Doc’s Juke Joint

7pm Hour – Opening Theme Little Walter – Juke

Campbell Brothers/Don’t Let The Devil Ride/Can You Feel It?/Ropeadope Records

Tab Benoit/Night Train/Fever For the Bayou/Telarc Blues – * Tab will be headlining the Mardi Gras Jam up on Buffalo at the Tralf on February 17th.

Paul Oscher/Robin Lee/Bet On the Blues/Blues Fidelity  **Going to be at the Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo-former Muddy Waters Sideman

Carolyn Wonderland/Dust My Broom/Peace Meal /Bismeaux Records

James Armstong/High Maintenance Woman/Blues At the Border/Catfood Records

Etta James/Groove Me (King Floyd)/The Dreamer/Verve

Hugh Laurie/After You’ve Gone (w/Dr. John)/Let Them Talk/Warner

Diunna Greenleaf/I Can’t Wait (Bob Corritore on harp)/Trying to Hold On/Blue Mercy Records

Joe Louis Walker/What’s It Worth/Hellfire/Alligator Records

8pm Hour

Heritage Blues Orchestra/Big-Legged Woman/Heritage Blues Orchestra/Raisin Music  **NEW

Chris Thomas King/California Letter/Antebellum Postcards/21st Century Blues records **NEW

Catherine Russell/He’s All I Need/Strictly Romancin’/World Village  **NEW

Guitar Lightnin’ Lee/Amsterdam/N.O.L.A. Rhythum and Booze/Music Maker  *NEW

Big James and the Chicago Playboys/The Blues Will Never Die/The Big Payback/Blind Pig Records **NEW

Dion/My Baby’s Cryin’/Tank Full of Blues/Blue Horizon   **NEW    – living legend from the 50′s  **NEW

Ruthie Foster/Lord Remember Me w/the Blind Boys of Alabama/Let It Burn/Blue Corn Music  **NEW

Mac Arnold’s Blues Revival/Gitty Up/Live At the Grey Eagle/Vizztone ***NEW

Paxton Norris/My Credit Didn’t Go Through/Something’s Gotta’ Give/Independent  **NEW

Professor Longhair/Big Chief/Crawfish Fiesta/Alligator (1980)

Eddie Bo/Check Your Bucket/Hook & Sling/Night Train

Larry Williams/Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu/Specialty Profiles/Specialty

Fats Domino/Ain’t That A Shame/The Best of…My Blue Heaven

Thank you for listening to Doc’s Juke Joint!

7pm Hour

Little Walter/Juke/Best of /Chess (Opening Theme)

Etta James/Something’s Got A Hold On Me/Etta Rocks The House/Argo (1963) * Etta RIP

Johnny Otis Show/Hand Jive/1958 Still Rockin’/Time Life * Johnny Otis RIP

Major Lance/Monkey Time/The Very Best of/Okeh-Legacy-Sony * R&B Classic Top Ten Pop Smash during the Summer of 63′

Paul Oscher/Driftin’ Blues/Down In the Delta/Blues Fidelity (2005) * former Muddy Waters harp player will be at the Sportsmens Tavern in Buffalo on April 29th 7pm show.

Joe Louis Walker/Soldier for Jesus/Hellfire/Alligator **NEW  – Joe will be at the Water Street Music Hall on March 18th.

Omar & the Howlers/Magic Man/Essential Collection/Ruf Records  *NEW two disc best of collection.

Darrell Scott/Hopkinsville/Long Ride Home/Full Light Records *NEW

The Wood Brothers/Shoofly Pie/Smoke Ring Halo/Southern Ground *NEW

Sean Costello/You’re Killing My Love/Live At His Best/Landslide  *NEW live set from the late Sean Costello

Morris Ledet & the Zydeco Ramblers/Dog Hill (Boozoo Chavis Classic)/Swing That Thing/Maison de Soul Records *NEW from Rosie Ledet husband/bandleader, now featuring his daughter Kassy in the band.

Sugar Ray & the Bluestones/I Came Down With The Blues/Evening/Severn

Heather Myles/My Baby’s Good To Me/In The Wind/Ah-Ha Music

Pharis & Jason Romero/It’s Me Again Lord/A Passing Glimpse/Lula Records

Yvonne Schmidt/Daddy Is A Rocker/Foolproof/Blue Productions * Regional Artists

Whiteboy James and the Blues Express/Gold Brick Bar/Extreme Makeover/Rip Cat Records

Mikey Jr/The Cheapskate/It Ain’t Hard To Tell/8th Train Records

Cornell Dupree/K.C./I’m Alright/Dialtone Records  * late great guitar players last CD.

