Doc’s Juke Joint

Doc’s Juke Joint 7pm Hour
Little Walter/Juke/Best of /Chess

Fred Vine

Fred Vine/Time To Go Fishin’/Genesee Delta Stomp/Bluefish Records **NEW (with Brian Williams)

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

Buddy Miller/Why Baby Why (featuring Marc Ribot)/Majestic Silver Strings/New West   *** New

Dana Fuchs/Faster Than We Can/Love To Beg/Ruf Records

Alexis P. Suter Band/Free/Two Sides/Hipbone Records  **NEW

Harmonica Shah/Blues From A Lonesome Dirty Mountain/Live At the Cove with Jack De Keyzer/Electro-Fi  **NEW

The Bo-Keys/Just Chillin’/Got To Get Back!/Electraphonic Recordings

Chicago Blues: A Living History(featuring Billy Boy Arnold)/She Don’t Love Me That Way/The Revolution Continues/Raisin Music

Peter Novelli/Baby Scratch My Back (Slim Harpo)/Peter Novelli/Independent  **NEW – catch Peter at Abilene on July 28th.

Girls With Guitars – Samantha Fish/Cassie Taylor/Dani Wilde / Satisfy My Soul/Girls With Guitars/Ruf Records

Warren Haynes/Take A Bullet/Man In Motion/Stax

Demetria Taylor/Voodoo Woman/Bad Girl/Delmark

Ivan Appelrouth/T-Boned Again/Blue and Instrumental!/EllerSoul Records

Monkey Junk/You’re Gonna Change Or I’m Gonna Leave (Hank Williams)/To Behold/Stony Plain **NEW

Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials/Icicles In My Meatloaf/Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Collection **Catch Ed at the PA Blues Festival - Next week One of music from the artist that will be at this years festival.

Scott Ramminger/Real Fine Gumbo/Crawstickers/Arbor Lane Music  **NEW (sax and vocalist).

Omar/Big Chief Pontiac/Blues Bag/Loophole Entertainment **NEW from Omar and the Howlers

Levon Helm/Back To Memphis/Ramble At the Ryman/

Rev. Peyton & His Big Damn Band/Some Of These Days I’ll Be Gone/Peyton on Patton  (look for the interview with Rev. Peyton & Jeff Harris on our website).

Tedeschi Trucks Band/Learn How To Love/Revelator/Sony

Professor Longhair/Red Beans/Alligator 40th Anniversary/Alligator

Billy Flynn/Talk About It/Blues Drive/Land O’ Blues (instrumental under concert calendar

Son Seals/Going Home/Alligator 40th Anniversary

Grayson Capps/Poison/Summertime Blues (compilation)

Thank you for listening: Next Week it is our PA Blues Festival Special !!!!

Main Stage, Pocono Blues Festival 2010

Jimmy “Duck” Holmes opened the 19th annual Pocono Blues Festival in true delta style.  Jimmy “Duck” Holmes performed solo on guitar featuring Mississippi Blues Classics from his Broke “n Hungry and Fat Possum releases.  You can also check out Jimmy on the “M” for Mississippi Soundtrack & Movie.

The weather was perfect and so were the ribs.  Part of the Friday night festivities at the Pocono’s is a buffet which includes admission to the three Friday night bands.  All performances on Friday happen under the Tent Stage that is used for the remainder of the weekend.  The weather was perfect since the threatening lighting in the distance that lit up the surrounding mountains stayed far enough away for all three performances to take place.

Next on the bill was Mr. Johnny Rawls.  Johnny was joined by the Nutmeg Horns which really filled out his sound.  Rawls mainly played songs off his last two releases, Ace of Spades and Red Cadillac.  Highlights of Johnny’s set included a cover of his idol Tyrone Davis “Turn Back the Hands of Time” and a great version of the Robert Parker classic “Barefootin’” which brought the house down and got the Pocono crowd on their feet.  The show closer was the  Rawls’ juke joint classic “Juicy Lucy” from his JSP recording days.

