Sometimes the experience of war is too difficult to talk about. Sometimes our Veterans choose to make their life about the present and not the past. Sonny Payne is that Veteran. Sonny joined the Seventy-Fifth Signal Battallion in 1942 and completed his tour as a Corporal in 1948- but he really doesn’t want to talk [...]
Archive for Category: "2011 Blues Music Features"
Watermelon Slim: “Honor the Warrior, Not the War”
Watermelon Slim has a point of view. During the tumultulous battle between supporting war and supporting peace on our own soil in the 60′s and 70′s, his point of view reflected his support of the soldier but not the war. Watermelon Slim is the first to admit that his experience in Vietnam was limited, but he [...]
The Tommy Castro Band: At the Speed of Rhythm! by Monica Yasher
We asked the readers of American Blues News, which band you wanted us to cover. It is by request that we share the interview of Byron Cage (drums) and Scot Sutherland (bass) of the Tommy Castro Band! Scot and Byron have been playing together, as a percussion section for Tommy’s band for two years. American Blues [...]
Jack Casady, Raising the Musical Bar on Bass Playing by Monica Yasher
Jack Casady has been around since the ’60′s, rising to fame as the bass player of Jefferson Airplane. Having spanned quite a career, Jack finds himself constantly being challenged as a musician. He speaks of his friend, Jorma Kaukonen, as they are the core to Hot Tuna. He speaks with such enthusiasm of their latest work, “Steady as [...]
Laying the Foundation for the Music of Mr. Johnny Winter by Monica Yasher
I had the experience of being welcomed to the traveling home of the Johnny Winter band! I saw what life is like on the road with the guys. Upon entering their abode, Johnny was listening to some old time Blues. Female Blues at that! Acoustic. I experienced first hand why a band has to be [...]
He Wrote the Book on Blues Bass! Ed Friedland
Ed Friedland may not be a household name, but in the musical world of Austin, Texas and to the professionals passing through, he is well known. Ed Friedland is one of those strong and silent blues partners- a gentle unassuming master. He’s even known Online as the “Bass Whisperer,” (corny, but effective, to quote him). [...]
Cedric Burnside – Feeling The Rhythm
Cedric Burnside may not be the King of the Blues, or even considered Blues royalty. He does, however, have a pure blues pedigree. His grandfather was Robert Lee Burnside, better know as North Mississippi blues legend R.L. (Rural) Burnside. Cedric spent many years on the road drumming for the man he calls “Big Daddy” and [...]
Sista Monica Living a Higher Sense of Urgency by Monica Yasher
When one is faced with their own mortality, it causes one to live a life with a higher sense of urgency. More urgency to live, love, laugh, and be slow to anger. Sista Monica speaks with American Blues News on all these emotions as she is a cancer survivor, an artist, and a woman. And, I have [...]
Candye Kane: A Long Time Survivor! by Monica Yasher
Candye Kane is a long time survivor. She has survived a dysfunctional family, pancreatic cancer, and relationships. It is one thing to merely survive. It is yet another to burst out of survival mode and LIVE! Candye has shared her pasts and surviving with many. She speaks with American Blues News on what successful living is to her [...]
Perfect Weather and Legit Blues at 26th King Biscuit
the great Bobby Rush – Michael McMinn, harmonica player with The Three Generations of McMinns Papa Don McMinn on stage at the 2011 King Biscuit Don is the only man who had raised his own band, brothers Rome and Doug McMinn, and Doug’s son Michael. Bubba Sullivan and the author. Bubba has worked hard [...]
StringsforaCURE: Making Jewelry that MATTERS
Jewelry designer Elisa Guida has been on a journey. Newly married, her path suddenly shifted 16 years ago with a breast cancer diagnosis. Stepping inside the life of a cancer patient, and with a recurrence 6 years ago, Elisa became very aware of what was needed and what was very, very helpful. Finding inspiration in [...]
King Biscuit – Day 3
The final day of The Biscuit explodes with more music and more people. It is evident some come just for Saturday’s lineup. Additionally, the Bit-O-Blues Stage is in full swing, as is a Gospel Stage, both set up in a small park at the other end of Cherry Street from the Main Stage (think about [...]
Scorch Sister: Francesca Capasso – Music Heals
Recently I’ve had the extreme privilege to be a part of several charity and benefit events which quite honestly have changed my life. Starting with the Santa Clarita Valley/American Cancer Society ‘Relay For Life’ where I (MusicUCanSee Productions) was invited to shoot exclusive live video of the ‘Music For The Cause’ portion of the event. [...]
Ann Rabson: Music Makin’ Mama
Ann Rabson has a great family and she has the love and support of the family that extends throughout the Blues community. Currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer, Ann is the first to say that she has had a wonderful life and is looking forward to much, much more. Ann spoke with American Blues [...]
King Biscuit – Day 2
Day 2 of The Biscuit is spread out over three stages. In addition to the Main Stage, on Day 2 the Lockwood-Stackhouse Stage and the Rising Biscuit Stage (formerly the Emerging Artist Stage) both come to life.