Ray Bonneville/Mississippi/Bad Man’s Blood/Red House Records

Chick Willis/Let Me Play My Blues/Let The Blues Speak for Itself/Benevolent Blues

David Maxwell & Otis Spann/Walking The Blues/Conversations in Blue/Vizztone

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound/Don’t Lock The Door/Want More/Bloodshot Records

Merle Haggard/Too Much Boogie Woogie/Working In Tennessee/Vanguard

The Soul Rebels/Say Na Hey w/ Leo Nocentelli/Unlock You Mind/Rounder

Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire/You Can’t Take My Life/The Real Deal/Delmark

Thank you for listening to Doc’s Juke Joint!!!!!!!!!!  Get on our email list – to the right of the page.

Friday, Billy Joe and Dave Riccone @ Six Pockets, Trilogy @ Beale, South Ave, Sonny Taul & Blues Tomorrow @ Beale on Empire, Steve Grills and the Roadmasters @ Dino BBQ, Blues Masters @ McGraw’s, John Bolger Band @ Smokin’ Joe’s, Djangoners @ the Grill at the Strathallan, “THE SWOONERS”& the Abilene debut of the hot instrumental surf rock band “ROARSHARK” @ Abilene, Rhythm Dogs @ Woody’s II on West Henrietta Road, The Coupe De’ Villes will be performing at Sevens Lounge inside of Finger Lakes Casino

Saturday: (21st) Red Stick Ramblers morphed into “The Revelers” will be playing for RCZN @ Harmony House (Webster), Dang! @ Abilene, Watkins and the Rapiers @ Sticky Lips Juke Joint, The Fakers @ Beale, South ave, John Cole Blues Band @ Dino BBq, Luca & the Electro Kings @ Jeffrey’s (E. Hen Rd), Industrial Blues Band @ Beale, Empire, Coupe de Villes @ Six Pockets, Tombstone Hands @ House of Guitars (6pm),
Sunday: Jan. 22nd: Open Jam w/ Nate Coffey @ Beale on South, Hey Norton 2/ Dan Schmidt @ Smokin’ Joe’s, A Very Moving Event – Benefit for the Bop Shop w/ Michael Tarbox and several other acts: 2pm – 11pm.

MONDAY: Chris Hollywood @ Abilene

Tues,: STRING THEORY (BLUEGRASS JAM) @ Johnny’s, Teagan Ward @ Beale St, Steve Lyon @ Abilene

Wed: Steve West/Acoustic Open Mic @ Muddy Waters in Geneseo from 7-10 PM, OPEN JAM w/THE KING BEES @ Beale St South Ave, Uptown Groove @ The Little Theatre Café, Bobbie Henrie and the Goners @ Dino BBQ, Blackdog and the Powerlung Rangers @ Sticky Lips

Thurs: The Furries @ Dino BBQ,

Friday:, Billy Joe and Dave Riccone @ Six Pockets, Soul on Tap @ Johnny’s Irish Pub / 9:00 PM, The Coupe De Villes @ Dino BBQ

SATURDAY, JOE BEARD @ Dino BBQ

Jan. 29th: Southside Johnny & The Poor Fools @ the German House

Feb. 1st: The Yardbirds & Vanilla Fudge @ The Tralf(Buffalo)

Feb. 3rd: Donna The Buffalo @ The Tralf (Buffalo)

Feb. 4th: “EARL PICKENS & FAMILY” @ Abilene

Feb. 11th, 2012: The Houston Person Quartet  @ Lutheran Church of the   Reformation

Feb. 12th: Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

Feb. 17th: 5th ANNUAL BIG EASY IN BUFFALO MARDI GRAS JAM (with Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Waylon Thibodeaux. New Orleans Premier Washboard-Sousaphone-Guitar Trio The Tin Men, Buffalo’s country-rock-honkey tonk band the Steam Donkeys and the and the winner of a student battle of the bands)@ The Tralf In Buffalo, David Vest Band @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

Saturday, February 18, 2012 CAJUN & ZYDECO MARDI GRAS BALL: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Pine Leaf Boys, Preston Frank, Ed Poullard & Big Daddy Zydeco B and  Hot Tamale Brass Band 5:00 pm to Midnight Rhodes on the Pawtuxet ~ 60 Rhodes Place ~ Cranston,  RI