Chick Willis, 2010 Pocono Blues Festival

Lady Bianca was the headliner on Friday night.  A real highlight of this set was her guitar player, formerly from London, England but Oakland, CA  based for many years, Steve Gannon.  Steve was also part of the band that backed Sugar Pie DeSanto a few years back at the Pocono’s.  Though Lady Bianca didn’t have the stage antics of Sugar Pie she did lay it down on the keyboards and provided the crowd with a rich variety of blues originals.

So much to do, so much to see and hear at the premier blues festival in the Northeast.  Saturday opened with an up and comer Marquise Knox.  From St. Louis, Knox certainly knew his way around his guitar and some blues classics.  His set included: How Blues Can You Get, Howlin’ For My Darlin’, Good Morning Little School Girl, The Sky Is Cryin’, Born Under a Bad Sign, Hootchie Cootchie Man, Night Fishin’, How Long, How Many More Years and I Got a Problem.

Georgia native, Veronika Jackson opened the tent stage with a nice mix of solo acoustic blues.  Highlights of her set included a real nice version of John Prine’s Angel of Montgomery and Little Walter’s My Babe.  I stopped by the merchandise table and had to laugh at the warning tag on one of her cd’s “Warning: Soul Stirring Conditions.”

Stage 2 opened with South Carolina native, Ms. Wanda Johnson.  She opened with Can You Handle This?  She wore a white dress fitting for an up and coming blues queen.  Wanda sounded a lot like Irma Thomas as she sang through a great set of originals off her independent releases.  Wanda was backed by keyboardist/band leader Shrimp City Slim.  Saturday was turning out to be a beautiful day.  The mountain was starting to heat up as blue skies gave way to a few puffy white clouds rolling over the ski mountain.  Sun block was a must and breaks for shade were definitely needed.

AJ Diggs was up next on the main stage as he opened with a nice version of the Spinners “I’ll Be Around.”  He then kicked into “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”.   He was the first act on this triple bill which he shared with Roy Roberts and Barbara Carr.  Diggs played a real nice version of “Rabbit Got A Gun” off his CD Already In Progress.

My favorite part of the festival came early, as Chick Willis hit the tent stage.  Chick was on guitar, backed by drums, bass and a vetern sax man, Jacques Johnson.   75 year old Chick Willis didn’t look a day over 50 as he opened with “Rib Shack”, one of his best tunes.  The tent crowd was immediately on their feet and Willis rocked the crowd on and off the stage.  Two Ray Charles songs kept his set tight and rollin’ (What I Say & I Can’t Stop Loving You).  Chick took us down to the Juke Joint with I Want a Big Fat Woman.  Other highlights of the Willis set included Tampa Red’s “Let  Me Play With Your Poodle” and Lightnin’ Hopkins “Hello Central Give Me 209.”  In Chick’s own words, he took it “Deep down in the alley” with the Hopkins cover.  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better Willis broke out his all-time classic – Stoop Down Baby.

Detroit guitarist/vocalist Johnnie Bassett was up next on Stage 2.  A great front man and a great band will always make for a quality blues set and this was no exception.  Johnnie played cuts off his latest disc The Gentleman is Back.  The song, Keep Your Hands off My Baby, was part of one of my favorite sets of the festival.

Willie “Big Eyes” Smith & Hubert Sumlin, 2010 Pocono Blues Festival

Theodis Ealey was really the unknown quantity at this years festival.  Many might have questions why he was given the slot of performing on the Main Stage in the middle of the festival’s biggest day.  Well Theodis is a showman and the show put Ealey on the blues map for many new fans.  Theodis on guitar himself was back by two keyboard players, bass, guitar, a back up singer.  The Ealey band was right on with a JB groove that often bordered on a KC 70′s funk.  From Mississippi, Theodis assured us that he would take us from the mountains of PA to the Juke Joints of his home state with his version of I’m The Man You Need off his latest CD.

Ealey then worked his way through a 10 minute version of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” which was met with an almost out of control response from the mainly fifty year old plus Pocono crowd.  Ealey then performed “Kiss” by that Prince guy who I can’t remember if he is Prince again or some symbol.  The finale was an unbelievable you had to see it to believe version of Ealey’s signature song “Stand Up In It.”  Theodis left us with the quote of the weekend – “Anything can happen at the Juke Joint,” which he repeated throughout his set.

