CHICKS AHOY!

 

I have an idea that the phrase "weaker sex" was coined by some woman to disarm some man she was preparing to overwhelm.  ~Ogden Nash

About the coming weekend's round up:  Since I have, over time, already spilled a small tanker of ink over my obsessive, borderline stalking love for the Delta Sonics, I shall ignore them this week (but I will see them Friday night, cuz they're too good to miss. Ever.) and instead focus on the seriously talented chicks we got in this town.  Some great ones are in the house this week, as well as some more coming in the near future. 

But first, let's hear from another chick.  A couple of weeks ago, I was having lunch with my "unofficially adopted daughter," Vanessa, and was thinking out loud that I wasn't going to be at the John Nemeth gig, as I was going to Colorado Springs for the Steady Rollin' and Al Chesis gig (there I go again, mentioning a Delta Sonic when I said I wasn't gonna; clearly I have a problem).  I mentioned that I needed to email Dan about getting someone else to take photographs, to which Vanessa said, "I'll do it."  To which I replied, "Are you going?"  After she nodded, it hit me:  "Why don't you write the review?"  She looked a little uneasy for a moment, and then agreed.  I already know she's a good writer, and as I have been in charge of her blues education, I KNOWshe's prepared.  How prepared, however, was a very big and proud surprise for me.  Based on what she wrote, I am convinced I am doing my blues-mentoring job well. The sensitive writing is all hers.  The close of her last sentence (before "Thank you.") is so damn good, I'm jealous.  And more than just a little pissed.  I'll get back to all those other fabulous chicks after Vanessa's inaugural blues review:

When Honey first asked me to write this review, I was unsure of what to expect from John Németh. All the shows I have seen so far at the Outlook have been nothing short of incredible, so I knew it would be good, but I wasn’t expecting the amazing performance that I witnessed Thursday night. I walked into the Skinny Jay’s Lounge, and was blown away first thing by his voice. La voz!

Mr. Németh crooned to the audience, lavishing a rich sound on our eardrums that will not be soon forgotten. I just sat there with my head in my hand, jaw wide open as I was struck line after line by his soulful singing. His harmonica was spot-on, blowing notes that harmonized and uplifted the whole sound of the band.

Then, the first guitar solo came along...and I must say, the skillful playing of Jr. Watson blew me away, as he coaxed the notes to flow powerfully from the strings of his guitar. It was then that I realized I was really in for a special treat that night at the Outlook.   Honey hadn’t told me the celebrated Jr. Watson was going to be on guitar (turns out, she didn’t know).  

As I settled and really began deconstructing the music, I discovered Mr. Németh’s humorous and insightful lyrics, with such clever lines as, “Romance without finance is a nuisance,” and “Sent from heaven down to earth to wreck my life.” Not only an excellent vocalist and harp player, but also a clever wordsmith? One word: crush.

As the set break came, I was excited yet also disappointed that the night was halfway over: excited because I had been able to witness the amazing performance of John Németh and his band, and there was more to come; but disappointed that it was halfway over! I wanted more music! I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Németh at the break, and offstage he is a genuinely kind and funny guy.

As the band set in for their second set, I was nearly in shock at how good they were. Mr. Németh very graciously brought Erica Brown up to the stage (one of my favorites; every time I hear her perform is just a pleasure), and she rocked the joint with John on the harp and the band playing.

Before I knew it, the second set was over, and I set myself up to interrogate Mr. Németh. I asked him, why the harmonica? I have always been curious what draws a blues musician to that particular instrument. He told me that the main reason was that it was the cheapest (ha!). While in his first band, they realized they needed a second solo instrument, and so he went to the music store to price out a piano. When the total came up to a couple grand, he decided to go with the six-dollar harmonica. Upon returning to band practice, the band asked, “What happened to the piano?”