Feb. 19th: Commander Cody @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

Feb. 22nd: Big Leg Emma @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

Feb. 24th: Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials @ Armor Inn Tap Room (Hamburg, NY), Mike Doughty @ German House, Denny Laine (Moody Blues & Paul McCartney & Wings) & Terry Sylvester (Hollies) w/ special guests The Willies @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

Feb. 25th: Curly Taylor at the Harmony House, CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES @ THE TOWN BALLROOM (Buffalo)

March 1st: LANGHORNE SLIM @ Abilene

March 2nd: Rachelle Ferrell @ The Tralf (Buffalo)

Mar 3rd: Buckwheat Zydeco @ Niagara Falls NY Bear’s Den

March 5th: Hot Tuna @ the German House

March 10th: Ladies First Big Band @ the Tralf (Buffalo)

March 11th: Steve Forbert @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

March 13th: Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers @ the Tralf (Buffalo)

March 15th: Joe Louis Walker @ the Sportsmen’s Tavern

March 18th – CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band will be playing for RCZN @ Harmony House (Webster), Joe

Louis Walker @ the WATER STREET MUSIC HALL

March 24th: Soul on Tap @ Johnny’s Irish Pub / 8:00 PM

March 29th: Joe Krown, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & Russell Batiste @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

April 1st: Alligator Recording artists: Janiva Magness @ the Sportsmen’s Tavern (Buffalo)

April 10th: James Hunter @ Water Street Music Hall

April 12th: Yarn @ the Sportsmens Tavern

April 13th: April 13…..Professor Louie & The Crowmatix @ Abilene

April 12th – 15th: FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL – NEW ORLEANS, LA www.FQFI.org

April 28th: Evil City String Band @ Sportsmen’s Tavern

April 29th:BLUES GREAT – PAUL OSCHER @ THE SPORTSMEN’S TAVERN 7PM SHOW, Donald Harrison @ Buffalo NY Albright-Knox Museum

May 7th: Lucky Tubb & The Texas Troubadors @ the Sportsmen’s Tavern

May 17th: Joe Bonamassa @ the Landmark Theatre (Syracuse)

June 22nd – 30th: Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY (lineup to follow) www.rochesterjazz.com
July 12 -15th: Big Rib BBQ & Blues Festival – Highland Park/Rochester, NY (lineup to follow)

June 16th: Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros wsg The Steam Donkeys @ the Sportmens Tavern

July 19-22nd: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival @ Oak Hill, NY

July 27th,28th & 29th 2012: Pennsylvania Blues Festival: with Joe Louis Walker, Michael Burks and more – 3 days of

Blues: Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton. PA www.skibluemt.com
August 17-18th: Chenango Blues Festival: Norwich, NY Lineup to follow: http://www.chenangobluesfest.org/
September 15: Connie Smith @ Frost Ridge Campground (Leroy, NY)

MANY OTHER ROCHESTER MUSICAL EVENTS: CHECK OUT: http://www.bopshop.com/bopEventsList.php
National Happenings and Festivals: http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com/
Support Blues Men & Women in need http://www.musicmaker.org
Living Blues Magazine: http://www.livingblues.com/
Disclaimer: This music calendar is for informational purposes only and is a volunteer, non-profit effort of a local music fan. Please double check with all venues prior to going. Support the music and more will come.

Doc’s Juke Joint – Best of 2011 www.jazz901.org 7-9pm Sunday Nights

The Bo-Keys/Got To Get Back!/Electraphonic Records

Solomon Burke/Hold On Tight/Verve

Marion James/Essence/EllerSoul Records

Richard Ray Farrell/I Sing The Blues Electric/Blue Beet

Tab Benoit/Medicine/Telarc

Galactic/The Other Side of Midnight:Live In New Orleans/Anti

Black Joe Lewis/Scandalous/Lost Highway

Charles Bradley/The World (Is Going Up In Flames)/Dunham Records

Nellie “Tiger” Travis/I”m Going Out Tonight/Benevolent Blues

Steve Grills/After Hours/Toogalooblues

Roomful of Blues/Hook Line and Sinker/Alligator

Doug MacLeod/Brand New Eyes/Reference Recordings

Paul Oscher/Bet On The Blues/Blues Fidelity

Studebaker John’s Maxwell Street Kings/That’s The Way You Do/Delmark

Eden Brent/Ain’t Got No Troubles/Yellow Dog

Shawn Pittman/Edge of the World/Delta Groove

Kenny Brown/Can’t Stay Long/Devil Down Records

Marcia Ball/Roadside Attractions/Alligator

Demetria Taylor/Bad Girl/Delmark

Earl Thomas/Introducing The Blues Ambassadors/Independent

Omar/Blues Bag/Loophole Entertainment

Gregg Allman/Low Country Blues/Rounder

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne/Howlin’/An Old Rock On A Roll/Stony Plain Records

