radio barz

Remembering Koko Taylor

Chicago blues legend Koko Taylor dies at 80 (Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune)

Blues queen Koko Taylor dies at 80 (AP)

"QUEEN OF THE BLUES" KOKO TAYLOR 1928 - 2009 (Jam Base)

Blues Legend Koko Taylor Dies at 80 (Spinner)

In memoriam: Koko Taylor, “Queen of the Blues” (TimeOut Chicago)

"I take a day at a time, because tomorrow ain't promised to none of us," Koko Taylor

Blues Legend Koko Taylor Dies at Age 80

"Blues is my life," ... "It's a true feeling that comes from the heart, not just something that comes out of my mouth" -- Koko Taylor

'Queen of the Blues' Koko Taylor dead at 80 (Chicago Sun-Times)

Blues icon Koko Taylor dies (Chicago Breaking News Center)

Billy Branch delivers a blast of blues at Harper College

Who says that the blues must be depressing? On a bleak, rainy Sunday afternoon Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues conjured up 90+ minutes of musical sunshine at Harper College's Performing Arts Center.

Playing to a small, but enthusiastic crowd, Branch payed homage to blues masters with vibrant covers and inspired harmonica performances on John Lee Hooker's "Boom, Boom," and Jimmy Reed's "You Got Me Runnin'" among many others. He even welcomed a member of the audience on stage for a harmonica duet during "You Got Me Runnin.'" The set closed with a Branch original, "Butter Your Corn," and a rave-up cover of Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Working."

And what a band, this line up of the Sons of Blues features Branch on harmonica and vocals; Dan Coscarelly, playing a blistering guitar; Ariyo, amazing on piano; Nick Charles, too cool and creative on bass and the guy who looked like he was having the best time of the afternoon, Mose Rutues on drums.

• Branch also founded Chicago's "Blues in Schools" program. 
• Billy Branch on Myspace.

The Jimi Hendrix of the dobro

Weekend America delivers this great feature of Jerry Douglas. A great history of his career and the dobro in modern American music.

Muddy Waters tribute today in Westmont, Illinois

This evening, Westmont, Illinois celebrates its most famous resident, Muddy Waters, with a tribute concert beginning at 7 p.m., following a three-hour open mic blues jam that begins at 3 p.m. The tribute lineup includes:

• BILLY BRANCH
• BILLY FLYNN
• SHIRLEY KING - Daughter of BB King
• MUD MORGANFIELD - Eldest son of Muddy Waters
• EDDIE TAYLOR JR. - Son of great blues guitarist and songwriter Eddie Taylor
• BARRELHOUSE CHUCK

If you're like me and won't be able to make the show, celebrate by spinning some great Muddy Waters' sides. In fact, as I write this, I'm listening to Muddy Waters Live 1971 at Mr. Kelly's.

Keep your Mojo working

Here's what I love about SXSW, even before the music fest officially begins, stuff happens.

Last night, after fish tacos at the Paradise Cafe, we wandered over to Nuno's Bar and Grill (By the way, fish tacos was supper, not a band. Though later our cab driver thought we had seen "Fish Tacos.").

After a fine set of Texas Blues by a local band, blues legend, three-time Grammy winner and American treasure Pinetop Perkins took the stage. We watched Pinetop blaze his way on electric piano and vocals through an amazing five-song set, including a rollicking version of "Got my Mojo Working." 

We left Nuno's with Pinetop still playing. Far as I know, he played well into the night and with his vitality, he may still be playing this morning.

My pre-SXSW Pinetop experience has inspired a new toast: "May you live to be 94, with your good health and with you Mojo working."

Check back for photos of Pinetop at Nuno's after I get them off my camera and onto Radio Barz.

Listen Up: Ray Bonneville

Check out Red House Records artist Ray Bonneville's "Big Easy," from his new CD Goin' By Feel. Ray will perform at SXSW this year. Hope to catch him live.

I have the "no blues" blues, but I'm fixin' to take the cure

What gives you the blues?

Used to be I'd stay up late most Friday and Saturday nights listening to live blues at Gilly's or the Oregon Express in Dayton, Ohio. And when I couldn't get out of the house, the overnight blues shows on public radio stations WYSO and WXVU kept the blues spirit burning.

Lately though, I just haven't had time for the blues. And I miss it. Thanks to Standford's KZSU's "Blues with a Feelin'" program for turning me on to California bluesman A.C. Myles. Myles' "Hello Sundown" is crisp, fresh and just the cure for my "no blues" blues. I plan on spinning through all 13 tracks of Up to My Neck in the Blues as soon as my copy arrives from CD Baby.

The blues is back in my life. Looks like it's going to be a late night.