Lightnin’ Wells Books

Lightnin’ Wells BooksNorth Carolina native Mike “Lightnin’” Wells uses a dynamic style he’s developed over his thirty years to breathe new life into the vintage tunes of early twentieth-century America. Wells learned the harmonica at an early age and then using blues and folk recordings, taught himself the guitar. He toured and played with many of the original blues men and women of the Piedmont region of the Eastern United States, and developed a respect for their plight and the social reality of black Americans living in the Jim Crow South and post civil rights era. Lightnin’ remains an insatiable student and researcher, studying the various forms of American roots music from bygone eras. He plays a number of instruments besides the guitar including the harmonica, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo and he is an educator who has worked at many colleges, universities, music camps and has held a position as a board member with the Music Maker Relief Foundation.

Lightnin’ Wells travels to the Portland area in late December/early January for a handful of events.

On Saturday, January 6, he will be performing at Artichoke Music, 2087 SE Powell in Portland. Show time is 8:00 pm. Lauren Sheehan opens. Admission is $15.00.

On Sunday, January 7, Wells heads out to Newberg for a show at the Newberg Music Center, 514 E 1st St at 4:00 pm. Contact the venue for further information including admission.

Then on Saturday, January 13, Wells will be at the Portland Old-Time Gathering at the Tiffany Center, 1410 SW Morrison St. in the Crystal Room East on the second floor. He will be presenting a Ukulele Workshop from 12:00-12:50, then performing a concert from 7:00-7:50 pm.   For more information about this four-day event with multiple musicians, visit http://bubbaguitar.com /gathering/.

Rae Gordon
Rae Gordon

Rae Gordon; photo by Mike Day

Multi Muddy Award winning vocalist Rae Gordon has long been a fixture in the music scene, not only for playing a gritty and soulful brand of blues with her band, but heading up a long standing gospel show with some of the best musical talent in the area. The gospel show has moved a few times as clubs have come and go, from Hoppers to Beale Street NW and now to Trails End Saloon in Oregon City. But what has remained the same is the welcoming come as you are atmosphere found when you bring people of different faiths and backgrounds to a common ground, good music, and the friendly local bar.

Now enjoying its fifth year at its current location, the First Sunday Gospel show highlights the talents of Rae Gordon, along with multi-instrumentalist and musical director Ken Brewer on keys and guitar, Jim Solberg on bass and Scott Van Dusen on drums. Among the many guests joining the group over the last five years have included LaRhonda Steele, Allan Kalik, Joe McMarthy, Garry Meziere, Timothy James, Melissa Buchanan, Brian Foxworth, Marty Henninger, and others.

In celebration of the fifth anniversary, the First Sunday will be held on a special night, the last Monday of January for a live recording happening at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego, and you’re all invited. Tickets for the event are $15.00 and can be purchased at laketheatercafe.com. Your ticket price will go towards the making of the CD from this performance. CDs can be pre-purchased at the show for $10.00, they will be $15.00 when released. Show time is 7:00 pm.

Come out and be a part of this live recording with Rae, the regular gospel band and some surprise guests performing some of your favorite songs and some originals.

Music of Paul deLay

Music of Paul deLayThe new blues musical Just This One, featuring two dozen songs by local hero Paul deLay, takes the stage for three performances at Michelle’s Piano Company this January 27-28. Featuring a cast filled by a Muddy Award-winning group, including LaRhonda Steele, Lisa Mann, Saeeda Wright, Ben Rice, Hank Shreve, Carlton Jackson, and Dave Fleschner. They performed deLay’s songs last January at the Alberta Rose Theatre and then on the Mainstage at July’s Waterfront Blues Festival.

The script is by CBA member Wayne Harrel, and tells the story of Moe DuPree, a jail-bound bluesman whose final gig is interrupted by three women come looking for a piece of the musical action and, perhaps, him. Harrel worked closely with the deLay family and band to craft this original theatrical show. “It’s not the Paul deLay story,” he says, “but it is based on his music and he poured his life into his songs, so there’s definitely a resemblance.”

