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M AG i C
C i T Y
B LU ES NEWS
MAY 2015
iSSUE# 262
BiRMiNGHAM,
ALABAMA
EDDIE COTTON
AND MORE
AT BOB SYKES
MAY 30
PLUS:
ELIJAH BUTLER
AT PHELAN
MAY 17, FREE!
An interview with Carroline Shines p.6
from the prez
Spring and summer have gotten off
to a fantastic start at the Magic City
Blues Society. The highlight of April,
no doubt, was a fantastic afternoon of
blues with the Daddy Mack Blues Band
at Phelan Park. Well over 200 attendees
heard some authentic blues music, and
spent money at the Magic City Blues
Society merchandise table like the
music and t-shirt starved lunatics that
we know you are. Phelan Park is what
they call in the trade a loss leader – it’s
a free event, paid for primarily with the
dues we collect throughout the year.
But given the revenue generated via
t-shirt sales, the 50/50 raffle, and membership sales, the April Phelan show
was basically a break-even event for
the Society. The Board and I certainly
appreciate the enthusiastic crowd!
On the horizon, May is another
month that is just chock full of outdoor
blues events. The MCBS will have a
table/presence at the Bull Pen Blues &
BBQ Festival in Oakman, Al., from 2:00
– 9:00. Featuring Earl “Guitar” Williams,
the Elijah Butler Band, The Clay Swafford Band, Terry “Harmonica” Bean,
and Gip Gipson. It’s sure to be a wonderful day. The MCBS will be sponsoring a float at Birmingham’s legendary
(or infamous) Do Dah Day on May 16.
That same day, the inaugural Bama’s
Boots, Bands, and Bikes is being held in
Oak Mountain Amphitheater. Featuring After Two Glasses, Ryan Flynt and
Motel Ice Machine, Tommy Crowder
and Crossroads, George Griffin and
the Firebirds, Microwave Dave and
the Nukes, and the legendary Scott
Boyer and the Decoys, the event is a
fundraiser in support of combat troops
and their families. More information is
available at their website http://www.
bamasbootsbandsandbikes.com.
Keeping the outdoor theme going,
the Magic City Blues Society is thrilled
to present Phelan Park #2 on May 17
featuring the Elijah Butler Band. Read
Eva Beumer’s preview of the band further along in this issue. And May closes
out with the Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues
Festival on May 30 at DeBardeleben
Park in downtown Bessemer, Al. I have
attended this event the last two years,
and I can’t say enough about what a
fantastic day it is. DeBardeleben Park is
a beautiful setting, the music is world
class, and the food is delicious. This
year’s acts include the Alabama Blues
Project with Taylor Britton, Hallelujah
Junction, local Bessemer favorite Earl
“Guitar” Williams, JJ Thames, Eddie
Cotton, and Ian Siegal with Little G
Weevil. This is an official co-sponsored
MCBS event, and it will be great to see
hundreds of MCBS members there!
Further information is available at
www.bobsykesblues.com.
And a quick “look forward to” the
18th Annual Freedom Creek Festival in
Aliceville, Al on June 6. Details at www.
freedomcreek.org.
In other news from your Board of
Directors – progress at www.magiccityblues.org is coming along nicely.
Membership applications and renewals
seem to be working well, some online
merchandising is upcoming, and we
vow to have the site “mobile device”
friendly within the next 30-60 days.
And as always, we are actively looking
to book acts, from a Blues Stages show
or something we can partner with at
one of the larger venues around town.
In the meantime, I look forward to
seeing you in May, outdoors, at one of
the many blues-centric events listed
above!
Jamey McMahon
BEHIND
DON’T GET LEFT
Check out the calendar of the Blues each and every month
and make a point to support your favorite artists!
2
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
MAGiC CiTY BLUES SOCiETY
P.O. Box 59506
Birmingham, AL 35259
EXECUTiVE BOARD MEMBERS
President: Jamey McMahon
prez@magiccityblues.org
Vice President: Roger Stephenson
veep@magiccityblues.org
Treasurer: Cabbie Bowes
treasurer@magiccityblues.org
Secretary: Mona Lee
secretary@magiccityblues.org
Board at Large:
Eva Mitchell
board2@magiccityblues.org
Richard Kirby
board3@magiccityblues.org
John Braswell
board1@magiccityblues.org
Todd Eckstrom
board4@magiccityblues.org
Membership: Susan LeFoy
membership@magiccityblues.org
Librarian: Mark Giorgi
librarian@magiccityblues.org
www.MAGiCCiTYBLUES.org
MAY MEETING:
OPEN JAM
RANELLI’S DELI
MAY 1, 7:30 PM
CD review
Gracie Curran &
the High Falutin’ Band
Proof of Love
Vizzable Music
Remember that name–Gracie
Curran–because you’ll definitely
remember the voice once you’ve
imprinted on it. Gracie has one
of those very individualistic
voices, with just a hint of twang,
but great depth and that special
something that makes her voice
ever so distinct in a world full
of female vocalists. Gracie hails
from around the Boston area, but
currently hangs her hat around
Memphis much of the time. Some
of her musical “friends in crime”
currently include names like Jeff
Jensen and Brandon Santini. They
helped get Gracie to the Birmingham music scene recently at the
Daniel Day Gallery, so I’ve heard
Gracie live as well as this CD. Once
you’ve listened to her, you’ll be able to
pick her out just by ear, saying, “I know
that voice!” She combines elements of
several awesome female blues and jazz
singers, but her sound is uniquely her
own, and she has great pipes to deliver
those long power notes too.
