Durante aproximadamente unas 62 horas quienes anualmente viajamos al corazón de la provincia de Jaén, concretamente al bello pueblo de Cazorla, vivimos una intensa y abigarrada catarata de música y conciertos, salpicada además de buen rollo, excelente comida y mucha cerveza.

Se hace prácticamente imposible poder asistir a todos los actos que tienen lugar en estas cortas pero intensas 62 horas de música, por lo que esta crónica pretende únicamente destacar los momentos más sobresalientes de un Festival que intenta combinar buenos conciertos de blues y figuras de primera categoría, con otras actuaciones abiertas a un público más ecléctico.

De este modo en la jornada de apertura, se da preferencia a esos estilos apartados del blues, con un cartel que incluye a JOSE IGNACIO LAPIDO, M-CLAN y JULIAN MAESO. Para mí es el momento del reencuentro, la charla distendida y el acopio de fuerzas y energía para el torbellino de música que se nos viene encima.

Quien no haya vivido ‘in situ’ los conciertos de mediodía en la Plaza de Santa María, no puede imaginarse el ambiente único y especial que allí se respira. Sol, calor, enormes mesas bajo la sombra de los frondosos árboles y parasoles, mesas todas ellas repletas de cervezas, claras y buenas tapas, finos aspersores de agua para refrescarse, gente venida de diferentes rincones de nuestra geografía…. y blues, blues, mucho blues, en conciertos que se alargan hasta más de media tarde.

Así el mediodía del viernes tenemos a CATHY CLARET, la menos bluesera de toda la programación que tiene lugar en dicha plaza, que fusiona el flamenco con la música brasileña o el gypsy sound.

Es un placer tener a nuestro lado a CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE en su vertiente más intimista, en solitario, en un concierto acústico a la guitarra, con temas que no suele incluir en su repertorio con banda, homenajeando a aquellos bluesmen rurales del Mississippi como Furry Lewis o Robert Johnson, con versiones de clásicos como “Crossroads” o “Goin’ Back Home”, para pasar finalmente a la armónica en un excelente blues “Blues Overtook Me” con el sólo respaldo de una guitarra y demostrando que está en buena forma.

A Charlie le sigue VIRGINIA LABUAT, que junto a su guitarra y acompañada por el piano de iñaki García, ofrece también un concierto intimista, donde muestra sus buenas posibilidades vocales en un repertorio que abarca desde el blues clásico al jazz, el swing y otros standards.

Para finalizar, qué mejor que sumergirnos en el auténtico sonido East Coast, Texas y Chicago actual con GREG IZOR, no en vano es miembro de la banda de Anson Funderburgh lo que ya es una garantía, quien perfectamente acompañado por los KING BEE, nos ofrece una actuación impecable a la armónica y voz, que nos deja un gran sabor de boca.

Siguiendo en la Plaza de Santa María, la jornada del sábado nos propone un más que interesante cartel. Entre cerveza y cerveza o tapa y tapa, podemos degustar también el buen hacer de SMILING JACK SMITH & DAVID GWYNN. Afincado en Madrid desde hace años, Jack conoce el género a la perfección y junto a David nos ofrecen un concierto de blues acústico con algunas influencias del Piedmont y del folk-blues, interpretado con gran sentimiento, incluyendo temas de su cd “Now That Truth Was Gone”.

Si gratificante es este primer concierto, no menos lo es el de EDU MANAZAS & ANTONIO SERRANO. Poco podemos decir sobre estos dos grandes intérpretes, Edu todo autenticidad y sentimiento junto a la indiscutible técnica de Antonio. Ambos se complementan perfectamente en una genial actuación que nos deja embelesados y nos hace olvidar el calor y la sed.

Esta es la segunda ocasión en que PREDICADOR RAMIREZ & THE HIPSTERS visitan Cazorla y no se podía haber escogido mejor (en ausencia de Txus Blues y Jose Bluefingers) para cerrar con broche de oro las jornadas en la plaza de Santa María, en un concierto que se alarga hasta bien entrada la tarde. Dividido en tres partes diferenciadas, siempre con el inigualable Predicador erigido en maestro de ceremonias, la primera parte está dedicada al piano blues & boogie de DAVID GIORCELLI, que con su buen hacer a las teclas, calienta más si cabe al público para todo lo que se le viene encima, dando paso a PREDICADOR RAMIREZ, quien con su entrega en el escenario, sus letras cantadas siempre en español y su guitarra muy a lo B.B. King, se mete inmediatamente al público en el bolsillo en una actuación de auténtico blues sin concesiones, especialmente cuando se baja del escenario para compartir su saber guitarrístico entre el público. Pero ahí no acaba todo, queda un as bajo la manga y ese as es la presentación de EDDIE CATMAN, un hombre puro feeling, que pone la plaza de Santa María patas arriba con una explosión de genuino rock ‘n’ roll con tintes blueseros, cantando, bailando, moviéndose y enganchado al público que no les deja marchar. Destacar también el excelente trabajo a la sombra de Lluis Salvador al contrabajo y Regi Vilardell a la batería.

Como ya he mencionado anteriormente, se hace imposible asistir a todos los conciertos programados, por lo que sintiéndolo mucho porque sé que me pierdo a grandes artistas, no puedo ver en directo a grupos y nombres de la talla de CHICKEN CONGRESS, LOLO ORTEGA TRIO, TROY NAHUMKO, ALEX CAPORUSCIO, GUITAR NOT SO SLIM y SANTIAGO CAMPILLO.

En su lugar asistimos a los actos organizados en el Teatro del Ayuntamiento. Es un placer conversar con CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE y GREG IZOR, con ANTONIO SERRANO como traductor y pianista ocasional, que nos desvelan algunos secretos de su técnica a la armónica, salpicada también de interesantes anécdotas de su vida o saludar y charlar unos breves momentos con BOBBY RUSH, un hombre todo genio y figura, o tener a nuestro lado a THE HOLMES BROTHERS, venerables músicos llenos de sencillez, encanto y simpatía. Finalmente podemos asistir también a una interesante charla sobre “El Blues en Castellano” conducida por Paco Sanjuan, Predicador Ramírez, Salvador Alejandro Mordero Cobos y Agustín Bertol. En una amena charla con intervención de muchos de los asistentes a la misma, se comenta el inicio, el desarrollo y evolución del blues cantado en español y se presenta una nueva iniciativa que pretende aglutinar a escala mundial el blues que actualmente se interpreta en idioma español (www.bluesencastellano.org).

Greg Izor, Charlie Musselwhite & Antonio Serrano Greg Izor & Charlie Musselwhite

Meet & Greet: Bobby Rush Conferencia "Blues en Catellano":
Paco Sanjuan, Predicador Ramirez, Salvador Alejandro Cobos y Agustín Bertol

Como no podía ser de otra manera, los platos fuertes del cartel se reservan para las actuaciones en la Plaza de Toros. La noche del viernes se presenta realmente impresionante. Nada más y nada menos que CANDYE KANE, BOBBY RUSH, LITTLE ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS y NALLE & HIS CRAZY IVANS.