The two-hour musical performs at 7:30pm Saturday, January 27, and two shows on Sunday, January 28 at 4:00pm and 7:30pm, at Michelle’s Piano Company, 600 SE Stark. Tickets are $20.00 through fertilegroundpdx.org and $25.00 at the door. All ages welcome.

The International Blues Challenge

Preliminary events for the 2018 International Blues Challenge will kick off on Tuesday, January 16, with the competitions beginning on Wednesday, January 17. To help raise funds for travel expenses, Catfish Lou’s will hold its monthly “Pay It Forward” event as a fundraiser for the CBA’s representative to the IBC on Friday, January 12 at 7:30. Both the CBA’s representative in the band category, Sister Mercy, and in the solo/duet  category, Amici, will perform.

While there’s no cover for this event, a tip bucket will be making the rounds for you to fill with generous donations. There will also be food and drinks specials, along with a raffle, with a hundred percent of the proceeds from the raffle, and ten percent of the bar sales being donated to the musical acts as well.

Catfish Lou’s is located at 2460 NW 24th Avenue, so come out and support our local musicians as they prepare for their trip to Memphis.

The Blind Boys Of Alabama

The Blind Boys Of AlabamaThe Blind Boys of Alabama first formed in 1939 and have been touring professionally for more than seven decades, reaping five Grammy Awards during their tenure. Founding member Jimmy Carter is still performing with the legendary gospel outfit. They have played alongside such renowned musicians as Prince, Ben Harper, Taj Mahal, Lou Reed, and many more. The current line-up of The Blind Boys of Alabama include Ben Moore, Eric “Ricky” McKinnie, Paul Beasley, and Joey Williams.

The group will be heading out west for a tour in January, with one stop only scheduled for Oregon, at The Tower Theatre in Bend on Sunday, January 21. Headlining the bill will be folk rock singer-songwriter Marc Cohn, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his best known hit single “Walking In Memphis.”

The Tower Theatre is located at 835 NW Wall Street. Showtime begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets range from $45.00 to $75.00 and can be purchased online at tickets.towertheatre.org.

Chicago Blues Harmonica Blowout

Chicago Blues Harmonica BlowoutMark Hummel is celebrating his 27th year of hosting his Harmonica Blowout concerts. Over the years, Hummel has brought together some of the world’s foremost harp players along with a terrific all-star backing band, and this year is no exception. He has added a little twist to the show this time, however. The focus will be on the blues of Chicago and will feature some of that city’s finest musicians alongside Mark’s own West Coast band and friends.

The line-up will team Mark with Chicago-based artists including legendary harmonica ace Billy Boy Arnold, guitarists John Primer and Billy Flynn, vocalist Dietra Farr and the Cash Box Kings’ leader and vocalist Oscar Wilson. Californian harmonica player RJ Mischo will join the cast and they’ll all be backed by regular Hummel Harmonica Blowout collaborators Bob Welsh on guitar and piano, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on bass.

The Harmonica Blowout concert returns to Portland for another year at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Thursday, January 18 at 8:00 pm. Minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Tickers may be purchased In advance at albertarosetheatre.com for $32.00, or at the door day of show for $37.00.

RL Boyce

Roll And Tumble
Waxploitation Records

RL BoyceA native of Como, Mississippi — deep in the heart of the Mississippi Hill Country, RL Boyce is no stranger to the sounds of the blues. He began performing music at a young age playing in the fife and drum band of his uncle Otha Turner, worked in Jesse Mae Hemphill’s band, and was good friends with legends RL Burnside and Fred McDowell. He even appears in the award-winning documentary film M For Mississippi.