This is a strong collection of nine
songs, all written by Gracie and various members of the band. Solid original lyrics, with time-tested themes of
personal experiences and self-lived
expression. The range is mostly upbeat,
with great mid-rhythm vibe, but still
magic city blues news
is the official publication of the Magic City Blues Society,
a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Society is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in Magic City Blues News
by individuals, who are solely responsible for their views.
TYANN LINDELL, Editor
mcbseditor@gmail.com
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(9.25”-H x 7.25”-W)............................$100.00
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offers a couple of ballad style
songs to showcase Gracie’s
softer tones. The instruments
mix a nice blues back-base
with guitar and baritone sax
throughout. On a few select
tunes, a trumpet, a harp, an
alto sax, or Hammond keys
set the different tones for
the background of great
blues songs. This album will
have you snapping your
fingers and that nice smooth
flowing saucy blues vibe will
have you moving your feet.
I think we’ll be hearing
much more from Gracie
in the future. She is one of
those individually captivating singers; you’ll either love
her, or not, but her powerful blues tone is undeniably
distinctive. This is a highly
listenable album with no
weak spots. We have a great new young
blues singer with a polished band here.
These are strong musicians, showcasing their own chops with great fret and
sax work too. I predict you’ll enjoy her
blues/this album as much as I did.
John Braswell
sponsors
We want to thank the following businesses
and individuals that help support the MCBS:
Bob Sykes BBQ
Cathead Vodka
Dreamland
FAR Computers
Space reservations,
production requirements, etc.:
TyAnn Lindell, mcbseditor@gmail.com
or Jamey McMahon, prez@magiccityblues.org
James McMahon
Billing inquiries:
Cabbie Bowes, treasurer@magiccityblues.org
Ranelli’s Deli
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Workplay
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Iron City
Phelan welcomes Elijah Butler Band
Following up Daddy Mack’s wellattended kick off of the 2015 MCBS
Phelan Park series is a tall order, but we
are excited to announce that Birmingham’s own Elijah Butler Band will rise to
the occasion on May 17th.
Veteran musicians Josh Butler and
Gary Edmonds formed the Elijah Butler
Band five years ago when they saw an
opportunity to fill a void in the local
music scene. “Named after my son, I
wanted to put together a band that was
for the people that really love music…
music with meaning and that provokes
emotion…. I’m not in this for a popularity contest but rather a quest to propel
something that has been evidently dying in the Birmingham area,” said Butler.
Since its inception, the Elijah Butler
Band has been a real crowd pleaser
bringing their signature mix of Southern Rock and Roll and Blues to venues
across the southeast. They have shared
the stage with Kid Rock, The Marshall
Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels Band, and
The Outlaws. The road has been good
to them on a local scale, and they have
played extensively in venues in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and on down to
Bayou La Batre and Mobile, as well as
annually at Morgan Freeman’s place in
Clarksdale, MS. Josh Butler (vocals, guitar) and Gary Edmonds (vocals, guitar)
will be joined by longtime bandmates
Eric Onimus on bass and Finney James
on vocals and drums.
When asked what the band thinks
about playing at Phelan Park, Josh Butler said, “Well, we have always admired
the bands that have been associated
with the Magic City Blues Society and
have had a lot of fun meeting their
supporters. Debuting for such a supportive group of people at Phelan Park
is gonna be a highlight of our summer
run. We are thankful and excited to say
the least.”
We eagerly anticipate the Elijah Butler Band’s Phelan Park Series debut and
hope you will join us. Grab your lawn
chairs, pack your coolers, and meet us
at Phelan Park May 17 at 2 p.m. for what
Special to Magic City Blues News
we can guarantee will be an entertaining and fun show for all ages.
Eva Mitchell
Festival Review: Juke Joint Festival, Clarksdale, MS
The Juke Joint Festival celebrated its
15th year in style on April 11. Although
the festival is officially only on Saturday, the “related events” run Thursday
through Sunday. We attended the Juke
Joint Festival for the first time last year.
There were so many simultaneous
events we were literally running around
the block to catch one of the multitude
of blues artists performing.
Having learned from our first experience, we planned out our itinerary
in advance this year. We booked our
lodging well ahead of time. Last year
we were 30 miles away at Isle of Capri
Casino and Hotel. This time we stayed in
a vintage Airstream trailer at 7 Chimneys Farm. Every time we ventured into
Clarksdale we passed the marker for
Muddy Waters’ cabin at Sterling Farms.
Remnants of last year’s cotton crop
reminded us daily of where we were–
the Mississippi Delta, birthplace of the
blues.
Several bands were playing at the local hot spots Friday night. Our first stop
was Delta Amusement ($5 cover) where
4
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
we enjoyed a crawfish boil while listening to Blue Mother Tupelo. We enjoyed
this duo so much we caught them again
when they came to Moonlight on the
Mountain on April 24.
Next stop: Morgan Freeman’s Ground
Zero. There was a $10 cover for two
bands. Stacey Mitchhart was on stage
when we arrived. We finished the night
wowed by 16-year-old guitar sensation
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. He is frequently referred to as a young B.B. King.
Keep an eye on this one.
Things really start hopping on Saturday morning with 13 stages around
Clarksdale with a new blues act every
hour. That’s right –13 stages with 6-8
hours of music each–and most of it is
free. Toss a tip in the container or buy a
CD or t-shirt to support the musicians.
A few select acts play at the crossroads
of highways 49 and 61–yeah it is THAT
crossroads. Going down to the crossroads is a magical must do.
There is a carnival like atmosphere
with food vendors, activities for the kid-
dos, and a variety of vendor booths. The
local restaurants also provide plenty of
opportunities to enjoy great food. If you
like hot tamales you will have no problem finding them! Bars serve drinks in to
go cups and people walk around with a
bar drink or BYOB enjoying the blues.