Con puntualidad aparece CANDYE KANE en escena e inmediatamente nos encandila con su look tremendamente kitsch, su sencillez y su excelente trabajo vocal. Bien respaldada por un eficaz bajista y su propio hijo a la batería, junto a una impresionante Laura Chavez a la guitarra, a quien se la ha comparado con SRV y que ha coproducido el último cd de Candye “Superhero”, nos engancha con sus espléndidos solos auténticamente tejanos. Candye ha superado un terrible cáncer y eso hace que se vuelque en sus actuaciones dando lo mejor de sí misma, en composiciones propias como “Hey, Toughen Up” o “All You Can Eat All Night Long” o versiones de los grandes maestros como Johnny Guitar Watson o Willie Dixon. Una actuación que sabe a poco y que da paso a otro grande entre los grandes, MR. BOBBY RUSH.

A sus 76 años Bobby Rush demuestra una gran energía y vitalidad en el escenario, así como un poderoso registro vocal. Rush es un viejo zorro en esto del ‘show business’ y presenta una actuación vibrante y muy entretenida, con los típicos clichés de la música negra (dos voluptuosas y rollizas coristas, movimientos trepidantes muy a lo James Brown, guiños al soul, al gospel y, por supuesto al blues…). Perfectamente respaldado por una potente y efectiva banda, Rush da un repaso a la música negra, con temas muy efectivos que harían bailar al más frío de los mortales. Entre sus interpretaciones más blueseras destacar “Have You Ever Been Mistreated”, “Hoochie Coochie Man” o “She’s Nineteen Years Old”.

Bobby deja el listón muy alto, pero LIL’ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS consiguen mantener el climax, a base de su houserockin’ Chicago blues. Blues potente, sucio y descarnado, con una enérgica descarga de guitarra slide, técnica aprendida de su tío el legendario J.B. Hutto, en un concierto todo músculo y entrega, que parece sacado de un oscuro garito del South Side de Chicago, con temas propios y versiones de clásicos como “The Things That I Used To Do” (cantado por el segundo guitarrista) o “Hold That Train”. Bien secundado por Michael Garret, guitarra, James Young bajo y Kelly Littleton batería, el delirio llega cuando baja del escenario y se mezcla entre el público que le jalea. Son más de las 3 cuando finaliza este electrizante concierto, el cansancio hace mella y es hora de retirarse no sin tristeza por no ver a NALLE & HIS CRAZY IVANS.

La jornada nocturna del sábado presenta a SHARRIE WILLIAMS, THE HOLMES BROTHERS, CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE y VIRGINIA LABUAT.

Todo elegancia y buen hacer es el concierto de SHARRIE WILLIAMS, excelente y apasionada cantante que transmite un gran sentimiento y que inmediatamente conecta con el público, gracias a una eficaz puesta en escena y un repertorio que abarca desde baladas hasta el gospel, el r ‘n’ b, el blues o el soul, estilos todos ellos en los que Sharrie Williams se mueve a sus anchas.

No hay mejor adjetivo que el de venerables para calificar a THE HOLMES BROTHERS. Buenos músicos y excelentes cantantes, combinan y empastan perfectamente sus voces en el escenario. Aunque provienen básicamente del gospel y eso se nota en su forma, tanto de interpretar como de cantar, mezclan con habilidad dicho estilo con toques de blues, folk, r ‘n’ b e incluso r ‘n’ roll.

Esperábamos mucho de CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE y ciertamente no nos defrauda en absoluto. Está en plena forma y, si su concierto en la Plaza de Santa María fue relajado e intimista, en este demuestra todo su electrizante poderío sobre el escenario. Los músicos que le acompañan June Core batería, Mike Phillips bajo y Matt Stubbs guitarra (gran descubrimiento el de este efectivo guitarrista) suenan totalmente conjuntados, haciendo destacar más si cabe el trabajo de Charlie a la armónica y voz, que desgrana un excelente y variado repertorio incluyendo temas como “Rolling Your Money Maker” (en homenaje a Magic Sam), “Bad Boy” (Walter Horton), “Just Your Fool”o “Cadilac Woman”. Y como no podía ser de otra manera se marca un tremendo bis con su espléndido “Cristo Redentor” que nos pone la piel de gallina. Una vez más y sintiéndolo mucho nos despedimos con pena de otra gran noche de música y blues, dejando Cazorla sin poder ver el concierto final de VIRGINIA LABUAT.

Una vez más, hemos disfrutado en apenas tres días de incontables momentos de música, buen rollo, diversión pero, sobre todo, grandes conciertos de blues que nos han emocionado y que costará mucho poder olvidar. Nosotros también hemos hecho la maleta y de regreso al trabajo y la vida cotidiana, no puedo dejar de pensar en Candye, Musselwhite, Ed, Bobby, Sharrie, Izor… pero también en Jack, David, Edu, Antonio, Virginia, Predicador, David, Eddie… y el resto de músicos participantes que han dado todos lo mejor de sí mismos para hacernos disfrutar un año más del Festival de Blues de Cazorla. Solamente desear que Bluescazorla 2012 siga nuevamente ofreciéndonos blues de alto nivel.

6º FESTIVAL DE BLUES DE HONDARRIBIA
7/10 julio 2011

Durante 4 días todos los blueseros de pro hemos tenido ocasión de reencontrarnos y disfrutar de uno los eventos más esperados en cuanto a festivales de blues se refiere: El Festival de Blues de Hondarribia.

Nos acercamos al escenario La Benta con una cierta reticencia acerca de la sonorización del recinto. Pero afortunadamente la mejora fue notable, mejora que nos permitió disfrutar intensamente de todo el resto de los conciertos del Festival celebrados en este recinto.

Es difícil aparecer sólo en el gran escenario de La Benta, acompañado únicamente de una guitarra, para interpretar un repertorio basado en genuino blues rural de los años 30 del pasado siglo. Pero DE FERRE demostró una vez más que tiene conocimiento del género y tablas suficientes para enfrentarse y salir airoso del reto. Un excelente repaso por los estilos y nombres legendarios, quizás no demasiado conocidos por los aficionados actuales, pero que marcaron el crecimiento y la evolución del blues y que en la voz y la guitarra de este artista cobran nueva vigencia, en un concierto lleno de buenos e intensos momentos.

Esperaba mucho de la actuación de CHRIS JAMES & PATRICK RYNN y ciertamente no me defraudaron. Blues de la vieja escuela de Chicago interpretado con muy buen gusto, elegancia y pasión. Ambos muestran que sus raices se encuentran en el blues más tradicional, pero a la vez son maestros del actual sonido del Delta y de Chicago que practican, salpicado de buenas dosis de jump blues. Acompañados por una banda de lujo con Rob Stone a la armónica, Dave Maxwell al piano luciéndose en un par de boogies y Willie Hayes a la bateria, sonaron frescos pero a la vez poderosos y contundentes en temas, muchos de ellos pertenecientes a su cd "Gonna Boogie Anyway", como "Money Don't Like Me", "Dearest Darling" de Bo Diddley, "Too Late Honey", "Money Tree" o un estremecedor blues lento "it's A Crying Shame" que nos pone los pelos de punta. Un show realmente sobresaliente y que se hace corto.

Para cerrar la noche, otro de los conciertos más esperados por todos los aficionados, ni más ni menos que el legendario ELVIN BISHOP, un hombre que ha tocado junto a nombres como Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, B.B. King o John Lee Hooker. Elvin nos ofreció una actuación amena y muy variada, interpretando básicamente temas de sus dos últimos trabajos para la compañía Delta Groove, demostrando su técnica a la guitarra, con guiños a diferentes estilos musicales siempre entroncados con el blues, como el zydeco, la roots music, el soul, el gospel y naturalmente el blues, gracias al soporte de músicos como Ed Early a la trompeta, trombón y vocales, Bob Welsh a la segunda guitarra, S.E. Willis a los teclados y acordeón o Bobby Cochran a la batería y voz, dando protagonismo a sus intervenciones, que supieron en todo momento conectar con un público totalmente entregado. Como sorpresa final Elvin invita a Finis Tasby y a Randy Chortkoff de los Mannish Boys a unirse a la fiesta en un par de temas.