We also spoke about the state of live music today, where he commented that live music is dying - people don’t want to go out and spend money, time and energy on live performances anymore, as we’re trapped in a bubblegum era of music; as blues, bluegrass, the real musical roots of America, are shut out of radio play. Which is so tragic, because as a young person in America today, I think that my generation can identify with the blues, and would truly enjoy exposure to blues music. However, how do we expose a younger generation that is inundated with pop music to a style of music that doesn’t get much popular coverage? Any suggestions are appreciated. We also spoke about the depth of the blues, in relation to songwriting, something that has really brought me closer to the blues since I really started listening in the past year or so. The idea that you can say so much, with just a few lines, really highlights the creativity and soul of yesterday and today’s blues musicians, something I have noticed from “my neighbors” at the Outlook, as Steady Rollin’ would say. I would really like to thank Mr. Németh, Jr. Watson, Bob Welsh, and Marty Dodson for their fabulous performance Thursday night, and look forward to next time!

I also want to say a little about Bob Margolin. I met Bob just weeks before my eighteenth birthday at Oskar Blues a few years back. I remember at the time, thinking, I have no idea who this guy is, but I feel like I should be excited, (it’s good I’d taken some acting classes). However, this time around, I’ve really begun to get into the blues; listening to all the fabulous bands that play the Outlook has fundamentally changed my view on music. The energy and passion that all the musicians have is so incredible to witness in person--not just once, but several times a month--makes me feel incredibly blessed to be fortunate enough to have been introduced to the blues by my good friend Honey, and I thank her for that, and all the work and energy she puts into helping Dan build the club.

I was so excited to see Bob this time around, since I felt that now that I had been listening to the blues, I could really appreciate his talent. I mean, this man was Muddy Waters’ guitarist for seven years!! Of course, Bob didn’t disappoint. Those nights with Bob...I will never forget. Ever. The energy of the crowd and his skilled playing, backed by the Delta Sonics, will forever be one of my fondest memories of blues. So, thank you to Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Al Chesis, John Butler, Kyle Roberts, and all you fabulous guest performers for a weekend that they, and I, will be talking about for ages - I was there, and I was listening. Thank you.  Vanessa Combs

Thank you, Vanessa.  I’m sure you’ll be back with future contributions.  I love to delegate my work to others. 

Men will always delight in a woman whose voice is lined with velvet. 

~Brendan Francis

Why the quote?  Because it’s good; and it’s also true about the women we’ve got coming up this week.  First, we have the Gretchen Troop Band tomorrow night, 4/ 24, and if you’ve not heard her voice, cancel any plans you have and meet me there.  The Siren goes on at 7:30, and the irremediable mesmerizing of all within audible range commences at 7:31.  I have a lot more information, musical and otherwise, regarding this tremendous performer, but in the interest of keeping this week’s Blues Letter from contending with War and Peace, I’ll be giving you our interview in all its glory next week.

Same goes for Jenn Cleary, who with her rockin’ band will again take the Outlook’s stage this Saturday night for energy and fun, with a bit of silliness thrown in for good measure.  That this singer/songwriter is so joyful and jubilant is remarkable, particularly in light of the circumstances which led her to a more concentrated focus on what to do with her life-long relationship with music.  I’ll fill you in next week; her story is fascinating, and so is the subject.  I consider myself fortunate to state that among all the other hats she wears, she also wears the “Friend Hat” beautifully. You really should check out her myspace page; it is one of the more informative and friendly pages I’ve seen.   

http://www.myspace.com/jennclearyband

And here's a couple of really good clips of Jenn and guitarist/vocalist Mark doing their thang! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rKwwarDlSk&feature=related

If memory serves (and mine ALWAYS does), we just might be having a little birthday party Saturday night for yet another amazing chick…Join us for cake!

Speaking of amazing chicks, coming soon (5/20) is guitar sensation Kelly Richey.  I will attempt to verbally do her playing some justice, but I’ll fail.  Trust me.  I’ve not seen her since last autumn, but I just received a lovely surprise from her in the mail:  Carry the Light, her latest CD.  It’s sensational, beautiful, powerful…and I’ll go WAY more into it next week.  

We’ve also got the Hammer Smith Band from California joining us next month (5/8), and front man, Chris Smith, and I have had a phone chat, and I’ve got much to tell you before then.  My understanding is the man can blow a harp!  More to come.

It’s going to be a very busy weekend, with Gretchen Thursday, Delta Sonics Friday, and Jenn Saturday.  Who wants to join me for Bloodies on Sunday?

Happy Birthday, William! 

“If music be the food of love, play on.”  William Shakespeare, April 23, 1564 – April 23, 1616 (bummer to die on your birthday…)

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