On Saturday night the bigger name
acts are in 19 official local blues venues.
A $20 wristband gives you access to all
of these venues. Pre–sale price for wristbands is $15. Again time spent planning
your schedule is necessary.
The experience continues on Sunday
with the free Cathead mini blues festival. Many in the crowd are musicians.
The Sunday night Annual Post Fest
Blues Jam is at Red’s–a real Mississippi
juke joint. Various musicians sign up
to sing or play to a standing room only
crowd.
This historical, magical location is less
than four hours from Birmingham. Put
this on your blues bucket list–you won’t
regret it.
TyAnn Lindell
Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues fest set May 30
LU E S . o r g
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ow
c k o n Me m b
join us
ip
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5
the entire family including a large kid’s
corner with free activities and games.
Children twelve and under are free.
Come hungry for Bob Sykes BBQ, arts,
crafts and free giveaways. Coolers, tents
and pets are not allowed.
The festival will give a portion of the
proceeds to a local charity The Clay
House Children’s Center. http://www.
clay-house.org/
Music Line-Up:
11am Gates open
12:10pm: Alabama Blues Project
Advanced Band with special
guest Taylor Britten
1:30pm: Hallelujah Junction with
Kendra Sutton
2:45pm: Earl “Guitar” Williams
4:00pm: JJ Thames
5:15pm: Eddie Cotton
6:30pm: Ian Siegal featuring Little G
Weevil and his band
Here is a very brief synopsis of the
great lineup for this year’s festival:
The Alabama Blues Project based
in Tuscaloosa encourages our youth
to become musicians and to become
passionate about keeping the Blues
alive. Hallelujah Junction was the
winner of the 2014 MCBS Battle of the
Blues Bands. Earl “Guitar” Williams is
one of the areas most accomplished
blues guitarists and can play a mean
cigar box. JJ Thames is a young lady
from Mississippi who is really making
a name for herself singing the blues
with a touch of soul. Eddie Cotton was
the 2015 winner of the International
Blues Competition. Little G Weevil is
2013 solo winner of the International
Blues Competition. Currently Ian Siegal
is probably Europe’s number one
bluesman and has been nominated for
multiple BMA’s.
See you there.
Roger Stephenson
Not a member ? No worries!
JOIN US TODAY !
cli
w. M A G i C
i
B
TY
d
C
When: Saturday May 30. Gates open
11am
Where: DeBardeleben Park, 1623 2nd
Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020
How much: $15 advance $20 gate
www.bobsykesblues.com
Bessemer, Barbecue and Blues are
a great combination so start planning
for the 6th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and
Blues Festival. The event will take place
at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park
located in historic downtown Bessemer
from 12-8pm. Be sure to bring a chair
or blanket and set-up your spot for the
day. Van Sykes, the festival organizer
and owner of Bob Sykes Bar BQ says
“We are looking forward to another
successful year. Each year the festival
grows and we couldn’t do it without our
sponsors and the support of the community.”
The MCBS is one of the sponsors and
will have a booth there, so stop by for
a chat. There is something to do for
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Visit www.MAGiCCiTYBLUES.org and click on Membership
You can also e-mail: membership@magiccityblues.org
Thanks to the following people for showing their support of the Blues by joining or
renewing their membership in the
Magic City Blues Society:
Phillip Ward
Margaret Ward
James Webb
Margaret Webb
Rick Pennington
Jacqui Pennington
Kelly Pennington
Alex Pennington
James Screven III
Cindy Screven
Susan Collier
Jennifer Copeland
Scott Haselden
Maribeth Haselden
Bryce Haselden
Todd Eckstrom
TyAnn Lindell
Jenny Graves
Lucy Courington
Mike Harrison
Phillip Wood
Chuck Measel
Basie Devereaux
Charles Jones
Jim Stone
Sandra Stone
Glen Frederick
Richard Waller
Marlene Waller
Frank Allen
Ja Williams
Dan DuBois
Kathy Moody
Greg McGill
Cheryl Owens
Sam Patterson
Jane Patterson
Robert Pennington
Karen Pennington
Linda McDonald
Susan LeFoy
Chuck Simmers
Sherri Simmers
Hunter Clark
LeeAnn Miles
Marion Barnes
Stormy Peters
AN interview with CARROLINE SHINES
Interview of this Tuscaloosa based
singer, the daughter of the late Johnny
Shines, that took place in that town in
June 2014. By Mike Stephenson, Blues
& Rhythms Magazine.
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and I
moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the
seventies. I was only three years old at
that time and I’ve been here ever since,
and my father was the late Johnny
Shines. He was around when I was
young but he was on the road a lot of
the time and some years when I was
growing up, I remember him coming
home for Thanksgiving and Christmas
and the rest of the time he was on the
road. I saw dad do shows and I used to
go on the road with him when I was
smaller. My mother wasn’t working at
first so she would go on the road with
him and take me and I would see him
do the show and I would see other
artists come up and do the show and I
knew that is what I wanted to do when
I grew up. My favourite show when
I grew up was Lawrence Welk and I
would see the pretty girls and the music
on a Saturday morning on tv, and then
Soul Train came out, and we always
had American Bandstand and those
were the shows we loved to watch and
I could always imagine myself on one of
those shows. I remember dad was home
one Saturday and Lawrence Welk came
on and I knew what the singer was going to sing, so I got to the point where
I could do that and dad looked at me
and said I’ve got it. I never knew what
it was until I got older. I could hear that
music and I could make those songs; it
was in me and we would do the dance
and mimic what those acts were doing.