Ruff Kutt Blues Band/Mill Block Blues/Independent

Josh Smith/I’m Gonna Be Ready/Crosscut Records

The Duke Robillard Band/Low Down and Tore Up/Stony Plain Records

Paul Geremia/Love My Stuff/Red House Records

Marquise Knox/Here I Am/APO Records

Fiona Boys/Blues For Hard Times/Vizztone

Steve Cropper/Dedicated : A Salute to The 5 Royales/429 Records

Kilborn Alley Blues Band/Four/Blue Bella

Maria Muldaur/Steady Love/Stony Plain

Big Pete/Choice Cuts/Delta Groove

Omar Coleman/West Side Wiggle/Honeybee Entertainment

Tedeschi Trucks Band/Revelator/Sony

Top Reissues/Compilations

Various Artists/Chicago blues A Living History: The Revolution Continues/Raisin Music

Chick Willis/Mr. Blues The Best of … So Far/Benevolent Blues

Shemekia Copeland/Deluxe Edition/Alligator

Henry Gray/Lucky Man/Blind Pig

Various Artists/Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Collection/Alligator

Various Artists/Shots Of Blues/Benevolent Blues

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan/In Session/Stax

Various Artists/Louisiana Swamp Stomp/Honeybee Entertainment

Johnnie Taylor/Taylored In Silk/Stax (Reissue)

Albert King/ The Definitive Albert King on Stax/Stax (double CD)

George “Harmonica” Smith/Teardrops Are Falling/Electro-Fi Records

Various Artists/Where The Palm Trees Shake At Night/Blues Music From the Florida Folklife Collection from the Florida Dept. of State.

Big Bill Broonzy/Four Classic Albums Plus/Avid Entertainment (Import)

Various Artists/The Best of Mustique Blues/Wolf Records

Doc’s Juke Joint – 7pm Hour

Artist/Title/Album/Label

Little Walter/Juke/Best of /Chess

Paul Oscher/Wee Baby Blues/Bet On the Blues Limited Edition/Blues Fidelity  ***NEW, former Muddy Waters sideman, featured solo on piano on this track recorded live (I believe at the Pocono Blues Festival)

The Dynamites featuring: Charles Walker/Burn It Down/Burn It Down/Outta Sight Records **NEW

Eden Brent/Let’s Boogie Woogie/Ain’t Got No Troubles/Yellow Dog Records ***NEW (featuring George Porter, Jr. & John Cleary on her new release).

Whiteboy James and the Blues Express/Have Your Way Baby/Last Time Was the Last Time/Independent  **NEW from vocalist/harp player and West Coast rocker.

Buddy Guy/Thank Me Someday/Living Proof/Silvertone **NEW  *74 years old and still going strong with this new release.

The Blues Masters featuring Big Al Carson/Black Cat Bone/Rabadash Records

Big Daddy “O”/Better Off  With The Blues/Used Blues/Rabadash Records

Slim Harpo/Buzz Me Baby/The Excello Singles Anthology/Excello

Debbie Davies/If You Love Me Like You Say/Holdin’ Court ** at the Dino BBQ on Dec. 1st

Tinsley Ellis/I Take What I Want/Moment of Truth/Alligator Records ***At Club 86 in Geneva on November 16th.

Li’l Anne and the Hot Cayenne/How You Gonna Do That?/How You Gonna Do That?/Independent **at the Harmony House – November 20th (Saturday)

Joe Bonamassa & Robert Cray/Give Me One Reason/off Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory/Concord Music ***Joe Bonamassa will be at the Auditorium Theatre on November 16th.

8pm Hour

Roy Book Binder/Statesboro Blues/Live Book Don’t Start Me Talkin’  **Roy will be at the Harmony House on November 14th

Koko Taylor/Born Under A Bad Sign/Deluxe Edition/Alligator  (the late Queen of the Blues) w/Buddy Guy

Justin Townes Earle/Harlem River Blues/Harlem River Blues  (son of Steve Earle)

Robin Rogers/What We Are Worth/Back In The Fire/Blind Pig    ***suffering from inoperable liver cancer since August.

