16 years ago Brad and Mike Benton had a good idea. 16 years later, that good idea has earned them the 2012 KBA Award for a Festival (US). The largest outdoor festival in the State of New Hampshire, the White Mountain Boogie N’ Blues Festival is situated on 72 acres of pure beauty wrapped within the [...]
Archive for Category: "Maureen Elizabeth"
Etta James: Just Doing What She “Really, Really Loved to Do”
Too often, and too recently, the tragic nature of a creative souls’ path of destruction cuts short, or compromises, that souls initial intent to be heard. Think Pollack, think Winehouse, think Hendrix…think Whitney. There seems to be limitless stories of intelligence, artistry and creativity that reach only the full potential of the moment…but never the [...]
Ma Rainey: An Inspiration
Born with more sizzle than Coca-Cola, Ma Rainey made her debut in the same year as the effervescent drink, in 1886. Growing up in the soulful south of Columbus Georgia, Ma Rainey forged a path for generations of women, including her own, who longed to sing the blues. The “Mother of the Blues” as she [...]
Elizabeth Cotten: “Cotten Style”
Counted by Bruce Springsteen as one of his “heroes” (RS Feb. 2009), Elizabeth Cotten rose above an unlikely beginning as a young mother and completely self taught musician. Born in Chapel Hill, NC in 1893, Elizabeth was playing the banjo by the age of 8. She soon graduated to her brother’s guitar until she was able to [...]
Grammy Nominee: Gregg Allman Low Country Blues
BMA Nominee Gregg Allman has surrounded himself with friends, family and a brotherhood that is as legendary as his music. A peek into his life on the road and his “family” tells a stronger story than any interview ever could…the loyalty that surrounds him is steeped in years and rooted in love. And in spite [...]
2012 GRAMMY INDUCTEE-BIG BILL BROONZY…LIVING HIS OWN TRUTH
Bob Riesman spent ten years digging deep and traveling wide to understand the man we know as Big Bill Broonzy. As in any good detective story, the man became more of a mystery as more was known- possibly because Big Bill, a storyteller at heart, would take characters from his own life and blend and shape them to fit [...]
Grammy Harps! A Collection by LeRoy “BLUESDOG” Falconi
What’s three feet by six feet, is registered with the Library of Congress and is singularly unique in the Blues world? Currently exhibited at the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum this extreme collection of harps is a truly historical piece -handcrafted by LeRoy “BLUESDOG” Falconi. As a musician, BLUESDOG has a passion for the harp. But his [...]
American Blues News Starts IBC Coverage!
With 3 on-the-scene journalists, American Blues News will provide you with up to the minute coverage – many times a day. So keep checking in with us! Want to know about our new feature coming up?
Stay on top of the CHALLENGE at www.ameriblues.com!
ROB BLAINE’S BIG OTIS BLUES
Chosing a name to reflect his own unique style of rockin’ Chicago Blues, IBC award winner (Best Guitarist) Rob Blaine combined two of his nicknames- ”Otis” -a nickname from his football playing days- and “Big Rob” -his name about town- to create Big Otis Blues. Rob spoke with American Blues News about touring with Little Milton, driving 16 hours in [...]
JOE MCMURRIAN: TAKING A LOOK AROUND…
IBC winner Joe McMurrian approaches his music in much the same way he approaches his artwork -with a sense of surrender to the moment. He found that spontaneity is the “real art” that provides that spark of magic in music. American Blues News spoke with Joe about the metaphors and archetypes in life, weird American [...]
Shakura S’Aida: The Authentic Self…in Song
Canadian Maple Blues Award nominee Shakura S’Aida (Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year) was given a blessing. The story is that she chose her name at birth and she’s been making choices ever since. ..choices that reflect her growth as a woman who has come to understand who she is, what [...]
Julian Fauth: Gratitude: After the Fall
Imagine being a pianist. Imagine being a pianist who has accidentally fallen and broken a shoulder. Imagine not being able to play for months. Imagine finding -in the midst of all this – gratitude. Julian Fauth has done far more than imagine it – he has lived it. American Blues News spoke with Julian, who [...]
John Mays: “Do it From Your Heart”
With an impressive four nods for the Maple Blues Awards, Canada’s Fathead has already garnered 11 wins during their 20 year career. Nominations are: John Mays “Male Vocalist of the Year,” Al Lerman “Horn Player of the Year,” Omar Tunnoch “Bassist” and Bucky Beyer “Drummer of the Year.” Delivering music described as an “energetic blend of [...]
Stony Plain – 35 Years of a Musical Visionary
Holger Peterson, Founder and President of Stony Plain Records, believes in his musicians; he believes in their talent and he believes in their vision- a tribute to his labels longevity. Solid and grounded, Holger spoke with American Blues News about his “humble beginnings,” the truthfulness of the blues, the challenges that musicians face today and the realistic approach that has kept his company [...]
Storytelling…Holiday Memories
What is your favorite holiday memory? In keeping with the holiday season, American Blues News asked a few musicians to share their favorite holiday stories. For some it’s a memory of family- sharing warmth and song and love. For some it’s a memory of giving to others …again sharing warmth and song and love. But [...]
