USA: How Blue Are We November Edition by Monica Yasher

Home of W.C. Handy

Now that November is coming to a close, we at American Blues News would like to reflect upon the month.

We did interviews with people we would like to name as our friends. With every interview, there is something to learn and a friend to be made with the artist, their fellow bandmembers, as well as those that help the artist behind the scenes. There are so many great people in this music industry! It is a pleasure to work with each and every one of them! We are thankful that these artists have the time in their busy schedules to speak to American Blues Blog. When you think that we launched this venture in May, it is amazing what we have accomplished, and we appreciate you reading it!

We are thankful for the artists that treked across the big pond to be part of the American blues scene. We talked with a few of them this month, such as:
Robin Trower Part I and Part II.



And, if you haven't had enough of Robin in the Pittsburgh scene, you can catch some great shots by Nelson at Robin Trower at BB Kings in NYC. We had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown. For those that don't know it, Roger Earl of Foghat is a past bandmember of Savoy Brown. I talked to Roger Earl of Foghat too. BTW-Roger and Kim are still friends to this day.

We republished our article on New Riders of the Purple Sage. If you get a chance, try to help this band get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I bet they will be thankful for the honor. And, why shouldn't they have it? Do you realize how many artists this band influenced? They weren't part of the scene. They were an influence of the scene.

We covered the Memphis scene with Victor Wainwright. And, a great acoustic blues band in my own back yard that I'm sure you'll hear more about, Izzy and Chris.

As always Nelson is on the scene snapping some great shots. Take a look at the blues scene in New York City with pictures of:

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Popa Chubby, and Mark Hummel's Blues Harp.



We all know that the holiday season is around the corner, and J. Blake and Gatorman have been trying to give you the most honest reviews they can on several new CD's. So, if you are thinking about what to buy for your favorite blues fan or what show to catch, try taking a read on the following reviews:

Tinsley Ellis, and George Thorogood's The Dirty Dozen CD.

We, at American Blues news, are a bit partial to Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, since Bob has graciously been a past and future contributor to American Blues news.
I saw Derek Trucks this summer as he was out promoting his, Already Free CD. Other art works we shared an opinion on are: T-Bird Huck, and Diamond Jim Greene "Holdin On".

We can't forget about America's Blues History. It was exciting for many blues fans this month to know that Robert Johnson's Birthplace has been verified! Plus Nighthawk told us a few stories along the way.

We took a look at Memphis and where the music came from in I55 productions. Take a read and see what great productions I55 is working on for your listening pleasure. We were pleased to share with you a Handy recipient and friend of Nighthawk, Dr. Herman Green. This article let us peek at W.C. Handy's Memphis home. Our friends in Chicago, Earwig Music, presented Six Generations of the Blues. Check this article out for showtimes, for the documentary is still being shown.




If you have an itch to go to an open blues show and can't get there, well Gatorman is doing a Chicago Blues Streaming. So, catch Gator and his friends once a week just jamming.

Oh-we also shared some turkey blues songs. Thanks Gator for sharing Turkey Blues!

Now it's time to move onto December. We will be doing a theme week during the week of December 6, offering blues items that you could consider purchasing for your favorite blues fan.

We are also bringing on two new writers: Abby Owen who will be covering the Texas scene and CR Bennett who will share photos on Christmas day of a very appropriate subject matter: Candye Kane. We are excited to bring these fabulous new writers to the blues scene, and we feel that you will enjoy reading and seeing their work!

We will have a guest writer by the name of Teeny Tucker in December. Teeny is the daughter of Tommy Tucker, who is famous for his song, "Hi Heel Sneaker Man". I am excited to share her thoughts and words with you this coming month. BTW Teeny is working on a new CD for all of you!

I'd like to share with you what interviews I will be doing in December. There will be interviews from me-I have about a dozen I haven't transcribed yet! But, I am sure that you understand that the female of the species is ALWAYS overwhelmed during this month and doesn't have a clue what they are doing! So, that goes for what interviews I'll be doing. So here's a tidbit for you this holiday season, don't ask her what she WANTS for the holidays. Ask her what you can DO for her this holiday season! I'm sure she will love you for the thought!

As always, we will continue to provide the best in blues coverage with reviews, interviews, and covering the blues scene. Thanks for taking a read and I'll talk to you next month. In the meantime, may you have a Blessed Holiday!

Monica

Thank you for reading American Blues News!