Though he has been playing professionally for more than forty years, he didn’t release his first solo recording until 2007 with It Ain’t The Man’s Right. His latest, coming ten years later is Roll And Tumble, and like its predecessor it has Boyce backed by an all-star array of Mississippi greats including Luther Dickinson, Lightning Malcolm, father and son drummers Calvin Jackson and Cedric Burnside, and Andre Turner, the grandson of Otha.

The new album is produced by Luther Dickinson and it displays those bare boned, country blues, trance sounds that have made the region so popular. It is completely done in first take recordings, which with Boyce’s improvisational style gives you an authentic hearing of what his music is truly about.  The numbers are lengthy, which is typical in the live performance setting of the style. It is meant to be party music, filling up the room with music all night long. It includes two songs written by his mentor RL Burnside, “Poor Black Mattie” and “Going Down South,” and one more cover “Roll And Tumble” by Hambone Willie Newbern. Everything else on the disc are Boyce originals and follows the pattern of the very best from the Hill Country. Roll And Tumble is a terrific recording. Raw and bona fide blues to the core.

Total Time: 1:06:24

R.L.’s Boogie / Child Of God / Roll And Tumble / Poor Black Mattie / Going Away / Don’t Worry My Mind / Been Around The World / Which RL Do You Want / Going Down South / Shotgun

Sweet Pea Atkinson

Get What You Deserve
Blue Note Records

Sweet Pea AtkinsonHillard “Sweet Pea” Atkinson was the former vocalist with the 80s-90s band Was (Not Was) and more recently with The Boneshakers, he has also collaborated with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Bob Seger and Bob Dylan. Get What You Deserve is the soulful vocalist’s first release under his own name since 1982’s Don’t Walk Away and it is filled with funky, soulful, bluesy goodness. The album was produced by his old boss Don Was along with Keb’ Mo’. It explores many long-time influences on the 72-year-old singer, with ten covers from artists such as Bobby Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Womack, and James Brown. And with his gritty soulful voice, he is the perfect match to represent these past musicians as both a tribute to them and as a more than capable peer.

Atkinson has great accompaniment throughout the disc, including legendary drummer James Gadson, Joe Sublett and Mindi Abair on sax, Michael Bearden on organ, bass by Reggie McBride and Don Was, and The Boneshakers’ Randy Jacobs on guitar.

Takes on songs like Freddie Scott’s “Are You Lonely For Me Baby”and “Am I Grooving You,” Johnnie Taylor’s “Last Two Dollars” and Bobby Bland’s “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” are all done to perfection. As are just about everything else found on this spectacular disc from start to finish.

Sweet Pea Atkinson has been performing mind-blowing vocals since the 1970s, mostly with other artists. It’s long over due for him to be stepping out as his own true master of classy blues and soul. This disc cannot be recommended enough!

Total Time: 39:35

Are You Lonely For Me Baby / Slow Down / Am I Grooving You / Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City /  You Can Have Watergate / You’re Welcome, Stop On By / Just Lookin’ / Just Another Lonely Night / Last Two Dollars / Get What You Deserve

Thank You To Holiday Party Volunteers

Thank YouWhenever the Cascade Blues Association holds a special event it takes a few extra hands to make things run smoothly. The Board of Directors truly appreciates those who volunteer to help us as we could not do it without you. We would like to note those individuals who gave their time to help us at December’s Holiday Party. Thank you all so much!!

Bonita Davis
Bryan Olson
Carol Hamley
Coila Ash
Jon Pierce
Lucia Michaud
Priscilla Ditter
Rebecca Erickson
Richard LaChapelle
Ron Beed
Ron Johnson
Sandie Wilkins
Tom Rich

Gary Burford

Gary BurfordGary Burford was born in Austin, Texas. The right town to fall in love with music. He lived there before moving to Albany, Oregon, in the early 1970’s, where he lived until joining the U.S. Army in 1978.

Having three older brothers who played and listened to a lot of music was the key to Gary following in their footsteps. “In grade school there were bands that practiced in the back room of our house. My oldest brother, who was 15 years older, took joy in having me hang out there. His friends would ask, ‘What’s he doing here?’ He’d say ‘Hey, that’s my little brother. He’s cool. He can play.’ And so it went. He taught me to play open chords and songs of the day,” Gary said.

