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Musical losses in Sudan & North Carolina
RIP: Sudanese singer and musician Mohammed Osman Wardi died Feb 18 at the age of 80. More here Live in Addis Ababa, 1993: And halfway across the world, North Carolina fiddler Joe Thompson died Feb. 21 at 93. More here Thompson was the prime inspiration for the Carolina Chocolate Drops who will be releasing […]
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Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Jr Lockwood: on film, 1942
Amazing colour film footage from 1942 of Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) and Robert Jr Lockwood playing on the front porch of an Arkansas grocery store in 1942. It also features some shots of Williamson playing with his band in 1952. No sound, but as one YouTube commenter wrote, “The music is there! You […]
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Etta James & Johnny Otis
It’s been more than a week since the deaths of those two giant figures of American R&B: Johnny Otis, and his greatest discovery, Etta James. My initial comments on Otis’ death are in a post below, and they’ve both received significant media coverage, especially James, although Lynn Crosbie in the Globe & Mail this week […]
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Howlin’ Wolf: “What is the Soul of Man?”
In early December, I made my yearly note that the Oxford American‘s annual Music Issue was about to hit the streets. Usually full of interesting takes on musicians, unknown, little known, or well known, it includes a CD of music by all artists profiled. (NOTE: The issue has been out for some time, but Soundscapes […]
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RIP, Johnny Otis
A giant of American popular music died on January 17 at the age of 90. Johnny Otis discovered, produced, recorded Big Mama Thornton, Etta James, Esther Phillips and so many others; He helped create the R&B sound in the 1950’s and kept many of its early stars touring and performing through the 60’s and 70’s. […]
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Townes Van Zandt: new book, old interview
Sometimes I don’t know where This dirty road is taking me Sometimes I can’t even see the reason why I guess I keep a-gamblin’ Lots of booze and lots of ramblin’ It’s easier than just waitin’ around to die —from “Waitin’ Round to Die”, Townes Van Zandt One of the greatest Americana singer-songwriters, Townes Van […]
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TV documentary (1969): “Gene Vincent – Rock & Roll Singer”
I recently discovered this BBC TV documentary about the late rock & roller’s British tour of that year. It’s a fascinating and sad picture of the man who a decade previously was a huge star, riding his classic hit “Be Bop a Lula” to the top of the charts. In the film, he plays tiny […]
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Etta James: Last chance to catch radio documentary
One of the greatest R&B singers ever is now dying. Last week, the BBC rebroadcast an excellent 2006 radio documentary about her life & career. I highly recommend it. There are 3 30 minute episodes; Part 1 will be taken off line about 8pm EST Monday (Dec 26), and Parts 2 & 3 on Tuesday […]
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RIP, Hubert Sumlin
One of the truly great Chicago blues guitarists, long-time guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf, Hubert Sumlin died on Dec 4 at the age of 80. New York Times obituary (which is where I learned that Sumlin’s guitar — and Wolf’s howls– were a selling point for Viagra!) Mick Jagger & Keith Richards will pay all the […]
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Billy Joe Shaver: videos from Buffalo show, Dec 1
I took a drive down the QEW last week to catch one of my favourite performers, the great singer and songrwriter from Waco, Texas, Billy Joe Shaver at Sportsman’s Tavern Billy’s music has always been about his life, and he has led a more than remarkable life. (www.to-music.ca/bjs.htm). A couple of videos from the night: […]