play on shows and meet blues legends such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, and more, and tape a TV special with Dick Clark; America’s Got Talent Finale in Season 3 on NBC, winning the 2009 Best Blues Performer award by the Black Music Association – Las Vegas.

Do you do anything differently if you're playing a really big place versus a small place? Is it just having the right P.A.?

You know some clubs don’t have PA’s so that’s not cool. You can have a great PA, but if you don’t have the right person working it that can lead to some challenges. I just did a show where the sound system was so wonderful, I went and hugged the sound engineer. I try to connect to the audience, no matter the size of the place. You can get more intimate in a smaller venue and one on one interaction. A big place can give you such an adrenaline rush when you get the feedback from the audience that they’re having a great time.


Do you think it's better for the audience to see music performed in a smaller place?

Music is for the ears first, so in that respect I don’t think so. The performance part is more clearer to see in a smaller place, but with the advent of large screens, you can still get a good perspective of what the performers are doing in larger places.

What is your opinion of the blues music scene today?

I’m grateful that it does not require you to be young, thin and blonde to be able to succeed in the genre. It’s purity is in the sound and the soul that can be expressed through the instrument or the voice. As an African American, I am saddened that my culture does not support it as much as in the past. It is a style of music in which we so greatly influenced. I hope that the blues music scene can be elevated from the underground and more opportunities be provided in America, thus not requiring artists to go overseas to get the recognition and appreciation that is so deserving.

What advice do you have for aspiring blues artists?

Learn the blues scale, study about its origin, sing or play with divine passion, help spread the word about this true American music style, stay healthy, attend to business – not just the music, have a second skill to help fill in the financial voids that most likely will occur along your journey.

What do you think is the greatest blues album ever made?

I’m not sure, I have my favorite singles by a multitude of artists so I guess if you put all of them on one album, that’ll be the best one for me. Thank goodness for the iPod, I’ve got them all there at a touch of a scroll.

Imagine your next project is to put together an album of five of your favorite songs by other artists. What are the songs and who are the artists?

I have the first cut completed, “Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King as a tribute to him, I’m working on a great arrangement of my guitarists’, Dana Barry, of “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King; “That’s Why I’m Crying” – KoKo Taylor; “Hound Dog” – Big Mama Thornton, “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock.

If you're writing songs or anything like that, do you have any kind of a home studio that you record song ideas on? Do you have a songwriting routine?

I record the music into my sequencer and do a scratch vocal with my PC software. I have lost my discipline in having a songwriting routine. I keep a tape recorder handy and when an idea hits me, I sing into it.

Before a performance do you warm up?

Absolutely, because if I don’t, I will have a miserable performance. I must vocalize, practice the trumpet, and stretch the body for my dancing.

Do you have any long-term goals?

I’m looking forward to recording another album, performing at Carnegie Hall and a music tour through Paris. We’re currently in negotiations for a Russian tour.

What would you say are the keys to a happy and successful life?

Having love and respect for oneself, having a dream and pursuing it, making money doing what you love, having a spiritual connection & sharing life with others of your choosing.

Here are some links to a few more songs and videos that I know you will all love:

Lady J Huston and Rockford People performing live

Lady "J" Huston live with Albert King - 1981 - Born Under A Bad Sign

Live from Sweden 1980 - Albert King interview and playing "as The years go passing by", a tribute to the one and only king of blues

Lady J performs in a short caricature of Respect.

Performing with Albert King - The Grass Ain't No Greener

More info and CD downloads are available at: http://www.msjoyce.com



If you live in Vegas or are planning to visit soon you can catch Lady "J" Huston live at any of her upcoming shows. Here is her current schedule:

2010 Calendar of Events
*shows with the Fireballs Band

*(Wed) April 28, 8pm – 11pm, House of Blues Courtyard Restaurant at Mandalay Bay.
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. at Tropicana, $ FREE.

(Fri) April 30, 10pm, Dinah in Color, BBQ & Blues Party. Event from 7pm – Midnight.
Lucille’s BBQ, 2245 Village Walk Dr.; Blues Party, Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy, Henderson, $49.

(Sat) May 1, 2:00pm, Las Vegas Annual Pride Festival, Government Center Amphitheater,
500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Event from Noon – 10pm. Cox Cable is the official cosponsor. Adults $15, Youth $10, Children 12 & Under $ FREE.

*(Sat) May 1, 6pm – 7pm, Blues Festival, Stars of the Lake Stage at Lake Las Vegas.
Montelago Village Resort, 30 Strada Di Villagio, Henderson. 2nd Annual Gimme Shelter
Benefitting Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, with bands playing ‘til 9pm. $20, $75-VIP

*(Sat) May 8, 9pm – 1am, Sand Dollar. 3355 W. Spring Mountain Rd. at Polaris, $5.

*(Thu) May 13, 2pm, Dennis Bono “Las Vegas Now”, Sam's Town Live, Sam's Town Hotel,
5111 Boulder Highway, $ FREE. Broadcasts’ (Fri), May 14, 104.3-FM KJUL, 7:00 pm.

*(Sat) May 15, 7:30pm – 9pm, The Cabaret at The Liberace Museum Presents - The
Blues Explosion to Jazz & Soul. 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. (at Spencer), $20 / $25 at door.