La jornada del sábado comienza con una Barbacoa Popular amenizada por MINGO BALAGUER & THE BLUES INTRUDERS. Poco podemos decir del buen hacer y la profesionalidad de este músico que lleva más de 20 años paseando el blues por todos los rincones de España. Una banda totalmente empastada con Quique Bonal a la guitarra, Fernando Torres al bajo, Juan de la Oliva a la batería y Mingo a la armónica y voz nos ofrecen un repertorio basado principalmente en temas de su último cd producido por Mike Vernon "Fun To Visit". Genial su versión de "Help Me". Su actuación finaliza con una improvisada jam session con colaboraciones de excelentes musicos.

A la misma hora, las seis de la tarde, comienzan el concierto pedagógico de CHRIS JAMES & PATRICK RYNN y la conferencia de MANUEL LÓPEZ POY musicada por HERNÁN "CHINO" SENRA "Desde la cuneta. Viendo pasar a Robert Johnson". Esta conferencia se ha organizado con motivo del centenario del nacimiento del legendario Robert Johnson. Poy nos explica de forma muy didactica la vida, obra, milagros y entorno social de este músico con un acertadísimo fondo fotográfico y un excelente acompañamiento musical a cargo de Hernán "Chino" Senra.

Dos horas más tarde coinciden también los conciertos de GIRLS WITH GUITARS y SHAWN PITTMAN. Me decido por SHAWN PITTMAN y la decisión no puede ser más acertada. Una actuación excelente, de gran nivel, basada en blues tejano de alto voltaje, perfectamente respaldado por Willie Campbell al bajo y Jimi Bott a la batería, ambos de los Mannish Boys, que derrochan todos pasión y feeling por los cuatro costados, con temas de sus dos últimos discos para la compañía Feelin' Good. En ocasiones Pittman ha sido comparado a Johnny Moeller, Rusty Zinn, Junior Watson o Jimmy Vaughan y la verdad es que quienes lo han hecho tienen toda la razón. Blues auténtico, sin concesiones a la galería, potente, rocoso, directo, que golpea el fondo del alma. En resumen, un concierto que nos trasladó a cualquier bar perdido en el corazón de Texas.

Con puntualidad germánica, 21,30 h., comienza la sesión nocturna en el Auditorio La Benta. Y no puede comenzar de forma mejor que con dos auténticos 'maestros' en eso de meterse al público en el bolsillo. TXUS BLUES Y JOSE BLUEFINGERS tienen una dilatada carrera a sus espaldas que les ha curtido como dos auténticos 'entertainers' del blues. Además de una excelente técnica instrumental y conocimiento del género, sus letras cantadas siempre en castellano, son divertidas, imaginativas y coreadas por un público totalmente entregado. "Enfermo de blues" o "Armonica Lewinsky" son buen ejemplo de ello. Nuevamente y como no podía ser de otro modo, conectaron con la audiencia que no quería dejarles marchar del escenario.

Debo confesar que me sorprendió la inclusión del cantante SUGARAY en la formación de los MANNISH BOYS, ya que su estilo no es el que la banda nos tiene acostumbrados. Los MANNISH BOYS son un grupo abierto, por que el que pueden desfilar diversos músicos en función de las circunstancias, pero siempre mantienen un estilo definido que, con la inclusión de SUGARAY, derivó hacia vertientes más cercanas al soul o incluso al gospel y que en alguna ocasión, me hizo pensar en el desaparecido Solomon Burke (no sólo por hecho de regalar collares a las damas, sino también por sus inflexiones vocales). Si su anterior visita a nuestro país lamentamos la ausencia de KID RAMOS, esta vez sí pudimos disfrutar de su maravillosa técnica y feeling a la guitarra que, en compañía de SHAWN PITTMAN, lograron momentos de un climax realmente espeluznante, junto a la excelente armónica de RANDY CHORTKOFF (the big boss) y la impagable seccion rítmica de WILLIE CAMPBELL, bajo y JIMI BOTT batería. Con esta formación realizaron la primera parte de su show que nuevamente nos transportó a Texas, derrochando toneladas de energía y pasión, dando paso a SUGARAY, notable cantante y entertainer, que aportó el toque espectacular y de complicidad con el espectador. Como colofón a un gran concierto, la aparición en escena del legendario bluesman FINIS TASBY, que aún conserva una gran voz, volvió a dar un toque de autenticidad y clasicismo a una sesión donde el talento y el conocimiento del género brillaron a gran altura.

La noche culminó con otro auténtico showman: MR. LUCKY PETERSON. Respaldado por un potente y contundente MIKE NUNNO al bajo y RAUL VALDÉS a la batería y la inclusión de TAMARA PETERSON, vocalista muy en la línea de Tina Turner. Peterson demostró que es un verdadero showman, un auténtico terremoto de ritmo festivo y entusiasta, que conoce a la perfección todos los resortes para levantar a la audiencia. Inició su actuación a los teclados y órgano con un repertorio de funky soul blues, ganándose inmediatamente la complicidad del público, gracias a sus continuas bromas y actitud en el escenario, para pasar luego a la guitarra, esa guitarra tosca, sucia y descarnada, pero tremendamente efectiva que domina a la perfección. En un artista como él no podía faltar un magnifico blues lento interpretado entre el publico, sentado junto al técnico de sonido y cantado a viva voz sin micrófono con el respaldo de la voz de Tamara Peterson, que de este modo salió al escenario haciendo las delicias de un auditorio entregado. La noche no podía cerrarse de mejor manera que con este espectáculo tan sorprendente.

La jornada dominical comienza con el concierto pedagógico a cargo de los BELCEBLUES para seguir con la Barbacoa Popular amenizada en esta ocasión por NICO WAYNE TOUSSAINT. Lamentablemente no estuve presente en estas dos actividades, por lo que no puedo dar mi opinión al respecto.

La última noche en La Benta desbordó todas las previsiones. Un recinto totalmente abarrotado, una multitud que llenaba todo el paseo y RAIMUNDO AMADOR Y LOS INSOLVENTES en escena. Bien respaldado por unos músicos muy profesionales, Raimundo esta vez sí realizó un repertorio bluesero, aunque sin olvidar sus raices flamencas. Clásicos archiconocidos como "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Crossroads", "The Thrill Is Gone", una blueseada versión del tema de los Beatles "Come Together" o un tributo a Jimmy Hendrix cobraron vida nueva en manos de este artista que cuando quiere, sabe fusionar el blues y el flamenco de forma excelente. No faltó su tema emblemático "Blues de los Niños" y junto a Lolo Ortega el "Sunshine Of Your Love" de los Cream.

