Blog posts

Ronnie Earl never fails to astound with his ability to speak with his guitar. The CD "Language of the Soul" (1994) reaches deep and extracts emotion like very few albums created. This was Earl's first all instrumental album. Voted: "Best Blues Album 1995" by Boston Music Awards, anyone who loves straight instrumentals and wants to be completely taken away should take the time to listen.

Portland has a right to be proud of it's blues artists and it's Blues Festival. While it is no secret that I am a die hard Bonehead, these three local artists who played at the festival, are respected and loved not only by myself but the blues community. From the Strange Tone's "Thats How We Roll" to Curtis Salgado's "Alone" there is a level of talent and musical diversity that can't be compared. The playlist is as follows:

What a great gift to the world this cd is. His fourth release on Sony Plains Records, this effort is Ronnie Earl at his absolute best. If you love instrumentals the way I do, take the time to listen. The tracks, in order played are: Bobby's Bop, Blues for the West Side, I Am With You, Katrina Blues, Blues for the Homeless, Beautiful Child, Blues for Otis Rush and New Gospel Tune.

Cascade Bar and Grill, tonite and Saturday-bands start at 8:00 both nites. Watch as I try contain myself from screaming my head off for Boogie Bone.....

Saturday's show included the songs from the above mentioned artists. Tracks in order played were: Joe Bonamassa-You Upset Me Baby, Susan Tedeschi-Rock Me Right, John Mayall-What I Say, Joe Bonamassa-Blues Deluxe, Susan Tedeschi-Looking For Answers, John Mayall-Have You Heard, Joe Bonamassa-Woke Up Dreaming, Susan Tedeschi-Alone, John Mayall-Bernard Jenkins, Susan Tedeschi-Hurt So Bad and I closed with John Mayall's Lonely Years.

Steve Williams and Jake Johnson literally take away the blues as they are talking about playing them. Their music is as upbeat as these accomplished musicians are. They are opening for Rick Estrin and the NightCats Thursday at the Roseland. Not to be missed.

Portland is fortunate in the respect that it is loaded not only with musical talent in general but has a fantastic blues scene as well. The artists played on Saturday's show were diverse in their styles but still embodied the same tone and feel that the blues is known for.

The primary differences between the style of Chicago Blues and Texas Blues is that Chicago incorporates more extended notes off of the standard 6 note blues scale. It also uses more amplified instruments such as the electric and the bass guitars. Texas Blues on the other hand, incorporates the heavy use of the acoustic guitar and this allows for more of a swing feel to it which resonates the sound of Big Band era Jazz.

Portland's blues scene is in good hands knowing that bands like the Reverb Brothers and the Blue Prints are making their rounds in the circuit. Listening to the CD "For the Festival" was like taking a trip back into New Orleans about 60 years ago. It combines traditional blues and playfully adds an unexpected contemporary twist. Check out Dave Duffield's cornet playing. April 12th is the release party for this EP at the Green Dragon at 8:00. They are also headlining our blues portion of this years pledge drive on April 15th at the Mock Crest Tavern.

The artists on last nites show epitomize the genre of Chicago Blues-the change that ultimately took place from Delta to Chicago blues was the use of electric guitars and amplifiers and the use of the piano to maintain the back beat-Muddy Waters has been credited with being the father of Chicago Blues.