*(Fri) May 21, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, “Mrs. Geez” Southern Home Cooking (Grand Opening,
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, (2) bands). 2605 S. Decatur Blvd., #122, s/w corner, $ FREE.

*(Sat) June 5 – December 4 (1st Saturdays), 9pm – 1am, Sand Dollar. 3355 W. Spring
Mountain Rd. at Polaris. Alternating months “Lady J’s Blues Spotlight” featuring special guest artists, (6/5, 7/3, 8/7, 9/4, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4), $5.

*(Sat) June 12, 7:30pm – 9pm, The Cabaret at The Liberace Museum - The Blues
Explosion to Jazz & Soul. 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. (at Spencer), $20 / $25 at door.

Now do yourself a favor and get out to see some live music and do your part to help keep the blues alive!

Don't forget to check back next week when I will be posting more reviews and INTERVIEWS with some more of the great bands that played the Sand Dollar Anniversary party and others.

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
for The American Blues Blog

The LAS VEGAS BLUES SCENE !

This is a show you do not want to miss!

20th Anniversary Party
April 17th
ALL DAY and NIGHT!!

THE SAND DOLLAR LOUNGE - Vegas.

12pm-Blues Storm
1pm-Al Ek and the Shuffle-Aires
2pm- John Zitos Electric Church
3pm- Rick Smith and the BlackJack Blues band
4pm- Slim Henrey and the good un's
5pm-Lady "J" Huston and the FireBalls
6pm-Howlin Hounds
7pm-Moanin' Blacksnakes
8pm-Cordle-Scott Band
9pmBrantley's Tofield and Earls Boogieman Band
10pm- Monk and the Po' Boys

11pm-Ken Levine Jump Jive and Wail
12am- SPECIAL GUESTS The Artwork Jamal Band
2010 SEMI_FINALISTS INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE
2010 WEST COAST BLUES HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNERS
and
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
1am- Chris Tofield Band
2am-The Ruffnecks
3am till ? Many other musicians will be on stage jammin some great tunes!!

H&H BBQ will be serving there famous BBQ
Raffle for a flying v guitar at midnight and many other raffles as well

Live Radio Remote 6pm- 9pm 97.1

SAND DOLLAR 20th ANNIVERSARY PARTY:

Live Music All DAy!!
Blues Storm
Al Ek and the Shuffle-Aires
John Zito Electrc Church
Rick Smith and the BlackJack Blues Band
Slim Henry and the Good Ums
Lady "J" Huston and the Fireballs
The Howlin Hounds
The Moanin Blacksnakes
Cordle-Scott Band
Brantley, Tofield and Earl Band
Monk and the Po Boys
Ken Levine Jump Jive and Wail
And many more!!!!
H&H BBQ, 97.1 Live Remote, Raffles!!

Sunday (9pm - 1am)
Brad Cordle
Open Jam Night

Dont Miss
The Moanin Blacksnakes
On Moanin' Fridays@ The Sand Dollar

THE SAND DOLLAR
3355 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Be sure to check back next week when I will be posting reviews and interviews with some of the bands.

-Doctor Mojo

Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
AmericanBluesBlog.com

Shawna & Kevin - Stormy Monday - Live at Sawbucks in Las Vegas - Sunday May 9th 2010

Shawna & Kevin - Stormy Monday - Live at Sawbucks in Las Vegas - Sunday May 9th 2010

Thursday Night Blues at The Railhead Lounge

One good place to check out is The Railhead Lounge at Boulder Station.

Every Thursday from 8pm – 11pm they feature national touring blues performers. They have a nice stage and sound system and a good size dance floor. I would recommend getting there a bit early for the show if you want to get a table. Sometimes it becomes standing room only rather quickly for some of the better-known acts.

I have seen many good shows there. Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Harmonica Red, Guitar Shorty and John Lee Hooker, Jr. are some of the greats that make regular appearances.

There is no cover charge and they have $2.00 Draft Beers and $2.00 Electric Jam Cocktails that are pretty good too, so it is definitely a great place to go see a show without spending a small fortune on drinks.

Below is the line-up for April. If you will be in Vegas this month I would highly recommend spending a Thursday evening checking out whichever of these shows you can make it to.


Eric Sardinas April 8
The Soul of John Black April 15
Joe Louis Walker April 22
John Lee Hooker, Jr. April 29

Hello From Las Vegas

Having grown up in Chicago watching some of the legends of the blues perform such as Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, Koko Taylor, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, B.B. King and countless other insanely talented musicians, I have had the blues engrained in my soul from a very young age. Ever since I moved to Las Vegas years ago I have been constantly seeking out the best blues acts that come through town as well as the best local venues and talent.

In the coming weeks you can look forward to articles, reviews, interviews and live audio and video clips from some of the best musicians and singers that Las Vegas has to offer. I will also be posting a calendar of events for those readers that live in Vegas or are planning to visit this great city. After all, lets face it, sooner or later, EVERYONE comes to Vegas, and there are some incredible lesser known local venues and acts that you won’t see at the casinos but if you are into the blues you do NOT want to miss.

So bookmark this page and be sure and check back every week for schedules of upcoming shows and the latest and greatest clips from some talent that you will not find anywhere else. I look forward to becoming your source for information on the Las Vegas blues scene and all things blues in Las Vegas.