“He would smack me when I didn’t bar the B & E string when playing an F chord. Sometimes when we were playing he would have me continue playing while he made out with a girl.” They played in parks, at sock hops, and other places. Later they played in bars but Gary was underage, so he would have to go outside during breaks.

During high school he made his first guitar in woodshop. Later he got a Silvertone.

While he was serving in the Army he started performing in Officer/NCO Clubs. But he really started performing music as a career after his discharge in 1994.

Gary is a well-known name in the Salem area. In the mid 90’s he became active in the Salem music scene. He worked at Ranch Records and gave lessons at Guitar Castle. He booked shows at venues in Salem, Silverton, McMinnville and Stayton. During this time, he also played in the Boyd Small Big Blues Band, the Bob Beck Band, The Terraplanes and in the Gary Burford Trio.

Gary’s music comes from his soul. He’s had his struggles and has hit his lows. Drugs, alcohol, lost jobs, failed relationships, and time in jail. He can perform the blues, because he has lived the blues. A cancer diagnosis in 2012 was his wake up call. He’s battled back and is now living clean and playing blues music to tell his story.

Influences
He cites his older brother as one of his musical influences. “He was my first teacher, took me to concerts, and let me play at his gigs sometimes.”

He also lists The 3 Kings, Magic Sam, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Boyd Small, Terry Robb, Jim Wallace, Marco Salvo, Lloyd Jones, Monty Amundsen and the list goes on. “I’ve played with and know most of, if not all, of the musicians in the area. I hate to leave any of them out,” he said.

Gary says his musical style come from a lifetime of listening and also from playing with those gracious enough to let him in.

He credits his guitar skills through association with great musicians and private lessons. He also minored in music at University of Texas El Paso.

He has been recognized by the Statesman Journal as best musician two times and best band four times. He was also nominated as Best Regional Act by the CBA.

CD’s
In 1998 the Gary Burford Trio put out the CD, Youre Gonna See, produced by Terry Robb. Guest musicians on the recording included Paul Delay, Jim Wallace and Terry Robb.

In 2015 he joined with Randy Flook and they put out a CD called Redemption. Dave Fleschner was a guest musician on that CD.

He’s also working on a CD called Low Down Shack. It’s a compilation of rock n’ roll of songs he wrote when he was a teenager.

Musicians and Bandmates
Over the years, Gary has performed with musicians such as Terry Robb, Curtis Salgado, Boyd Small, Warren Haynes, Allen Woody, Paulette Davis, Sonny Hess, Garry Meziere, John Fahey, Mark Lemhouse, Lloyd Jones, and others. He says he has worked in support of many regional and national blues acts—too many to list.

His bandmates, past and present, include: Bob Beck on bass; Dennis Ayers on drums; George Edmonston on bass; Boyd Small and Beth Poore on sax; and Dave Fleschner on keyboards.

“I want to emphasize how much Terry Robb has helped me by performing with me at my gigs and having me perform at high profile gigs that he was doing. Also, Boyd Small has been a great friend and band mate. Dennis Ayers, Bob Beck, George Edmonson and Dave Fleschner have put up with me, supported and performed hundreds of gigs and most certainly are the best part of anything I am,” Gary said.

Gary and Terry are working on a theatre-type acoustic tour throughout the NW in 2018. He’ll also be working with Boyd doing the band thing throughout the in 2018. And of course the Burford Trio will be playing, as well.

In Closing
“I have been blessed to have been able to perform, book, produce and promote many shows. I’ve worked with hero’s who have influenced, mentored me, and become lifelong friends,” Gary said.

“It should be a busy 2018. You can keep up with me through: my website, garyburford.wixsite.com/garyburford; my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/garyburfordmusic: or at ReverbNation.”