Dave Specter/The Funky Hunky/Spectrified/Independent  **guitarist Dave Specter’s latest cd.

Chrissie O’Dell/Forecast Calls For Change/If I Had A Dime/Dime Time Productions

Rob Stone/Can’t Turn Back The Clock/Back Around Here/Earwig

Mavis Staples/We’re Gonna Make It/You Are Not Alone/Anti

The Derek Trucks Band/Down In the Flood/Roadsongs/Sony

Kenny Neal/Down In The Swamp/Hooked On Your Love/Blind Pig Records

9pm Hour

Piano Red/St. Louis Blues/The Lost Atlanta Tapes/Landslide Records

Mitch Kashmar & The Pontiax/Lip Service/100 Miles To Go/Delta Groove Music

Johnny Adams/Come Rain or Come Shine/Good Morning Heartache/Rounder

Hosea Hargrove/Nine Pounds of Steel/Tex Golden Nuggest/Dialtone Records

Alvin Youngblood Hart/Mama Don’t Allow/Warren Haynes Presents The Benefit Concert Vol. 3/Evil Teen

Bob Corritore and Friends/That’s My Baby(w/Eddie Clearwater)/Harmonica Blues/Delta Groove

James Day/Power Down/Firecracker/Neon Blues Records

Chris James Patrick Rynn/You Can’t Trust Nobody/Gonna Boogie Anyway/Earwig Records

Alabama Slim/Fannie Mae/Blues & Lonesome/Music Maker

Lil Queenie & The Percolators/My Darlin New Orleans/Treme – soundtrack from the HBO Series

Dr. John/Big Gap/Tribal/429 Records

Kermit Ruffins/Ain’t That Good News/Happy Talk/Basin Street Records

Thank you for listening to Doc’s Juke Joint!!!!!!!!!!

Pocono Blues Festival 2009

The spirits of Chicago Blues Legends were circling the Tent Stage at the 18th annual Pocono Blues Festival at the Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony, PA.  Paul Oscher, former Muddy Water’s sideman, was given the task to start another edition of the Northeast’s most anticipated Blues Festivals of the season.

Sitting in a chair all by himself Paul looked right at home with his winter hat in place and his guitar and harp ready to roll.  Oscher used some sort of wireless harp microphone unit that I had not seen before.  Whatever he was using on his harp, it worked and then some.  Oscher treated us to some great solo Chicago Blues.  Paul also treated us to some great stories of his days with the late Muddy Waters, Otis Spann and his experiences with Little Walter.

Later in the set Oscher traded in his guitar for some keyboards and the one man band continued to please the growing Friday night crowd.  During the encore part of his set, the lightning started to move in.  Luckily Paul was able to finish up his set and get the full weekend of blues off to a great start.

After the rains came down, James Armstrong took the stage to what I heard was a great set.  Armstrong was followed by Eddie Turner.  Guitarist/Vocalist Turner turned in a hard rocking’ set which featured a power trio lineup, complete with a top notch rhythm section.  Compared to Oscher, Turner was a lot more rock and a little less blues but very much in line for the crowd that is looking for this type performance.

Saturday started just like the weatherman promised.  Guitarist/Vocalist Melvin Taylor took the stage around 11:30am to an already large crowd.  The sun was shining and the full festival atmosphere was in play as Melvin decided to tackle Carlos Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.”  Other highlights of the guitarist’s set included Albert King’s “I Play the Blues for You.”

The much anticipated duo of drummer Cedric Burnside and guitarist Lighnin’ Malcolm was slotted to open the Tent Stage.  The Hill Country Jams were very much alive and fitting as the powerful team drove their sound up Big Boulder Mountain.  You couldn’t help but move as Burnside and Malcolm played in perfect unison.  No need for a keyboard player, bass player or horn section; these guys flat out lay it down.  Cedric performed his tribute to his late grandfather/bluesman R.L. Burnside, which can be found on the latest release appropriately titled “2 Man Wrecking Crew” on Delta Groove Music.    If these two guys are indicative of where blues is headed, then it’s on the right path.

