Crib Notes

CL’s “Street Talk” photographer Jeff Slate caught these two images of the legendary John Hammond Jr. at Blind Willies Blues Bar last night.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

HOUSEROCKER JOHNSON

Luther “Houserocker” Johnson celebrated his 70th birthday at Atlanta blues haunt Blind Willie’s on Saturday. (Photos by Jeff Slate; more below the jump.)

(more…)

Bookmark to:

It is a long standing tradition in the Atlanta music scene that when one of our own is in need, we rise up and do something. How many benefits have you heard about or attended for a local musician who either doesn’t have health insurance or is simply overwhelmed with the cost of necessary medical care? The point is, people do care, and they are willing and able to give when they can.

Sadly, another such opportunity has risen, as Carlos Capote of local blues band the Breeze Kings is in dire need of a kidney transplant. Originally diagnosed with a genetic condition marked by excessive protein levels in his urine as a child, the progressive disease has now reached the point where Capote needs frequent dialysis, and ultimately a transplant. In order to get on the statewide transplant list he must first raise at least $10,000 by Oct. 1, 2009 in order to receive matching funds for post-transplant meds and care.

On Sun., June 28, a benefit will be held at Blind Willie’s in order to raise money for the Capote Kidney Transplant Fund. Starting at 2 p.m., performers include the Shadows, the Breeze Kings, Francine Reed, Luther Johnson, Sweet Betty, Tommy Brown and more. The cover is $10 and donations for the cause are being graciously accepted. Click below for info on how to make a donation.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Street Talk photographer Jeff Slate caught this photo of Mose Allison (piano) and Neal Starky (bass) performing at Blind Willies on Wed., March 4.

At the ripe age of 81, you would think pianist Mose Allison would be content to simply take it easy and enjoy life. Well, he does, but his enjoyment is playing live music on the road — over 100 shows a year. It’s a lifestyle he’s maintained since the 1950s, and even in his ninth decade he shows few signs of slowing down.

A self-taught player, Allison was raised listening to and learning from the deep delta blues, New Orleans jazz and classic boogie woogie of the era. With few constraints to shape his playing style, he absorbed what he heard, and put it all together to create his own unique sound.

Read the rest of James Kelly’s CL brief on Mose Allison.

(Photo by Jeff Slate)

Bookmark to:

At the ripe age of 81, you would think pianist Mose Allison would be content to simply take it easy and enjoy life. Well, he does, but his enjoyment is playing live music on the road — over 100 shows a year. It’s a lifestyle he’s maintained since the 1950s, and even in his ninth decade he shows few signs of slowing down.

A self-taught player, Allison was raised listening to and learning from the deep delta blues, New Orleans jazz and classic boogie woogie of the era. With few constraints to shape his playing style, he absorbed what he heard, and put it all together to create his own unique sound.

Allison had little luck finding his true defining niche, but that may have worked in his favor. Defying categorization, he has been marketed as a pop singer, a jazz artist, a blues guy and who knows what else throughout his illustrious career. The labels don’t really matter, its all about the music.
(more…)

Bookmark to:

Kevin Gordon is a renowned songwriter whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Keith Richards, Levon Helm, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Irma Thomas, and Webb Wilder. If you’re out on the town tonight (Jan. 20), pop into Blind Willies where Gordon will be flaunting a smooth combination of swamp rock and blues. $8. 8 p.m. 822 N. Highland Ave. 404-873-2583. www.blindwilliesblues.com.

Bookmark to:

Tonight (Tues., Dec. 30th), Atlanta-based singer Diane Durrett performs a rare and intimate gig at Blind Willies. Durrett has been around the Atlanta Blues and singer/songwriter scene for many years, and has released four well received albums.

In 1999 Durrett took the plunge most musicians only dream of and moved to Nashville, with the big plans to make it in the music industry. Several peripheral jobs later (including a rather interesting stint as a limo driver) she has written a book called Driving Music City. Basically, Durrett has compiled a collection of vignettes describing her experiences chauffeuring some major superstars around Music City. Interspersed with anecdotes from her own music career and family history, Durrett pulls back the curtain just a bit to expose a few somewhat shallow and trivial “secrets” about the stars. Scattered and tangential, this ain’t Shakespeare, folks. Hell, it ain’t even the National Enquirer for that matter.

But Durrett is a much better singer than an author, and her show at Blind Willies will be a real treat for her local fans. Hopefully she will sing more than she talks.

Diane Durrett plays Blind Willies tonight. $Call. 9 p.m. 828 N. Highland Ave. 404-873-2583.

(Photo courtesy of Diane Durrett).

Bookmark to:

Come out to support the great roots rock, country, and rockabilly scene as Slim Chance & the Convicts open for Nashville’s Jon Byrd and Byrd’s Auto Parts at Blind Willie’s in Virginia Highlands tomorrow, Tues., Nov. 25.

$5. 8:30 p.m. Blind Willie’s, 828 North Highland Ave. 404-873-2583. www.blindwilliesblues.com. This is a no smoking show!

(Photo of John Byrd from www.jonbyrd.com)

Bookmark to: