Sunday, July 23, 2006

Next Stop, Augustibluus (Estonia)

with a quick warm-up at the Globe in Aberdeen along the way on August 3rd.

Just got my tickets sorted out with the Augustibluus organizers and I've mentally started the packing process. The immediate problem is what to do about a guitar for this trip because American Airlines smashed my national case to bits.

And, just a reminder, I'm doing a solo performance AND a lap steel workshop. The last workshop I did at the Dundee Blues Bonanza was one of my favorite parts of that festival and really well received, so I'm looking forward to this one too.

See some of you there, perhaps! If you're reading the blog from Estonia, be sure and introduce yourself...

This just in, from the Herald

As a post-script to our last gig in Stirling, the Herald had this to say:

One of the most exciting new arrivals on the British scene since the 1960s blues boom

Saturday, July 08, 2006



And out we go for manufacturing. I've been agonizing about the whole jewel case vs. card wallet packaging. I think we'll go for real jewel cases, even though I like the wallets better- seems like more folks prefer the jewel case because they're easier to find, and look better.

Doesn't really change the quality of the music, though.

Once this one is out the door I get back to work on the solo CD, try and have it ready for the shelter benefit in November.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

My 10-string tuning

I got asked about this several times, here's how that guitar is tuned from low to high (string number followed by scale degree, from low to high):

10: (1)
09: (3)
08: (5)
07: (6)
06: (7)
05: (1)
04: (3)
03: (5)
02: (7)
01: (1)

I'll post notes when I can find the shaarp-symbol on my keyboard...

Bonanza Thanks!

I've heard that there was some negative feedback about the way the bonanza had run. so, I'm on my soapbox now....

To Bob Telford, Hennie, Kat and the rest of the organizing committee, you did an excellent job- thanks so much for all you did for my band and for Lisa Monroe, to make us feel so welcome (again, in fact). It's always an honor to be with you all in Dundee, and I know all the hard work that goes into this every year. It's a thankless job, and it's amazing how you handle a weekend of crisis management with such style.

And to Leon and the gang at Stachmoe's, everyone at the Marquee Club, and all my friends that packed into tight spaces to listen to us play, without you all this wouldn'tbe any fun- you're really the heart of why this is such a great event!

See everyone next year!

Monday, July 03, 2006

Dundee Retrospective

Phew. It was a great Blues Bonanza. From what I hear it was the best yet.

Early on, I had a chance to hangt out with Little Jimmy Reed, Bob hall, Bottleneck John and the guys iin the band. Great to catch up with everyone, most of them I haven't seen in a year or so. Excellent guys all the way around.

We had a great gig on Friday night at the Marquee club, following Little Jimmy Reed's awesome set. Although it was really, really hot in the club (I think the heat may have been on) the band managed to soldier through a 90 minute set of our original material and then Lisa Monroe's Texas blues. To those of you that were expecting a lot of lap steel that night, well, I apologize- it was a stratocaster kind of night!

Had to be up way too early to get to Dexter's for the workshops. Learned all about 1st position harmonica playing from Little Jimmy Reed who can really nail the 'Jimmy Reed' tone and style. Robin did a bit of piano and the we did a 20-30 minute session on Lap Steel, with the help of Dino and John. Lesson learned- always do a lap steel workshop with a bass player and a drummer.

Really didn't get too much of a chance to hang out, because it was off to eat and then move gear into the basement of Satchmoe's for an acoustic set. Dino helped me set up all the gear, including a recording rig that captured the entire set in digital splendor. Not sure what I'll do with it, but the recording is pretty good. Needs a little clean-up, but it's pretty good.

Then 6 flights of stairs later (3 up and 3 down) we had the PA loaded and we were back at Satchmoes setting up for an electric gig. What a packed house thanks all of you that jammed yourselves in there! It was an intense 2 hours, and 2 sets later (and a pretty fair version of Voodoo Chile) we were all done. Exhausted, but done. Off to a curry house.

And that's where it ended. Dehydration, exhaustion and the flu put me flat on my back, and out for the remainder of the festival. From what I hear Lazy Poker did an excellent job filling in for us as Blue Lisa's backing band at the yard. Man, I hated missing that gig, but what can you do- it's the first gig I've cancelled in 15 (yes, fifteen) years.

So, back to work, next stop the Stirling Tollbooth! See you Friday,July 14th.