So I’ve always loved it. I started singing in the children’s church choir when
I was five years old. I’ve never been a
follower, I’ve always been a leader. I
cannot follow to save my life and if I
could not lead the songs I would stand
there and not sing. I didn’t want to do
back up, I always wanted to lead. I had
kids when I was younger, at an early
age, so I didn’t pursue my music until I
was about twenty five because I wanted
to raise my girls. I’m a single parent and
that was more important to me going
to school and raising my kids so that’s
6
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Roger Stephenson
Carroline Shines
why I waited so long to get out there
and get started in music.
Kip Tyner is a city councilman and
he has a talent show here, so I went for
an audition for the show and I walked
in with my boom box and I got up and
started to sing and they stopped me
and they told me they wanted to talk
about things. So Mr Tyner and a Mr.
Freedman were in the corner talking
and they told me I was too good to try
out and they wanted me to open and
close the show and they would pay
me, so everybody was auditioning to
get a $500 pot and they paid me $500
outright to open and close the show
and that was it. I’ve been singing ever
since. I ended up getting with Debbie
Bond doing things like the Alabama
Blues Project. I have done some clubs
as well. The first time I did a club appearance was at the Jupiter and Debbie told me they were going to have a
blues thing there and she wanted me to
come and sing. I went down there and
it was amazing that people wanted to
hear me. Debbie would get bookings
and they wanted me to do things. We
went on the road and I had never been
on the road and the road can be rough,
especially when you are carrying your
own equipment and instruments and
stuff. My instrument is my mouth so
when I closed my mouth I was finished.
Gigs were coming in left and right
and I know I’ll never be as big as my
dad but I’ve tasted it and I like it and I
love singing. People tell me not to sell
myself short but if you love what you
do, money is not the issue, you want to
make the people happy so that’s why I
do what I do. I like entertaining for the
people.
My influences are my dad. I love
Albert King and Lawrence Welk and
I’ve learnt about this lady that was from
Alabama whose name is Vera Hall and
she is in an unmarked grave in Livingston, Alabama but before she died they
were able to get some clips of her doing
some of her music. She tells such great
stories through her music, its amazing. I
do a song called ‘Another Man Is Gone’
and it’s about this man killed another
man and ended up on the county farm
and all of that stuff and to me it’s poetry
to music and I love it.
I’ve done some recordings, a CD
called ‘The Party’s On Me’ and I recorded that in 2012. I took some time off
last year but I’m starting to write again.
I got married last year so I couldn’t do
my music and plan the wedding but I’m
back now.
I’m part of the Alabama Blues Women thing. Female artists like Debbie
Bond, B. J. Miller, Elnora Spencer, Shar
Baby, we get together and we do our
thing collectively. No show is ever the
same. Debbie had the concept to bring
out the Alabama blues women because
she saw the talent here and at one time
she orchestrated some of the shows to
showcase the Alabama blues women,
as there is so much undiscovered talent
sitting here in Alabama. We have fun
when we play together, we make up
songs and it’s a soap opera to music. I’m
involved with the Johnny Shines blues
festival in August and it’s a yearly thing
and it’s on Johnny Shines Street here in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama and we have different artists coming in and playing. We
get together in my back yard and we
have a one day blow out. Music, food
and fun and it’s hot but we have a good
time.
One year it rained and we wondered
what we were going to do with all the
people, so I opened up the house, all
the doors and windows and just about
everybody fitted in there and we were
jam packed. B J Miller was set up in
the living room and there was me and
Debbie Bond and folks were standing
outside with umbrellas and things. I’ve
had Kent DuChaine, Bobby Rush, Kent
Burnside, Birmingham Sunlight Gospel Singers, B. J. Miller, DieDra, Debbie
Bond and so many artists over the years.
There’s no regular venue I play around
here. I’ve played at Gip’s Place, the City
Festival, the Green Bar here and if I had
a regular place to play it used to be
Little Willie’s but they’ve re named it
the Green Bar. The atmosphere there is
amazing. I have a regular band with local guys like Bruce Harper, Jessie Suttle,
Jason Spiegal and others. I work for a
drug distribution company so music is
not a full time thing.
My memories of my father was, when
I was growing up I had no idea my dad
was a star, he was just dad. He put food
on the table and clothes on our backs.
He was just dad and I did not learn the
impact my dad had on the music world
until I got grown and started to dabble
in music myself. He was most definitely
a dad, and he would read to you at
night and he would take you to the doctor when he was home. He got me on
a beauty walk and he went and picked
the dress.
I never got the chance to do any
shows with him but I went to many
shows with him. I got a chance to
meet the Staples Singers and B.B. King
through my father. My dada, when
he was in town, he used to go to the
schools, and he started the Blues In The
Schools locally around here. They would
hold an assembly and he would play
and he would tell them about the blues,
the origins of the blues and about slavery and that blues is the roots. This was
in the seventies.
I remember my dad sitting on the
front porch playing his guitar and all the
neighbours would come over and the
women used to bring pies, cornbread,
fish and it was just a great neighbourhood and everybody is family. I used to
sing with him then and our favourite
song was ‘She’ll Be Coming Round The
Mountain’. There are no other family
members that are singers or musicians.
Hattie Shines was my mother and they
got divorced and then he married
Candy Martin who is a singer.
Calling All Dog Day Musicians
Do Dah Day is a revered event in this town, especially to
me and Sleepy Gumbo, where we began our relationship
when I painted a face on his stomach. Had to have that
man…
This May 16th marks the 36th anniversary of this annual fundraiser for the Birmingham Humane Society and
other organizations benefitting homeless animals, and as
always, is celebrated with a parade down Highland Avenue
culminating in a day of music held between Rhodes and
Caldwell Parks. It is a hugely popular event for the entire
family, including your pets!