La edición del Blues Hondarribia 2011 no podía cerrar de mejor manera que con el HONDARRIBIA CROSSROADS, una nueva sorpresa que Carlos Malles, alma mater del festival, nos tenía preparada. Más de 20 músicos de las mejores formaciones de blues nacional, unidos en el escenario en una magnifica jam perfectamente coordinada por Mingo Balaguer. Todo un placer ver desfilar por el escenario a Quique Bonal, Armando Marcé, Fernando Torres, Tonky de la Peña, Francisco Simón, Lolo Ortega, Aitor Cañibano, Hernán "Chino" Senra, José Bluefingers Juan de la Oliva, Alain Sancho, David Giorcelli, Paul San Martín, Jeff Espinoza, Jon Careaga, Danny Boy, Ñaco Goñi, Mingo Balaguer, Txus Blues, Jorge Otero “Jafo”... ¡espero no haberme dejado a nadie! dando lo mejor de sí mismos y disfrutando en una gran jam session que costará mucho poder olvidar, acabando los 20 músicos tocando juntos en un enorme escenario que casi se quedó pequeño. Y para los más noctámbulos no faltó en en el escenario adyacente, una nueva jam con participación espontánea de diferentes músicos que se hallaban entre el público.

Hernan "Chino" Senra Francisco Simon & Jeff Espinoza

Txus Blues, Danny Boy & Aitor Cañibano Jorge Otero "Jafo" & Alain Sancho

Como en anteriores ediciones un excelente Festival, de gran calidad y enormes artistas. Año tras año el festival y sus organizadores se han superado a sí mismos, aunque esperamos no pierda la frescura y el ambiente relajado y familiar que le ha caracterizado. Con las imagenes en nuestra retina de todos los momentos que hemos vivido, ya esperamos con ilusión la edición de 2012 que sin duda, nos volverá a traer grandes momentos de blues.

En definitiva, una gran noche de auténtico blues a cargo de unos músicos honestos, que no pretenden innovar, sino perpetuar la música que sienten y a los que Music Maker les brinda la oportunidad de demostrar su talento, para poder dar al espectador todo el verdadero y genuino blues que llevan dentro.

En definitiva, una gran noche de blues, altamente satisfactoria, digna del Festival de Jazz de Terrassa, que siempre nos brinda grandes momentos de blues. ¿Se puede pedir mas?

Versión en Españo

CAZORLA BLUES FESTIVAL

JULY 21/23, 2011

For approximately 62 hours, those of us who each year travel to the heart of Jaén land, to the beautiful village of Cazorla, we all live an intense colorful waterfall of music and concerts, spiced with good vibrations, delightful food and liters of cool beer.

It is practically impossible to see all events held in these short but intense 62 hours of music, so this report intends only to highlight the most significant blues moments of a festival that likes to combine great blues shows and first class blues names, with other ones open to a more eclectic people.

Thus in the opening night, preeminence is given to music and bands outside blues, with a line-up that includes JOSE IGNACIO LAPIDO, M-CLAN and JULIAN MAESO. Obviously it is time for me to meet old friends, have a relaxed talk and recruit new energies, after a long trip, for the whirlwind of music that will come in the next hours.

Anyone who has not lived 'in situ' the midday venues that take place in Plaza de Santa María, cannot imagine the unique special atmosphere there. Sunny days, heat, huge tables under the shade of leafy trees and umbrellas filled with cool beer and savoury ‘tapas’, fine water sprays to cool us off, people coming from different corners of Spain... and blues, blues, a lot of blues live music that do not end until late in the afternoon.

So on Friday we start with CATHY CLARET, the less bluesy event that takes place there, an artist who fuses flamenco with Brazilian music and gypsy sounds.

It is a pleasure to have Charlie Musselwhite at our side, on a most intimist acoustic guitar performance, with songs not usually included in his electric band repertoire. He pays homage to those rural Mississippi bluesmen, like Furry Lewis or Robert Johnson, with versions of classics such as "Crossroads" and "Goin' Back Home". He mostly plays guitar and finally he gives us his great blues harmonica playing on "Blues Overtook Me" with just a backing guitar. Although he does a relaxed intimist set he shows he is willing to play and enjoy.

Charlie is followed by VIRGINIA LABUAT who, alone with her guitar and backed by Iñaki García on piano, also offers an intimist set, where she shows her good vocal possibilities in a varied repertoire that ranges from classic blues to jazz, swing and different standards.

Charlie Musselwhite Virginia Labuat

To round it up nothing better than to immerse ourselves into the most genuine actual East Coast, Texas and Chicago sound. GREG IZOR is an outstanding young musician who has been recruited on Anson Funderburgh's band, which already is a quality guarante. Perfectly backed by The King Bee, he gives us a faultless set, full of passion and energy, with a bright harmonica playing and excellent singing, which totally satisfies us.

Greg Izor Greg Izor & Emilio Arsuaga

Saturday at Plaza de Santa Maria, brings us a very interesting line-up. Between beer and beer and eating ‘tapas’ we can also taste the good work of SMILIN’ JACK SMITH & DAVID GWYN. Jack has been living in Madrid for many years. He perfectly knows the blues and, together with David, they give us a delicious acoustic blues show with some influences from Piedmont blues to folk-blues, done with great feeling, also including songs of their last cd "Now That Truth Was Gone".

Smiling Jack Smith Smiling Jack Smith & David Gwynn

If this first show is totally gratifying, not least is the following one, with EDU MANAZAS & ANTONIO SERRANO. Few things can be said about these two great musicians. Edu genuine style and deep feeling, along with the undeniable technical ressources of Antonio’s harp playing, perfectly match together, on a great performance that leaves us spellbound and makes us forget the intense heat and thirst.

Antonio Serrano & Edu Manazas Edu Manazas

This is the second time PREDICADOR RAMIREZ & THE HIPSTERS visit Cazorla and the festival organizators could not have chosen better (in the absence of Txus Blues and Jose Bluefingers) to give an spectacular end to the shows in Plaza de Santa Maria, with a concert that went on longer until late afternoon. Divided into three different parts, always with Predicador acting as the whole ensemble leader, the first part is devoted to piano blues and boogie with DAVID GIORCELLI who, with his good work on the keys, prepares and even warms more the audience to what is coming up. He gives way to PREDICADOR RAMIREZ who, with his commitment on stage, his lyrics -always sung in Spanish- and guitar work, in the path of B.B. King, immediately wraps the audience around his little finger, on a set of genuine straigth blues, where he even walks down the stage to share his guitar knowledge among the crowd. But that's not all, there is still a hidden ace up the sleeve. He introduces us EDDIE CATMAN, a pure feeling man, who puts Plaza de Santa Maria upside down with a burst of genuine bluesy rock 'n' roll. Pure dancing, moving and singing dynamite, who immediately catches a devoted audience which does not let him go. An special mention to the excellent work in the shadows of bass player Lluis Salvador and drummer Regi Vilardell.

David Giorcelli David Giorcelli & Eddie Catman

"Predicador" Ramírez

Eddie Catman

As just mentioned, it is impossible to go to all scheduled concerts, so I'm sorry because I will miss great artists’ evening shows. Unfortunately I will not be able to see live bands and great names like CHICKEN CONGRESS, LOLO ORTEGA TRIO, TROY NAHUMKO, ALEX CAPORUSCIO, GUITAR NOT SO SLIM and SANTIAGO CAMPILLO.

Instead I go to the events that take place at the Theatre Hall. It is a pleasure to talk with CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE and GREG IZOR, with ANTONIO SERRANO as translator and occasional piano player, who tell us some secrets of their harmonica technique, also spiced with interesting anecdotes. Glad to greet and chat for a few moments with BOBBY RUSH, a leopard which never changes his spots, or be for a short time with THE HOLMES BROTHERS, venerable musicians full of charm and friendliness. Finally we can also attend an interesting talk about blues sung in Spanish, led by PACO SANJUAN, PREDICADOR RAMIREZ, SALVADOR ALEJANDRO COBOS and AGUSTIN BERTOL, that becomes a pleasant interesting chat involving many people among those present. We talk about the start, development and evolution of the blues sung in Spanish. It was also presented a new initiative that aims to bring together and worldwide, people and artists who currently listen and sing blues in Spanish (www.bluesencastellano.org).