Next on the main stage was the Bonedog Record Review featuring artists: Tommy Brown, Git Shorty & Stephanie Wellans.  Guitarist/Vocalist Git Shorty got things rolling dressed in his bright red sport coat and his total command of the crowd’s attention.  Shorty was backed by a great band which included a full horn section and a great organ player.   Next up Git Shorty brought out vocalist Stephanie Wellans to perform a couple of numbers.  Stephanie sounded good and brought with her a favorite of mine “You Don’t Know Nothing About Love, “which you might remember from the CD Marcia Ball, Tracey Nelson & Irma Thomas did together.

Next joining the review was the one and only Atlanta blues legend since 1945, Tommy Brown.   Tommy is not only a blues shouter from way back but also a comedian.  Tommy told the audience that he was celebrating his 72nd year in the music business and just celebrated his 78^th birthday.  Tommy also entertained the crowd in between songs with some jokes and stories.  Early in his set, Brown asked the crowd if they wanted to see a one legged golfer and then proceeded to do a fall off the 4 foot high stage to enhance the effect of his joke.  Back up Brown came and the music continued, including his 1947 hit “Weepin’ & Cryin.’”   If you are a fan of Big Joe Turner you would have loved the sounds of Tommy singing over the Bonedog Review band.

Trombone Shorty Andrews was just hitting Stage 2 with his very young band.  Shorty did a cover of the old classic rock song “American Woman.”  Not a surprise to hear Andrews doing this one since I know he spent time touring with Lenny Kravitz who also covered that song.   Shorty then took it back to New Orleans and sounds a whole lot more at home with “You Got The Same Thing On.”  They call Troy Andrews “Trombone Shorty” but he is just as comfortable and impressive when he plays the trumpet.

Back to the tent stage it was time for Melvin Taylor’s second set.  Melvin mentioned that they were just getting warmed up with their late morning set and were really bringing it all together in this second set.  Taylor is an impressive guitar player and was called back for an encore, which surprised everyone when they broke out a very original sounding version of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in The Wall.”

Following Melvin Taylor in the tent was the 2^nd set of Cedric Burnside and Lighnin’ Malcolm.  The groove and the grind of straight forward Mississippi Hill Country Blues once again filled the tent.  Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside covers followed and Cedric and Lightnin’ took it to another level.

As the set finished up I just had time to catch some of Shemekia Copeland’s 2^nd set.  Earlier Shemekia performed a tribute to her late father, Johhny “Clyde” Copeland in the tent stage.  Shemekia sounded in great form as she finished her set with her hit “It’s 2 AM.”   Shemekia is currently on tour in support of her new CD “Never Going Back (Telarc Records).”

Back up on Stage 2 Bernard Allison was laying down “40 Days and 40 Night.”  Decked out in his Jerome Bettis – Steelers jersey, Bernard was in true form fronting his top notch band.  I was most impressed by the sax player and keyboard player that were on the road with Allison.

Back over at the tent stage, a late fill in for the festival guitarist Zac Harmon was taking the crowd to Mississippi.  With a powerful new drummer and covers of Muddy Waters, Al Green and James Brown, Zac put together one of the best sets of the festival.

I think Trombone Shorty and his band were just getting warmed up earlier.  The second set of Shorty’s band which was under the tent now really picked up the crowd and took them to New Orleans.

Trombone Shorty

Shorty played trombone, trumpet and keyboards during this set.  I was told that he ended the set with a 2^nd encore of “When The Saints Go Marchin’ In” with his entire band fronting the stage.

Shorty had some tough competition for the headlining spot since two Chicago Blues legends were on the main stage.  Guitarist Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater and Harpist James Cotton played a great living legends set backed by Cotton’s band.  Decked out in his zebra designed hat, the lanky Clearwater can still sling his left handed guitar and belt out some classic Chicago blues.  After a bout with cancer a few years back, Cotton no longer sings but can still belt out some of the best blues harp sounds you will ever hear.

Back and forth Clearwater and Cotton played off of each other’s licks and looked like they were having the time of their lives up there.  Just before the rain came down harder the duo was able to play “My Babe” and “Rocket 88″ to wrap up their set.

Eddy Clearwater

I love the way the Pocono Blues festival gets Sunday, Day 3, off to a great gospel start.   The Pittsburgh Gospel Lights opened to a growing crowd and light rain.  Their lead singer and drummer was really the force behind this outfit with versions of “Mary Don’t You Weep” and “Glory Alleluia.”