7
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
The Magic City Blues Society is planning on putting a
float in the parade this year, and we are looking for a band
to play on our float. We’re not totally sure what that looks
like at this point, but it is sure to be a big time. Many of you
may remember the year Microwave Dave was Vulcan, playing a flyin’ V wearing a big plastic butt. Memories….
We’re looking for bands now for being part of the MCBS
Blues Dogs float. Please contact either Wendy Walters at
wendybwalters@gmail.com or Izzie Hooks at elizhooks@
gmai.com.
Wendy Walters
BLUES CHAT with debbie bond
NAME: Debbie Bond
AGE: ?!:)
OCCUPATION: Musician
RESIDENCE: Northport, Alabama
WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING
MUSIC?
DB: I fell in love with music early–coming from a musical family. My mother
was majoring in voice when she
dropped out of college to have babies.
My dad was a preacher, and she was the
choir director. She says I was singing
before I could talk! They split up when
I was 11. I stayed with my mother, and
we moved around a lot. We were in
living in Holland when I saw a young
woman playing a guitar and knew I
wanted to play guitar real bad.
My mum bought me my first guitar
to help keep me occupied and out of
trouble. It was summer, and we were
stuck at home with a family friend/baby
sitter who played guitar, harmonica,
and sang. She got me started. Not long
after, we were living in Sierra Leone, west
Africa, where I did my first performance
on the country’s only TV station at age
13! There was always musician my family. My brother had a band and played
guitar, and we were always having international jam sessions in our house!
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU
STARTED PLAYING THE BLUES?
DB: In west Africa I heard lots of
American soul and blues, and of course
African music, but it was in England
going to Sussex University that I joined
my first band and started playing soul
and blues. I really loved the blues long
before I knew where it even came from!
Then, by some miracle of fate, I ended
up here in Alabama in 1979 getting to
work first with Johnny Shines in 1981.
This was my first serious exposure to the
blues. My band was called the Kokomo
Blues Band, and we backed Johnny
Shines off and on the last decade of
his life. Then came Little Whit and Big
Bo, who I backed here and also toured
Europe with. Around this time my guitar
playing partner and I started the Ala-
8
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
bama Blues Project to do blues education programs and promote Alabama
blues. Through this time I did my own
thing and backed other traditional
blues acts playing clubs like Grundies
Music Room, The Chukker and festivals
like City Stages.
Later I did an apprenticeship sponsored
by the State of Georgia and Alabama
backing Alabama bluesman Eddie Kirkland. I worked with him both performing and doing blues in the schools programs until he passed away. I worked
the most with the late Willie King, with
whom I toured on the U.S. of the last
seven years of his life at juke joints,
clubs, and festivals. I did many blues in
the schools and three tours in Europe
with him. What a blessing and an education! These wonderful Alabama blues
musicians played the real deal blues. I
continue to back other people sometimes, including Sam Lay and many Alabama blues women such as Shar Baby,
Carroline Shines, BJ Miller, and more!
However, my primary focus since Willie
passed away is my own music.
I write and perform original songs. It is
not traditional blues, but greatly influenced by these musical experiences.
I do my own contemporary original
music that reflects my life and my story
and my love of diverse sounds. It brings
up the question, “What is the blues?” I know that the old rootsy traditional
blues is going to pass on with the artists who lived that life, experiencing
extreme poverty, injustice, and the Jim
Crow south.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO
PLAY IN THE MAGIC CITY?
DB: One of the blessings is I get to play
in a wide range of places. I am not being
diplomatic to say I love them all. Because I play original music and enough
people like it I get to play regularly at
Moonlight on the Mountain, a listening room with great acoustics and a
very attentive listening audience. I love
that. Then my music is bluesy enough
to play Gip’s place where people dig
the grooves and dance, and I love that
too. Then I get to ice the cake and play
Special to Magic City Blues News
the blues as part of Sunday series at the
wonderful Dream Mecca/Daniel Day
Gallery with its community spirit, dancing and listening audience, great food,
see art and buy vintage clothing all at
the same time! Then you might catch
me at a family friendly place like the
Pepper Place market, Champy’s or Cosmos Pizza, playing as a duo with my life
partner and musical partner, “Radiator”
Rick (on keys, harp, stomp box). Each
place has its own vibe, and I love it.
WHO WAS THE FIRST BAND YOU SAW
IN CONCERT?
In west Africa, as a kid, I got to hear
lots of amazing live music. Age 14, I left
Sierra Leone and flew alone to see my
dad in California (where I was born) for
the first time since he left. He was trying
hard to get close to me and took me to
a Grateful Dead concert in Berkeley! It
must have been 1969! Crazy. It was wild
and a little over my (dead) head! Later
in England I got to see Johnny Guitar
Watson, B.B. King, and Bonnie Raitt and
of course was completely involved with
American soul and blues.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JUNK
FOOD?
DB: Rick and I are vegetarians at home–
mostly organic and as locally grown
as we can get. I do splurge when we
go out. I love BBQ, soul food, catfish,
sea food, venison, possum. I just love
southern food! I love Indian, Japanese,
French, Italian–let’s face it, I love food. I
don’t like to think about factory farmed
chicken/cattle shot full of antibiotics
and growth hormones–hard to avoid
that when you eat meat. But as for real
deal drive-thru junk food, I avoid it.
over in lots of directions, and I really
have a big soul influence. I am hoping to record my next album in Muscle
Shoals. The working title is Enjoy the
Ride–The Shoal Sessions!
WHAT CD IS IN YOUR PLAYER NOW?
DB: Go out and eat a lovely meal with
Rick, followed by going to hear some
live music!