Chick Willis started his 2nd set under the tent stage with a fine version of his “Houdini Lover.”  This song was followed by Voodoo Woman, CC Rider, Everyday I Have the Blues and  Big Fat Woman (where one found her way on stage).  The crowd was soon on their feet and Chick treated them to another version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

The Chicago Blues Legends closed out the main stage on Saturday night.  Lifetime achievement awards were given to former Muddy Water’s bass player Bob Stroger and drummer/harp/vocalist, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.  After meeting Willie Smith at an after festival party he revealed to me that he had always been a harp player.  He merely took up the drums during the 1950′s when rock n’ roll was coming alive to get work.  If you hear Willie play the harp and sing you will quickly realize that this guy is a true blues legend and should be right up there with the other big names of blues past frontmen.  Bob Margolin joined Stroger and Smith to start and then Hubert Sumlin was brought out to a huge audience applause.

Though Hubert had to be be attached to constant oxygen while on and off the stage nothing would keep him from performing.  Hubert and the band worked their way through several songs including Killing Floor. Before the final performer (Pinetop Perkins) was to join the group, Hubert was summoned by his nurse/manager to leave the stage but he refused.  Sumlin told me after the show that he did not want to disappoint all the people and just could not leave the stage.  The magic was still there when Sumlin stood and took his solo shots.

When you are 97 years old you just hope you can still remember your name.  Pinetop Perkins is now 97 and can still headline a blues festival.  Pinetop played some signature licks as well as his signature song about himself.  The Pocono crowd was whipped into a frenzy as the Muddy Waters Band alumni broke into the classic “Mojo Workin’.”  Willie Smith, Margolin and Stroger finished with one more encore before Saturday’s superior day of blues was complete.

Campbell Brothers, 2010 Pocono Blues Festival

Dave “Muskie” Moskal announced the opening of Sunday’s events at the Pocono Blues Festival.  Moskal’s former hometown of Rochester, NY produced the band that would not only open but give a complete work out to the Pocono Festival early risers.  The Campbell Brothers get better every time I see them and they really connected with the blues fans before them.  A show highlight of their set is their rendition of the Sam Cooke song “A Change Is Gonna Come.”  “Morning Train” off their first album followed and they always seem to take this song higher and higher each time they perform it.

Hands were raising and feet were stomping as the Campbell’s rocked the mountain and the main stage.  Gospel classic “Bye and Bye” became a ten minute vehicle for Chuck Campbell’s guitar.  The best way I can describe the Campbell Brothers is a “Gospel Based Jam Band For People with Good Music Taste.”   Next the Campbell Brothers “Got Their Praise On” for an uncle who had recently passed away.  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better they kicked into “I’ll Fly Away.”

Billy Sims, Jr. and Chaney Sims filled in for Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whitely.  Apparently Diana had problems getting into the U.S. from Canada so was unable to perform.  The acoustic duo of the Sims was real nice.  Billy switched from guitar to keyboards and performed some real nice blues.  Highlights included “St. Louis Blues” and “St. James Infirmary.”

From there it was off to the East Coast debut of Alabama Mike.  Alabama Mike had one of the best releases of 2009/2010 and is about to release his next CD.  After just two songs the weather turned from bad to worse and his show was shut down until the storm moved through. It then became time for the Rochester crew to gas up the bus and head back home.  Much more continued throughout the day including the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Mavis Staples, Joe Krown with Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.  So much blues, so little time.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre host of Doc’s Juke Joint, heard every Sunday night from 7-10pm Est.  on Jazz 90.1FM.

Doc’s Juke Joint – Opening Theme – Little Walter – Juke

Chris Whitley & Diana Braithwaite – Morning, Noon and Night ** at Pocono Blues Festival

Paul Rishell & Annie Raines – Can’t Use It No More – A Night In Woodstock *** just added to the Chenengo Blues Festival Lineup.