Greg Izor, Charlie Musselwhite & Antonio Serrano Greg Izor & Charlie Musselwhite

Meet & Greet: Bobby Rush Conferencia "Blues en Catellano":
Paco Sanjuan, Predicador Ramirez, Salvador Alejandro Cobos y Agustín Bertol

As it could not be otherwise, the highligh shows take place at night at Plaza de Toros. Friday night presents an impressive lineup: CANDYE KANE, BOBBY RUSH, LIL’ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS and NALLE & HIS CRAZY IVANS.

Just on time CANDYE KANE starts her set and she immediately dazzles us with her extremely kitsch look, her unaffected way to be on stage and, of course, her excellent vocal work. Perfectly backed by an efficient bass player and her own son on drums, with an impressive Laura Chavez on guitar, who has been compared to SRV and has also co-produced Candye’s last cd "Superhero", Laura catches us with her terrific Texas guitar solos. Candye has overcome a terrible cancer and that makes her look so happy and give the best of herself in every song, specially in her own compositions like "Hey, Toughen Up" or "All You Can Eat All Night Long" but also in versions of such great artists like Johnny Guitar Watson or Willie Dixon. A show that goes on very quickly and gives way to another greatest artisi, MR. BOBBY RUSH.

Candye Kane

Aged 76, BOBBY RUSH shows an amazing energy and vitality on stage, together with a powerful voice. Rush is a show business crafty old fox, so he brings us a vibrant highly joyful performance, with some of the most typical black music cliches (two sexy showgirls, his fast dancing movements that remind us James Brown’s ones, a repertoire based on soul, gospel and, of course, blues...). Well backed by a powerful effective band, Rush displays a complete range of black music styles, that would make dance the coolest person in the audience. Among his more bluesy songs, only mention classics like "Have You Ever Been Mistreated," "Hoochie Cooche Man" or "She's Nineteen Years Old".

Bobby Rush

Bobby’s set has really reached a very high level, but LIL’ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS get to keep the same top climax, thanks to their houserockin' Chicago blues. Powerful, dirty and gritty blues, with an electrifying shot of slide guitar, a technique Ed learned from his uncle, legendary J.B. Hutto. His performing is nothing than the most unbelievable rough swingin’ guitar you can imagine, played with great commitment and feeling, that makes us thing we are dancing on a dark Chicago South Side club. He combines own songs with versions of classics ones like "The Things That I Used To Do" (sung by the second guitar player) or "Hold That Train". With his band good support including Michael Garrett guitar, James Young bass and Kelly Littleton drums, he drives the audience mad, when he goes down the stage to play a terrific guitar solo among them, which encourage him to play more and more It's after 3 o’clock in the morning when this electrifying concert ends, I am really exhausted, so it's time to retire, with a certain sadness for not seeing NALL & HIS CRAZY IVANS.

Little Ed

Saturday night concerts bring us SHARRIE WILLIAMS, THE HOLMES BROTHERS, CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE and finally VIRGINIA LABUAT.

All elegance and tasteful work is Sharrie Williams’ set. She is an excellent, passionate emotional singer who conveys a great feeling that immediately connects with the audience, through and effective stage acting and a varied repertoire, ranging from ballads to gospel, r 'n' b, blues and soul styles, where Sharrie freely moves along.

Sharrie Williams

As I have said before, there is no better adjective than venerable to describe THE HOLMES BROTHERS. Good musicians and excellent singers, they perfectly combine and match their voices. Although they basically come from gospel, which becomes evident as soon as their show begins, thanks to their singing and acting attitude on stage. They do an skillful mixture of gospel with a good touch of blues, folk, r 'n' b and even r 'n' roll.

The Holmes Bothers

All of us had great expectatios about Charlie Musselwhite, and he certainly did not deceive us at all. He is on top form and, if his concert at Plaza de Santa María was relaxed and intimist, this electric one shows his powerful feeling on stage. The band musicians June Core drums, Mike Phillips bass and Matt Stubbs guitar (a great discovery this effective young guitar) sound teamed, and highlight Charlie’s work on harmonica and vocals. He offers us an excellent varied repertoire including songs like "Rolling Your Money Maker" (a tribute to Magic Sam), "Bad Boy" (Walter Horton), "Just Your Fool" or "Woman Cadilac". And as it could not be otherwise, he ends the show with his splendid "Cristo Redentor", which gives me goose bumps.

Charlie Musselwhite Matt Stubbs & Charlie Museelwhite

Detail of Charlie Musselwshite's harmonicas suitcase

One more time i’m sad to put the end to another great night of music and blues, I have to say goodbye and leave Cazorla, loosing the final festival concert by VIRGINIA LABUAT.

As ever, we have enjoyed in just three days, countless moments of music, good vibrations, fun and, over all, great blues concerts that have moved us, that will be very difficult to forget. We have packed our suitcases too and back to work and daily life, I cannot stop thinking about Candy, Musselwhite, Ed, Bobby, Sharrie, Izor... but also about Jack, David, Edu, Antonio, Virginia, Predicador, David, Eddie… and the rest of all participating musicians who have given us the best of themselves to make us enjoy another great Cazorla Blues Festival. Let me only wish that Bluescazorla 2012 again gives us many high level blues concerts and brings back so great blues artists on stage.

Text and Pictures: Mrs. Roser Zúmel.

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6 HONDARRIBIA BLUES FESTIVAL
July 7/10, 2011

During 4 days all blues lovers have enjoyed ourselves rediscovering again one the most outstanding Spanish blues events: The Hondarribia Blues Festival.

A festival organized with love, commitment, enthousiasm and respect for blues that year after year, has gradually grown up to reach maturity. Those of us who have seen its development until becoming a major event, are really happy and hope its growth does not make it to lose the familiar atmosphere, good feeling and, over all, the quality and blues spirit that has nurrished it over the years.

It is difficult to summarize in a short resume so many unique unrepeatable blues moments we have enjoyed during the 4 days festival. So rather than writing an extensive detailed article of Hondarribia Blues Festival, let me this time to include some pictures for your pleasure, together with small comments of those unforgettable moments and finally recommend readers not to lose 2012 edition.

La Benta stage

To open the festival, the most rocking night with local band BELCEBLUES, GIRLS WITH GUITARS and JOHNNY WINTER. In my opinion it was the weakest night, perhaps because the sound was not good: too loud which made shows get into a messy muddle, although it was not the artists fault.

BELCEBLUES presented themselves in a trio format with IBON LARRAÑAGA, ASIER ELORZA and OIAN VEGA. Although I would have preferred to see them together the horn section that often backs them, they give us a show based on power blues, with flaming guitar solos, good vocal job and a set list with own songs and powerful versions of great blues masters.

Belceblues. Ibon Larrañaga

It was the turn of GIRLS WITH GUITARS combo to be on stage. As its name says, three dazzling young singers and guitar players of the new blood of the most powerful electrifying blues: DANNI WILDE, SAMANTHA FISH and CASSIE TAYLOR. The girls showed good technique on guitar, with inspired blues.rock riffs, played with the lively strength these three young women have and giving a terrific energy in every song they played. An special mention to the impressive voice of Danni Wilde and Cassie Taylor’s good work on bass and keyboards (she is daughter of Otis Taylor, who recently was playing in Terrassa). I particularly loved their version of an old iHowlin’ Wolf’s song. The show was spectacular with a high scenic display, although that true blues that gets into your soul, was not present there.

