JULY-AUG 2012 - Natchel' Blues Network

WEEKLYBLUES JAMSEVERY TUESDAY NIGHT!Open Mic at Boar’s Nest (N)EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!Open Mic at Mojo Bones (N)Hosted by David WelshOpen Mic at Mary Helen’s (H)Hosted by Black White Blues Bandor Jones & CompanyAcoustic Blues JamVictorian Station (Phoebus)EVERY 3rd FRIDAY!6p-8:30p Open Mic atQuality Music Ctr. (C)(No drum kits, mostly acoustic/some amplified.)EVERY SATURDAY!Open Session 2p-4p atQuality Music Ctr. (C)NBN’s MISSION• Promote, perpetuate, andpreserve Blues music as a trueAmerican art form.• Develop and provide aneducational resource for thecommunity (i.e. schools,churches, civic organizations,etc.) as to the history andevolution of the Blues.• Disseminate information toand act as a network for Bluesmusicians and others interestedin the Blues, both locally andnationally.• Advocate and work toward anincrease in contributed supportfor the Blues in the GreaterHampton Roads area.Blues CD Reviews - Jack CampbellBETH HART & JOE BONAMASSADon’t ExplainJ&R Adventures PRAR931391www.hartandbonamassa.comYou and I are through! We are not friends anymore…unless you go directly to Birdlandand buy this CD. I will be checking with each and every one of you personally. That ishow strongly I feel about this beautiful collaboration among Hart, Bonamassa, and KevinShirley (the producer). Hart and Bonamassa have crossed paths many times in their careersand in 2010 Bonamassa asked Hart to add her raw, powerful, and heartfelt vocals to a project he had envisioned.They chose 10 soul classics originally performed by some heavyweights of the music industry. Says Hart, “I was abit intimidated by such great material and musicians, but at the end of the day I feel very happy and grateful for thewhole experience.” And you too will be happy you purchased this CD. It will be in heavy rotation on your iPod,home or car for months, maybe years. This is one of those CD’s that you can take right to your iPod and uploadevery cut. No need to pick and choose. Just load the whole thing in there.So while all the songs are great, bear with me while I highlight my favorites. First and foremost, their version of “I’dRather Go Blind” is indeed the best cover of the Etta James original I have ever heard. This is goose bump materialmy friends. Then there’s the Delaney and Bonnie classic “Well, Well.” This song features the only duet on the CDbetween Hart and Bonamassa.And I haven’t even begun to extol the virtues of Bonamassa’s guitar prowess. But alas, I’m out of room. Guess you’llhave to go and buy the CD.Blues CD Reviews - Jack CampbellSEAN COSTELLOAt His Best - LiveLandslide Records LDCD1040www.landsliderecords.comwww.seancostellofund.orgSean, Sean, Sean…you left us too soon, buddy. One day shy of your 30th birthday.We all loved you. You were at the top of your game, man. But we didn’t know yourdemons. Bipolar Disorder is a serious disease and sadly it took its toll on you. Sonow, in your honor, here is a CD that captures some of your best live performancesin the United States and France. Your guitar playing has been described as “fiercely traditional,” “possessedof jaw-dropping talents,” “relentless attack,” “undeniable beauty,” “transcendent,” and “fearless creativity.”Superlatives, yes, but all are accurate descriptions and so true. Sean, you’ll be happy to know that a portionof the proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit the Sean Costello Fund for Bipolar Research.They included 17 of your greatest performances on this CD, but I particularly like--“I Get A Feeling,”recorded at an unnamed venue in Boston, MA. You must have channeled some of your groovy inner R&Bvibes that night. Wish I could have been there! “Can I Change My Mind” was recorded at the Double Doorin Charlotte back in 2002. Again, with the bluesy R&B soul. Wow! “Reconsider Baby” was captured atUpfront & Company in Marquette, MI. I’m pretty sure I heard Lowell Fulson cheering in the background. Ibet you guys are playing regularly together now.“Hold On This Time” was from your performance at The House of Blues in Cleveland in 2005. Soulful,tasteful, tight and smooth…those are what come to mind when I listen to this cut. I just wish you couldhave held on longer too, my friend.16 www.NatchelBlues.org • JULY/AUGUST 2012