DB: Here in my office- Merry Christmas,
a fantastic soul singer from early ‘70’s
who is relatively unknown. In my car,
Aretha Franklin. I am going through
a soul phase reading her biography
and listening to lots of soul. Love Bette
Wright, Ann Peebles–my songs cross
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A GREAT
EVENING?
DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?
DB: I love to read biographies. I read
a lot of blues history books. I have my
own archive of Alabama blues history
stuff. I have a small organic veggie garden, love to cook, decorate, go to thrift/
vintage clothing stores, draw (don’t do
that enough), and go to rumba classes!
WHO WAS THE LAST BLUES BAND
YOU SAW?
DB: Don’t get out to hear other bands
enough! Got to hear a bunch of great
Alabama blues bands when we were
inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame
recently and before that Victor Wainwright, who was fantastic.
IF YOU COULD PLAY WITH ANY
BAND, WHO WOULD IT BE?
DB: Of course I wish we could wave a
magic wand and bring Willie King back.
Playing and touring with his band was
an amazing experience and a highlight
of my life. I have played behind so many
great Alabama blues musicians, but
now it is my turn! I am so happy to still
be getting to play and grow my own
music in my own band and wouldn’t
trade it for anything. It has taken a lot
of courage to take the plunge, back off
from my administrative duties with the
Alabama Blues Project, and focus on
my own songwriting and performing.
Rick and I are still teaching “Blues in the
Schools” programs with the Alabama
Blues Project, including their advanced
band. Don’t miss the advanced band
playing Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival.
Getting together with Rick Asherson has
been such a huge blessing. Willie King
introduced us. Our life and musical partnership has helped me grow and move
forward personally and musically. I am
so blessed with that musical and love
connection. So I wouldn’t have it any
other way. We are thrilled to be returning to do our second UK tour, playing
clubs and festivals over there. Our songwriting, records, and shows are getting
wonderful reviews here and in Europe.
So I hope I get to do this for as long it
makes me happy and enough come to
my shows! It’s not easy, there are many
challenges, but I wouldn’t trade this
phase of my life for the world!
http://www.debbiebond.com
Http://www.alabamablues.org
Sarah Fendley
9
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
on a sad note
SHEFFIELD
WALKER
Montgomery-born guitarist
Sheffield Walker, Jr. passed
away Sunday, April 12,
2015 at the age of 66. He
was a quiet, private, and
unassuming man. However
when it came to playing
guitar there we few better.
He would sit quietly and
play his Gibson Flying V
impeccably without fuss. So
unassuming and private he
never bragged. Sheffield’s
first instrument was trumpet
which he played from third
grade to tenth grade in
school. By 14 he had started
listening to Chet Atkins,
then B.B. King and Hubert
Sumlin. When he heard
Albert King play ‘Laundromat
Blues’ he became hooked
on the blues and switched
to guitar, determined to
emulate his heroes. In 1966
Sheffield went to college
in Nashville and must have
become pretty skilled on
guitar because at seventeen
he’d go over to Stax Studios
and mess around with Isaac
Hayes and Otis Redding. At
eighteen while still in college
he started working part time
for Excello Records. While
at Excello in 1968 Sheffield
recorded with Slim Harpo on
his Tip On In LP and the hit
Te-Ni-Nee-Ni-Nu. Sheffield
befriended Billy Cox who
played bass with Hendrix.
Billy was playing with Jimmy
Church and often when Billy
Church would go to Excello
to record he had Sheffield
tag along. They also worked
and recorded jingles for
companies. Sheffield toured
for a while with the Jimmy
Church Revue which was a
top attraction among college
audiences in the Southern
and Border States during
the 1970s. During 1968 he
toured Canada for a month
with Jimmy Church. Johnny
Jones was on that trip. His
band was the King Casuals.
Jimmy Hendrix had been a
member of that band for a
period.
After college Sheffield
Walker decided to return to
Montgomery, Alabama for
a steady job with the U.S.
Post Office and a steady
family life. Still, he always
kept playing. In the 70’s he
played with Montgomery’s
PERCY SLEDGE
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame, recipient of the Rhythm &
Blues Foundation’s Career Achievement
Award, and member of the Alabama
and Louisiana Music Halls of Fame,
Leighton, Alabama native Percy Sledge
passed away April 14, 2015, after an
extended illness. Most famous for his
seminal recording of “When a Man
Loves a Woman,” Sledge was one of the
most well known “soul” singers of the
late 60’s, along with Otis Redding and
Wilson Pickett. Born in 1940 in Leighton,
he first worked in various agricultural
10
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Roger Stephenson
Israel Tolbert’s band Popper
Stopper and the Angelics.
He played for a while with
R&B singer and Montgomery native Guss Geeter and
played several tracks on one
of his albums. For the last
eight years he was one of the
veteran players in the John
Bull Band. He also regularly
played as a duo with the
band’s leader, singer and
harp player John Bull. One of
the band’s regular summer
gigs was the delightful Harriett II Sunday evening Blues
Cruise on the Alabama River.
jobs before landing a job at the Colbert
County Hospital in the ‘60’s. It was during this time period when he would perform on the weekends with the Esquires
Combo. Recorded in early 1966, “When
a Man…” was a monumental hit, reaching the #1 spot on both the Billboard
Hot 100 and the R&B singles charts and
enabling Sledge to devote his life to a
career in music.
Sledge charted another dozen or
so songs over the next few years, and
became famous the world over, especially in South Africa, where he was a
prolific live performer. Reissues and
In 2012 Sheffield played
at our BOBB with John Bull.
They won the duo category
and went up to Memphis
to represent us. They didn’t
advance to the finals. Two
judges loved them as did the
crowd, but one judge didn’t
like their style thus sinking
their chances.