Dani Wilde Samantha Fish & Dani Wilde

Cassie Taylor

Samantha Fish Samantha Fish & Danni Wilde

JOHNNY WINTER received this year's Hondarribia Blues Festival Award 2011 in recognition to a lifetime devoted to music. Although his health seems to have improved enough, he even stood to play a few songs, because of his vision problems I dare say he always seems to be absent, without knowing too much about what happens around him. Backed by his regular band (Vito Liuzzi drums, Scott Pray bass and Paul Nelson guitar), he performed a show including most of his classic repertoire like "Hideaway", "Good Morning Little School Girl", "Got My Mojo Working" or "Tore Down". He showed he still keeps some of his great powerful guitar playing (a guitar that had been badly equalized, producing a hard false metallic sound that became really annoying). Although his voice is not the same he used to have, it was torn and heartbreaking in a powerful version of a slow Robert Johnson’s blues, along with an oirinal Louis Jordan’s cover "Blue Light Boogie". He ended his show playing the slide (better sound on slide) with the classic well-known "Dust My Broom".

Johnny Winter

Afternoon shows practically start at the same. After some hesitation, I decide to go and see CHINO & THE BIG BET, I have not seen playing live for quite a long time. China is currently presenting his highly successful Robert Johnson’s cd, he ha published to commemorate legendary Johnson’s 100 years birthday anniversary. He has an impeccable appearance on stage and a fine show too, and sometimes his sly glance and mocking gestures on stage, make me think how that charismatic, womanizer, troublemaker rogue artist named Robert Johnson should be. Efficiently supported by Martí Elias on drums and Rodrigo Villar on upright bass, he gives us some of those 29 issues that come from that legendary bluesman, but giving them a contemporary very personal air. Besides Chino perfectly combines the most classic repertoire with swing music, Chino is an accomplished exoert, like on dobro and slide guitar.

Rodrigo Villar

Harnán "Chino" Senra

I came to The Benta stage a little bit reluctant about how would be sound there. But fortunately there was a remarkable improvement, which allowed us to intensely enjoy the rest of the Festival concerts held there.

It is difficult to appear alone on the big la Benta stage of the Bent, only backed by his on guitar to play a repertoire based on genuine last century 30’s rural blues. But once again DE FERRE showed he is an able musician who really known the music he plays, with enough presence on stage to successfully beat this challenge. An excellent review of the styles played by legendary names, perhaps not well known by actual fans, but that were essential to the blues development, growth and evolution, which in DE FERRE’S voice and guitar of take on a new life, on a performing full of good intense moments.

De Ferre

I had high expectations about CHRIS JAMES & PATRICK RYNN performance, and THEY certainly did not disappoint ME. Chicago old school blues, played with an amazing good taste, elegance and feeling. Both musicians show their roots are firmly based in the more traditional blues, but at the same time, they are masters of the most actual Delta and Chicago sound from they both play, also spiced with a good dose of jump blues. Backed by a deluxe band, with Rob Stone on harmonica, David Maxwell on piano, who excells himself on a couple of boogies, and Willie Hayes on drums, they sound cool but powerful at the same time. They mostly play songs included in their cd "Gonna Boogie Anyway" like "Money Don’t Like Me", "Dearest Darling" by Bo Diddley, "Too Late Honey", "Money Tree" or a thrilling slow blues "It's A Crying Shame" that makes my hair stand on end. An outstanding terrific show, that runs too much quickly.

Chris James Rob Stone

To close the night, one of the most awaited venues: legendary Elvin Bishop himself, a man who has played with such names like Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, B.B. King or John Lee Hooker. Elvin gave us an enjoyable varied performance, basically playing songs belonging to his last two albums for Delta Groove. He always showed his great technique on guitar, walking along other different music styles, deeply based into blues, such as zydeco, roots music, soul, gospel and, of course, blues. An special mention to the support and contribution of musicians like Ed Early on trumpet, trombone and vocals, Bob Welsch on second guitar, SE Willis on keyboards and accordion and Bobby Cochran on drums and vocals. All them had an outstanding prominence along the whole show and fully connected with the audience. As a final surprise Elvin invited Finis Tasby and Randy Chortkoff of The Mannish Boys to join to the party and perform with them on a couple of tracks.

Shanw Pittman & Elvin Bishop Elvin Bishop

Ed Early

S.E. Willis Finis Tasby

Saturday begins with a Popular Barbecue enlivened by MINGO BALAGUER & THE BLUES INTRUDERS. Few things can be said about the good professional work of a musician who, for more than 20 years has carried the blues to every corner of Spain. A full teamed band with Quique Bonal on guitar, Fernando Torres on bass, Juan de la Oliva on drums and Mingo Balaguer on harmonica and vocals give us a repertoire largely based on songs from their latest cd “Fun To Visit” produced by Mike Vernon. I particularly loved their great version of "Help Me". Their performance ended with an spontaneous jam session with contributions of excellent musicians who were among the audience.

Quique Bonal

At six o'clock pm begin CHRIS JAMES & PATRICK RYNN pedagogical show and MANUEL LOPEZ POY conference and music by HERNAN "CHINO" SENRA "From a ditch: seeing Robert Johnson walk on" This conference has been prepared to commemorate legendary Robert Johnson’s birth centenary. In a very pleasant didactic way, Poy explains interesting details of the life, work, adventures and social environment of that outstanding musician, with a photographic background and the excellent musical support of Hernán "Chino" Senra.

A detail of Manuel López Poy's conference qith Chino on guitar

Two hours later start two different shows GIRLS WITH GUITARS on acoustic format and SHAWN PITTMAN. Finally I decide to see SHAWN PITTMAN and my decision is really successful. An excellent performance and great music, based on high-voltage Texas blues. Shawn is perfectly backed by Willie Campbell on bass and Jimi Bott on drums, both Mannish Boys band members, who also play with a terrific feeling, with songs belonging to Shawn’s last two recordings for the Feelin 'Good. Sometimes Pittman has been compared to Johnny Moeller, Rusty Zinn, Junior Watson and Jimmy Vaughan and in fact I totally agree with them. Real unaffected blues, powerful, rocky, that deeply hits your body and soul. In short, an electrifying show that drives me to any roadhouse lost bar in the heart of Texas.

Shawn Pittman

Punctually on time, 21.30 pm, starts the evening session at La Benta stage. And it can’t start better than with two real 'masters' in getting audiences eating out of their hands. TXUS BLUES & JOSE BLUEFINGERS have a long career behind them that have made them become two real ‘blues entertainers'. Besides an excellent instrumental blues technique and knowledge, their lyrics (always sung in Spanish), are funny, imaginative and catchy, which makes them to be known by heart among people who goes to their shows. "Enfermo de blues" or "Armónica Lewinsky" are good examples of what I say. Once again and as it could be otherwise, they immediately connected with the audience that want not let them leave the stage.