The tent stage opened with two solo sets that would merge into a duo.  Electro-Fi recording artist Fruteland Jackson took the stage first with a great version of his acapella tune, “Blues 2.0.” Fruteland then sat down and pull out the guitar and entertained the growing crowd with his blues number about growing old “Pencil Don’t Write No More.”

Next up was Harrison Kennedy, formerly of the group the Chairman of the Board.  You might remember this group from their hit “Gimme Just A Little More Time.”  Harrison also started his set by performing an acapella number about an old “Chain Gang Holler.”  Harrison then sat down and broke out the slide on his guitar and also brought down the house with a great song accompanied by some old time spoon playing.   After Harrison finished up his solo set he brought Fruteland Jackson back up and the guitar duo took it from there.  Fruteland and Harrison traded licks and vocals while performing some blues classics like “Key to The Highway.”  Look for a new CD from Harrison Kennedy on Electro-Fi Records in the Fall of 2009.

Fruteland Jackson

Guitarist/Vocalist Texas Johnny Brown kicked off Stage 2 after being presented with a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.  Texas Johnny has been around since the late 40′s.  Johnny is out of Houston, Texas where he began his carrer with Amos Milburn.  Besides playing with Milburn, Texas Johnny also played on Ruth Brown’s first Atlantic recordings.  Johnny also toured with Bobby “Blue” Bland and Junior Parker during the 1950′s & 1960′s.  A highlight of his set was his very own composition and blues classic “Two Steps from the Blues.”

Actor/Guitarist/Keyboardist/Vocalist Chris Thomas King was up next on the Tent Stage.  King appeared as a three piece band which consisted of himself on guitar/keyboards and a young bass guitar, drums combo backing him.  Fittingly the bass player wore a Reggie Bush New Orleans Saints jersey.  Much of King’s set focused on New Orleans and the state it is still in so many years now after hurricane Katrina.  Chris focused on material off his digital downloadable EP just released in May entitled “Nawlins is Callin’.”  An emotional song about New Orleans with the chorus “Flow Mississippi Flow” really touched the audience and brought the scenes and aftermath of Katrina right back into everyone’s awareness.  Thomas even brought with him a version of the New Orleans classic “St. James Infirmary.”

Chris Thoma King

Breaking away from the New Orleans sound, King brought out some Elmore James like Chicago blues licks followed up by a version of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” After switching to keyboards, King discussed his opportunity to be in the movie “Ray”, portraying blues legend Lowell Fulson.  King then kicked out a version of Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman” and rocked the tent like an old time church revival.   King’s other acting credits include his portrayal of blues legend Tommy Johnson in the movie “Brother Where Art Thou.”  King finished his set with an acoustic track from the soundtrack of that movie.

Back over at the main stage, I was able to get my second opportunity to catch the very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Ruthie Foster.  Ruthie had the crowd in the palm of her hand as she told stories about her visits with Jessie Mae Hemphill and her love for Mississippi John Hurt. After this she broke into a great version of Hurt’s “Richland Woman’s Blues.”  Ruthie dedicated this version to Jessie Mae.

Saffire, The Uppity Blues Women were set to take the Pocono stage for their last time.  Long time Alligator recording artist Saffire is making their final go round during their farewell tour together.  The group opened with Ann Rabson laying down some serious boogie woogie piano and hard driving vocals about Rampart Street (“Haste Makes Waste”).  It didn’t take much before the tent was rocking and the front of the stage was packed with their long time fans.  Ann Rabson demonstrated why she is such an in demand solo act and will hopefully continue to perform after Saffire is done.  Gaye Adegbalola guitarist/vocalist in the group also has a long solo career; she took over the vocals on a song about “Steel Ovaries” that had the crowd laughing and dancing.  Andra Faye is the third member of Saffire.  Andra holds down the bass, mandolin, guitar, fiddle and also vocal duties that round out the great sound that has been Saffire for over twenty years.  It’s very sad to see The Uppity Blues Women go.  Their last performance together is schedule for November 7^th of this year.  Their final record on Alligator Records released this year is entitled “Havin’ The Last Word.”

After Saffire it was time to gas up the bus and head back to Rochester.  Such a great festival and I really like the idea behind the multiple sets of some artists.  If you are willing to do a little speed walking you can pretty much catch almost every act at this long-time festival.  I am already looking forward to number 19.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre, host of Doc’s Juke Joint, heard every Sunday night on Jazz 90.1FM, www.jazz901.org streaming live on the internet.  Look for photos of this years Pocono Blues Festival on our Facebook Page.