I am grateful that in June
2014 that I was able to interview, photograph and document some of the history and
contributions that Sheffield
Walker made to blues music.
Roger Stephenson
cover versions of “When a Man…”
continually brought Sledge’s name
back into prominence in the 1980’s
and ‘90’s, especially after the song was
used in a Levi’s commercial, and after
Michael Bolton’s well known version.
In the 1990’s, Sledge’s record “Blue
Night” received a Grammy nomination
for Best Contemporary Blues Album,
and won a W.C. Handy Award for Best
Soul or Blues Album.
Sledge is survived by his wife, Rosa,
and many children and grandchildren.
Jamey McMahon
on a sad note
LEE JONES
MITCHELL
Sadly Lee Mitchell passed
away April 12, 2015. Many of
you will know Lee Mitchell
as a longtime member of
the Magic City Blues Society.
She joined in early 1995
and assisted the board in
many ways. For over 15
years she served as treasurer.
She wrote articles for our
newsletter, many on her
road trippin’ to area blues
festivals. She traveled to
Memphis almost annually
to support our Battle of
the Blues Bands winners
at the IBC. At society
events Lee could always
be found helping behind
the merchandising table.
Unselfishly she devoted
countless hours to help the
For years, if there was a
society event, Lee was there.
When Gabriel “Little G
Weevil” Szucs first arrived in
this country from Hungary
she was one of the people
who believed in him and
supported him. In his words,
“Lee Jones Mitchell was very
special to me. From a fan,
she became a friend then
family–my son’s godmother. She also is the executive
producer of two of my latest albums. God, she helped
me so much. Lee passed
away. Gone for good. Very
upsetting knowing how
much she loved life. God
bless her soul.”
Reaching out to Mo’ Blues,
a band from Argentina, she
assisted them in their visits
to the U.S., providing them
with advice, accommodation
at her home, and helping to
A Birmingham Tradition
Since 1971
“Because you can’t beat quality”
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11
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Society and blues musicians.
Roger Stephenson
book them gigs.
Mo’ blues bassist Sebastian Casis wrote, “I’m so sad.
My dear friend Lee Jones
Mitchell passed away today. She was the first one
who believed a little band
from Argentina could play
the blues in Alabama (USA)
when nobody knew who we
(MO’ BLUES) were. On many
occasions through the years
she was our manager, driver,
host, cook, and confident,
but mostly she always was
(and forever will be) our
friend... my beloved sister. I
can’t put in English how I really feel, but I think I couldn’t
do it in Spanish either. Lee,
I will never forget you. Now
you are a free bird. Fly, my
friend. Fly high.”
Local musician Scott
Percer: “Lee will certainly be
missed by anyone who knew
her! She was the ‘Real Deal.’
She was kind, loving, giving,
always supportive of our
musical community! We will
see you on the other side my
dear friend!”
Many great blues musicians she knew have passed
away recently so I’m pretty
sure as soon as Lee gets
settled in heaven she will
once again be in touch with
them and assisting them.
Roger Stephenson
DADDY
MACK AT
PHELAN
photos by Roger Stephenson
12
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
13
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
bluesifieds
Got a guitar you want to sell? Need a bassist for your
band? Here’s where to let the Birmingham Blues audience
know! Email your ad (4 lines or less, please) to bluesifieds@
magiccityblues.org, and we’ll post it in the newsletter!
Drummer seeking band
Drummer (experienced) looking for band. Love the
Blues, Southern rock, and R&B. Call (205) 405-6090.
blues band directory
ALTAMONT
Contact: bharrison@luckie.net
BIG DADDY’S NEW BAND
Contact: Frank Ranelli
205-785-4192
BIG PAPA
Contact: Greg “Big Papa” Franklin
205-222-3789 or gfranco81@yahoo.com
THE BLUE DEVILS
Contact: Leonard Watkins
205-329-1294
BLUES MILL
Contact: Chip Riddlesperger
205-253-7046 or
bluesmillband@gmail.com
BREWER & STEVO
Contact: Stevo
205-405-0628
CAHABA DOGS
Contact: Ned West
205-746-8397 or ned.west@att.net
THE CHARLIE SOUL BAND
Contact: Rick Ranelli
205-933-6983
CHRISTIAN HERRING & TRUE BLUE
Contact: Chad Johnson
205-516-8288
DEBBIE BOND &
THE KOKOMO BLUES BAND
Contact: Rick Asherson
205-752-6263
EARL WILLIAMS & THE JUKE BAND
Contact: Earl Williams
205-368-8984
www.facebook.com/earl.williams.5872
FAT MOUTH BLUES BAND
Contact: Tom Thomas
205-422-2178
GEORGE GRIFFIN AND THE FIREBIRDS
Contact: George Griffin
205-533-1527 or griffinblues@gmail.com
website: www.firebirdblues.com
JOHN BULL BAND
Contact: John Bull
334-430-6284 or johnbullblues@gmail.com
JUBAL JOHN
Contact: 205-470-6328
jubal.dalzell@gmail.com
THE LEFTY COLLINS BAND
Contact: Lefty Collins
leftyblues13@att.net or
www.theleftycollinsband.com
MICROWAVE DAVE & THE NUKES
Contact: Dave Gallaher
256-519-9993 or micdave@hiwaay.net
MOSE STOVALL & JOCK WEBB
& THE CONVICTION BAND
Contact: BEATS Entertainment, Carter Law
205-862-4723 or
carterlaw2005@hotmail.com
MOE’S BLUES
Contact: Scott Lander
205-705-6775 or jscottlander@gmail.com
ROADHOUSE
Contact: 205-478-0580
SAM POINTER
Contact: 205-967-8453
SASSY BROWN
Contact: Lauren Brown
615-948-9669 or lbrown1977@gmail.com
SOUL COLLISION
Contact: Greg Franklin
205-222-3789 or gfranco81@yahoo.com
THICK AS THIEVES
Contact: Scott Lander
205-705-6775 or jscottlander@gmail.com
THOMAS HENRY BAND
Contact: Mark Mizzell
205-915-2735 or jwfmark@bellsouth.net
Please direct all additions & changes to: Carolyn Pocus (pocusm@bellsouth.net).