Txus Blues

I must confess I was surprised with singer SUGARAY into Mannish Boys lineup, because his style is not similar of the one the band usually plays. The Mannish Boys are an open band, where they can include different musicians, depending on the circumstances, but that always keeps a definite style. With SUGARAY, the band music got some steps closer to the soul or even gospel styles and sometimes, he made me think of the late Solomon Burke (not just by giving necklaces to the audience, but also by his vocal inflections). If in their previous visit to Spain we very much missed KID RAMOS, this time we could enjoy his huge amazing guitar technique and terrific feeling who, together with SHAWN PITTMAN, reached high climax moments. An special mention to the good work of RANDY CHORTKOFF (the big boss) on harmonica and the priceless rhythm section with WILLIE CAMPBELL on bass and JIMI BOTT on drums. This line-up performed he first part of the show, which took us to Texas again, giving us tons of energy and passion. Then Sugaray came on stage. He is a remarkable singer and entertainer, who provided the spectacular touch and complicity with the audience. To round up such a great show, legendary bluesman FINIS TASBY delighted us with a short appearance. He still has a great voice and he made us come back to the genuine classic blues atmosphere, to close a show where talent, knowledge and feeling shone at a very high level.

Kid Ramos Kid Ramos & Willie Campbell

Randy Chortkoff

Sugaray

Finis Tasby

The night ended with another real showman: MR. LUCKY PETERSON. Backed by a powerful convincing MIKE NUNNO on bass and RAUL VALDES on drums, plus MISS TAMARA PETERSON on vocals, (a singer who, sometimes, could make us think on Tina Turner’s style), Peterson proved he is a true showman, a real festive enthusiastic earthquake of rhythm, who perfectly knows how to connect with the audience. He began singing and playing keyboards and organ with some funky soul blues songs, and he immediately reached the complicity of everyone there, thanks to his continuous jokes and attitude on stage. Then he took his guitar, that rough, dirty and gritty guitar but so effective and powerful in his hands. A so special artist like him, could not miss a shivering slow blues played down the stage, among the audience. He sat next to the soundman and sung with no microphone at all, only with his guitar and the supporting background of Tamara Peterson, who thus made her appearance on stage, to delight a given audience. The night could not close better than with such splendid show.

Lucky Peterson

Tamara Peterson

Sunday acts begin with the educational concert for children by BELCEBLUES, to continue with a popular barbecue enlivened by NICO WAYNE TOUSSAINT. Unfortunately I was not present in these two activities, so I can not give my opinion.

And the last night at La Benta exceeded all expectations. A fully packed room, a crowd that filled the whole avenue and RAIMUNDO AMADDOR Y LOS INSOLVENTES on stage. Perfectly backed by highly professional able musicians, this time Raimundo did a bluesy show, without forgetting his ‘flamenco’ roots. Classics like "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Crossroads", "The Thrill Is Gone", a bluesed version of Beatles’ "Come Together" or a tribute to Jimmy Hendrix took on new life in the hands of an artist that when he is inspired knows to fuse like nobody else does blues and flamenco. It did not miss his emblematic hit "El blues de los niños" and together with Lolo Ortega a version of Cream’s song "Sunshine Of Your Love".

Raimundo Amador

The 2011 Hondarribia Blues Festival edition could not close in a better way than with HONDARRIBIA CROSSROADS, a last great surprise Carlos Malles, director and life and soul force of this great festival, had prepared for us. More than 20 musicians from the best national blues bands on stage in a magnificent blues jam session perfectly driven by Mingo Balaguer. It was a great pleasure to see jamming such great musicians like Quique Bonal, Armando Marcé, Fernando Torres, Tonky de la Peña, Francisco Simón, Lolo Ortega, Aitor Cañibano, Hernan "Chino" Senra, José Bluefingers Juan de la Oliva, Alain Sancho, David Giorcelli, Paul San Martin, Jeff Espinoza, Jon Careaga, Danny Boy, Ñaco Goñi, Mingo Balaguer, Txus Blues, Jorge Otero "Jafo"... I think I have not miss anyone!, giving the best of themselves and enjoying an unforgettable blues jam session, that ended with the 20 musicians playing together on a big stage that almost became too small. And for the most conspicuous night owls, a new jam opened on the close stage with spontaneous participation of different musicians who were among the audience.

Hernán "Chino" Senra Francisco Simón & Jeff Espinoza

Txus Blues, Danny Boy & Aitor Cañibano Jorge Otero "Jafo" & Alain Sancho

Mingo Balaguer & Ñaco Goñi Quique Bonal & Jon Careaga

As in previous years we have enjoyed a great festival, with excellent quality and outstanding artists. Year after year the festival, the organizers and the whole staff have exceeded themselves doing a splendid work. Let’s hope it does not lose the fresh relaxed familiar atmosphere, which gives its special characteristic flavour. We leave Hondarribia with the images in our minds of the fabulous moments we have enjoyed there and begin to look forward to 2012 festival edition, which undoubtedly will bring us new great blues experiences.

Text and pictures. Roser Zúmel

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MUSIC MAKER BLUES REVUE GIG
Blues & Ritmes
Teatro Zorrilla, Badalona, 02/04/2011

Doctor Burt: primitive guitar and vocals
Pat Cohen: vocals
Eddie Tigner: piano
Alabama Slim: acoustic blues
Pat Wilder: electric blues
Music Maker House Rythm Section: Nasheed Abdul Khaaliq, bass, Dean Hardie drums, Albert White guitar.

Music Maker Relief Foundation keeps our culture vital by directly supporting senior (over 55) American roots musicians in need. We provide for basic life essentials while expanding their professional careers so that our rich musical heritage can be shared with the world and preserved for future generations.

Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more.

Music Maker’s programs ensure the talents of these cultural treasures are accessible through hundreds of US and international live performances, multimedia documentation and outreach initiatives.

Programs
Musician sustenance: grants to meet basic life needs and emergency relief.
Musical development: grants and services for recipient artist professional development and career advancement.
Cultual acces: supports the preservation and proliferation of American musical traditions.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council with funding from the state of North Carolina and the National Endownment for the Arts.

This explanation is useful to exactly understand and value the show we enjoyed on a crowded Teatro Zorrilla in Badalona, on April 2 as Blues & Ritmes. Forgotten unknown musicians life has treaded wrong, but who gave the best of themselves to make us travel to the depths Afroamerican musical tradition on a magical unforgettable night.

With the backing support of Nasheed Abdul Khaaliq on bass and Hardie Dean on drums, the primitive guitar and starky rough voice of Dr. Burt, the acoustic Alabama Slim blues, the percussive piano of Albert White (nephew of legendary Piano Red), the powerful electric guitar sound and deep voice of Miss Pat Wilder and, over all, the superb burning presence, friendliness, great voice and genuine blues of Miss. Pat "Mother Blues" Cohen, made the audience to go gradually deeper into the real and winding blues roads and give themselves up to these bunch of so different musicians, but all them gifted with a unique feeling to express the most genuine real blues you can imagine.

They all shone at a very high level, but undoubtedly were the two ladies Pat Wilder and specially Pat Cohen, who managed to put the whole audience upside down and make dance and move even the coldest person, thanks to their commitment, good work and complete communication with the audience.

In short words, a great night of genuine blues performed by a group of honest musicians, whose mission is not to innovate, but to perpetuate the music they feel. Music Maker gives them a second chance to show their talent worldwide and give to the audiences the real genuine blues they keep on their souls.

Text & Pictures: Roser Infiesta Valls, Mrs. Zúmel

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KENNY NEAL BLUES BAND + E.C. SCOTT CONCERT
30 Terrassa Jazz Festival
Nova Jazz Cava, 01/04/2011

Kenny Neal, guitar, harmonica and vocals
Frederick Neal, keyboard
Tyree Neal, keyboard, guitar and vocals
Neal Darnell, bass
Brian Morris, drums
E.C. Scott, vocals

The Terrassa Jazz Festival held its traditional blues evening, with an unforgettable show, worth to celebrate the Festival 3o Anniversary.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, son of singer and harmonica player Raful Neal, Kenny is a genuine representative of the "swamp blues" who, together with his brothers, learned directly from artists like Slim Harpo, Guitar Slim, Henry Gray, Lightnin' Slim, or Lonesome Sundown among others. His style drinks of blues sources and Louisiana swamp blues, with a touch of Chicago blues, funk and soul, and today he is a prestigious name in actual blues scene.

As soon as they went on stage and began to play, Kenny and his band immediately connected with an audience eager of good blues. They widely showed their knowledge of the music they perform, as well as their amazing quality and good stage prsence enough to bring us a varied skillful repertoire.

A powerful well teamed rhythm section and the support of two keyboards, gave the perfect background to Kenny's bright electric guitar, harmonica and steel guitar, along with his well-pitched voice. Songs like "The Things That I Used To Do", "Since I Met You Babe" or the version of "Old Friends" song written by his father, singer and harmonica player Raful Neal, pleasantly surprised for the commitment and professional work of every band members. all and each of the members of the band.

A special mention to the youngest band member, Tyree Neal (Kenny's nephew), who took the main role on guitar and vocal in a couple of songs, "Born On A Bad Sign" and a terrific slow blues. It became evident he has a lot of blues in his veins to express and communicate. He clearly showed he is called to become a real star among the new blues generations.

If the first set reached a high level, the second one far exceeded all our expectations. After a couple of songs Kenny introduced E.C. Scott, who immediately got the audience in her pocket with her simpathy and good work. Born in Oakland, California, she began to sing at St. John Missionary Baptist Church Choir and, though her family were highly religious, she soon became attracted by the blues, a style she totaly controls and she feels comfortable and ease. Her repertoire basically gathered classics like Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me To Do", BB King's "Rock Me Baby" or Louis Jordan's "Let The Good Times Roll".

But we still had some more surprises to enjoy. Kenny appeas again on stage only to give us a chilling version of Elmore James' "It Hurts Me Too" he links with Willie Dixon's "My Babe", where he does an outstanding harmonica work, and a thrilling tribute to Howlin 'Wolf with a medley with "Spoonful" or "Little Red Rooster", in a stunning end with EC Scott on stage, singing both together "High Healed Sneakers" song .

In shortwords, a successful gratifying hight quality night of blues, worthy of Terrassa Jazz Festival, which always gives us amazing great blues shows. Can we ask for more?

Roser Infiesta Valls, Mrs. Zúmel

Pictures by Roser Infiesta Valls, Mrs. Zumel

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BLUES-SUR-SEINE, A DIFFERENT BLUES FESTIVAL
Conference by Jean Guillermo, external relations manager of Blues-Sur-Seine Festival in France.

A few days ago we have had in Barcelona (spain) an interesting lecture by Mr. Jean Guillermo, winner of 2008 Blues Foundation “Keeping The Blues Alive" Award which every year honours a lifetime dedicated to promote the blues. He is also responsible of external relations of Blues-Sur-Seine Festival that for twelve years, is being held simultaneously along 17 days in November in 22 different cities on the outskirts of Paris. An special festival of what we are accustomed to, which combines various aspects, such as artistic, social or educational ones. In an interesting conference, Mr. Jean Guillermo explained us the highlights of this interesting festival.

To get into the spirit of this special event, Mr. Jean Guillermo begins to tell us the problems in the area where the festival takes place: a depressed region marginalization, economic underdevelopment... In this background and thanks to the initiative of a sociocultural centre in Nantes which main aim was to socialize young people through music, and the promotion of popular culture, came up the idea of doing a blues festival.

Since its first edition, the festival is divided into three areas of the same importance: Artistic, Social and Educational.

Artistic Area.

With the subtitle "Spirit and Colours of the Blues", the Festival produces a wide program based on blues, rock blues, rhythm & blues, gospel, folk or blues, including French artists who have got the spirit and feeling of the blues, with more than fifty venues of musicians coming from all over the world (USA, Europe, Africa, South America, Russia....) The program also includes International Blues Challlenge "solo-duo" contest winners, awarded by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, as well as the winners of French national blues competition in "solo-duo" and "bands" categories.

There is also a section entitled "Trampolin Blues-Sur-Seine" that gives an opportunity to new groups without cds distributed in the market, to participate in a contest where a Jury of 15 people select six finalists who participate in the festival program. The winner plays in seven prestigious festivals. There is also a 1,000 euros prize to the a French singing blues artist and the festival produces a CD with two tracks of the six finalist groups.

Other activities include a "Blues and Classical Music Meeting", a Broadway inspired show entitled "Blind Lemon Blues", theatre plays made by workers in different factories, such as "501 Blues" done by Lewis factory workers who are in process of relocation, “slam blues" workshops for teenagers and illiterate mothers, exhibitions, a blues short story contest, creation and development of theatre shows by teenagers, such as a history of blues performed in slam or hip-hop, blues dj sessions…

Social Area.

Under the title of "Meetings for everybody" concerts and other activities related to the blues are done in homeless shelters, for ex-alcoholics, illiterate women, children with mental illness, nursing homes, physical rehabilitation centres, children in care of local administration due to unstructured families environment, prisons ... etc.

Educational and School Area.

Under the title of "Importance of music practice, performing arts and musical genres discovery”, various activities take place in primary and secondary school before and during the Festival. Primary school activities include an introduction harmonica playing and singing for about 600 children six weeks before the festival that end with a school concert to the parents, included as one of the festival acts. They also take in concerts, theatre plays, different instruments presentations, puppet shows or a travelling blues bus for more than 2,500 primary pupils. In secondary schools there are scheduled conferences-auditions that combine singing with the speech, performances by various artists scheduled at the festival, workshops by experts coming from U.S. other specialized workshops aimed to teachers conferences working on mainstreaming, etc, All these activities gather more than 1500 students and are also displayed in universities.

Mr. Jean Guillermo, Blues-Sur-Seina external relations manager

Other cultural initiatives.

Blues-Sur-Seine has also encouraged other initiatives such as producing a blues guide for teachers, a work and exercise book of different course subjects (Math, English, History, Geography....), all them related with blues music, a collaboration with National Rail network to develop a program to fight against illiteracy, a blues literary competition for primary schools, which provides for a collective or individual students to write a poem or a blues song where the wining ones are included in the blues workbook, a teachers workshop, where they are taught about techniques to implement new resources for teaching music, English, etc

Future projects.

Finally mention some upcoming projects Blues.Sur-Seine plans to do in the nest future. They include a twinning with Montreal Blues Festival, to promote exchanges of artists and groups, both new and professional ones, to give advice to musicians in order to find performances outside France, to support blues bands competitions, an active participation in Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Blues Foundation of Memphis, to develop the new European Blues Union association... etc.

All these activities confirm Blues-Sur-Seine is a unique and very special festival, that brings new and interesting ideas to put in practise.

Roser Infiesta Valls, Mrs. Zúmel

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SHORT APPROACHING TO THE BEGINNING OF HARMONICA

It is difficult to make on a brief review an approach to the history and importance of this small instrument called harmonica, because the subject is vast and really extensive.

CAZORLA BLUES FESTIVAL

JULY 21/23, 2011

6 HONDARRIBIA BLUES FESTIVAL July 7/10, 2011

6 HONDARRIBIA BLUES FESTIVAL
July 7/10, 2011