14
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
calendar of the blues: MAY
Call clubs to confirm! Birmingham listings in BOLD face.
To be listed in MCBS calendar, contact Carolyn Pocus (pocusm@bellsouth.net).
Fri. 01
Sassy Brown Band
George Griffin
Ranelli’s Deli
Debbie Bond and
Rick Asherson
John Bull
MCBS Open Jam
Tom Ghent
DanielDay Gallery
Thomas Henry Band
Ona’s
Wellington’s Bistro
Garage Studio, Point Clear
Sat. 09
Champy’s, Alabaster
George Griffin and
The Firebirds
Wiregrass Blues Festival, Abbeville
Sassy Brown and
Glen Butts
After 2 Glasses
Debbie Bond and Blues in
the Schools performance
Sat. 02
Champy’s, Alabaster
Primeaux
Debbie Bond
The Coal Yard Bar and Grill, Helena
Champy’s, Alabaster
Sun. 17
Phelan Park Music Series
Elijah Butler Band
Southside
Earl Williams and
the Juke Band
DanielDay Gallery
Joe Krown Trio
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
Joe Breckenridge
Blues Tavern, Mobile
Bull Pen Blues & BBQ Fest
Lowe Mill Good Day Fest, Huntsville
Oakman
Sun. 10
Mama Annie’s, Huntsville
DanielDay Gallery
Glenn Butts
Champy’s, Alabaster
Debbie Bond, Shar Baby,
Rachel Edwards and more
Wiregrass Blues Festival, Abbeville
Sun. 03
Keb’ Mo’
Microwave Dave
Open Mic
Honey Island Swamp Band
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
Iron City
Mon. 11
DanielDay Gallery
Mama Annie’s, Huntsville
Sassy Brown Band
Jeff Jensen
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
Microwave Dave
Wed. 13
Mon. 04
Glenn Butts
Mama Annie’s, Huntsville
Red Wolf
Microwave Dave
Wed. 06
Glenn Butts
Satterfield’s
Open Blues Jam
Microwave Dave
Bandito Southside, Huntsville
Satterfield’s
Fri. 15
Red Wolf
Moonlight on the Mountain
Open Blues Jam
Debbie Bond
Mon. 18
Satterfield’s
Open Blues Jam
Red Wolf
Fri. 08
Zarinah and the Zaratans
DanielDay Gallery
Magic City Blues News MAY 2015
Champy’s, Alabaster
Druid City Brewing Co., Tuscaloosa
UnChain the Melody
DanielDay Gallery
Thomas Henry Band
Ryan Flynt and
Andrew Brasfield
Sat. 30
Sam & Greg’s, Madison
Fri. 22
Open Mic
DanielDay Gallery
2Blu and The Lucky Stiffs
Champy’s, Alabaster
Flying Monkey CBG Fest, Huntsville
Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival with Earl” Williams,
J.J. Thames, Eddie Cotton,
Ian Siegal featuring Little G
Weevil and his band, more
Bessemer
Sassy Brown Band
Gip’s Place, Bessemer
Phil Dudley
Champy’s, Alabaster
Microwave Dave & the Nukes
Flying Monkey CBG Fest, Huntsville
Champy’s, Alabaster
Sun. 31
Old School & Blues Festival, Huntsville
DanielDay Gallery
Microwave Dave & the Nukes
Sun. 24
Panama Jack and
the Hangouts
DanielDay Gallery
Annika Chambers
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
15
Travis Posey
Microwave Dave & The Nukes
Debbie Bond and
“Radiator” Rick
Bama’s Boots, Bands and Bikes,
Oak Mt. Amphitheater
Thurs. 28
Microwave Dave & the Nukes
Champy’s, Alabaster
Champy’s, Alabaster
Microwave Dave & The
Nukes, George Griffin and
The Firebirds, more
Bandito Southside, Huntsville
Glen Butts and John Oliver
Microwave Dave & the Nukes
Greene Street Market , Huntsville, 4-7pm.
Microwave Dave
Champy’s, Alabaster
Debbie Bond and
Rick Asherson
Sat. 16
Red Wolf
Thurs. 21
Bandito Southside, Huntsville
Debbie Bond and
“Radiator” Rick
Microwave Dave
Open Blues Jam
Shelby Show & Go Classic Car
Show, Columbiana, 6pm.
Nick Schnebelen
Black Warrior Brewing Co. Tuscaloosa
Satterfield’s
Microwave Dave
Kickoff Party for Bama’s Boots,
Bands and Bikes, Voodoo Bar & Grill
Poke Salad Festival, Arab
Glenn Butts
Fri. 29
Pepper Place
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
Wed. 27
Wed. 20
Sassy Brown Trio
Thurs. 07
Mama Annie’s, Huntsville
Debbie Bond and
“Radiator” Rick
Sat. 23
Bandito Southside, Huntsville
Microwave Dave
Microwave Dave
George Griffin and
The Firebirds
Microwave Dave
Mon. 25
Chris Simmons
Smokin’ Joe Kubeck & Bnois
King
Capitol Oyster Bar, Montgomery
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