Arsen Shomakhov – Joker – On the Move (guitarist)  (Blues Leaf Records) ** New

Andy Cohen – Railroad Blues – Built Right On the Ground (Earwig Records) (guitarist, piano, vocals)

Marcia Ball – Down In the Neighborhood – Peace Love & BBQ (Alligator) ** headlining the Chenengo Blues Festival

John Haitt

John Haitt – Like a Freight Train – The Open Road *** at Seneca Niagara Casino tomorrow night. Also at the State Theatre in Ithaca in September.

Steve Earle – Satellite Radio – Washington Square Serenade * at the Water Street Music Hall w/ Electric Hot Tuna on July 28th.

Slim Harpo – Shake Your Hips – Slim Harpo Anthology

Alabama Slim – Has Anybody Seen My Baby – Blues & Lonesome (Musicmaker.org)

Guitar Shorty – Too Late – Bare Knuckle (Alligator) *** at the Chenengo Blues festival and at the Dino BBQ on Aug. 12th.

The Sadies – Postcards – Darker Circles (Yep Roc) ** at Garden Vibes on Aug. 5th at the George Eastman House

Earl Gaines – I Just Don’t Know Anymore – Good to Me (Ecko Records)

Earl Gaines

Leroy Thomas – Hathaway Louisiana – Jewel of Bayou! (Maison de Soul)  *** New

Bill Kirchen – Bump Wood – Word To The Wise *** at Lovin’ Cup on this Wed. Night with Greg Townson opening.

Table Top Three – I Can’t Be Satisfied (featuring: Steve West, Curtis Waterman & Ross Bracco) * catch Steve West at his Acoustic Open Mic performance every Wednesday night at the Muddy Waters Coffee House in Geneseo, NY.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – I’ll Still Be True – I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone Records)

Andre Williams – America – That’s All I Need (Bloodshot Recordss)

The Vincent Hayes Project – Hit Me High, Hit Me Low – Reclamation (VincentHayes.com)

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! – What Have I Done Wrong? – Big Rockin’ Boogie

Otis Taylor – Think I Won’t – Clovis People (Telarc)

Cindy Bullens – Love Gone Good – Howling Trains and Barking Dogs

Mark Hummel – I Want To Be Loved – Retro-Active ** Big Harmonica Blow-Out show at the Tralf in Buffalo on Sept. 11,

9pm Hour - Pocono Blues Festival Special

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins – & Willie Big Eyes Smith – Cut That Out – Joined At the Hip (Telarc)

Johnnie Bassett – Meat On Them Bones – The Gentleman Is Back

C.J. Chenier – I’ll Be Long Gone – My Baby Don’t Wear No Shoes (1992 Arhoolie Records)

Chick Willis – Ribshack Blues Cafe – From The Heart and Soul (Rock House Records)

Lady Bianca – Blues Fonk – Rollin’ (2001 Red Rooster Records)

Mavis Staples – Down In Mississippi  – Live Hope At the Hideout (Anti)

Jimmy “Duck” Holmes – Mr. Lucky – More M for Mississippi (Soundtrack from the movie)

Alabama Mike – Sara Brown – Day To Day (JukeHouse Records)

Barbara Carr – Don’t Put The Horse Before the Cart – Savvy Woman (CDS Records)

Theodis Ealey – The Blues Is Alright – Live (ifgam.records.com)

The Homemade Jamz Blues Band – Pay Me No Mind – Pay Me No Mind

The Campbell Brothers – Morning Train – Pass Me Not

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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.

The 17th Annual Pocono Blues Festival avoided the threatening thunderstorms and provided visitors with some of the best of the blues. Friday, July 25th began with a triple threat of serious blues acts that would normally warrant their own festival. Root Doctor, a veteran combo from Michigan kicked things off with a great Juke Joint dinner set. The fried chicken was going down and the blues was covering the mountains of the Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony, PA. Root Doctor rocked the tent stage with originals and familiar favorites. The Temptations Motown classic, “I Can’t Get Next To You” put an exclamation point on a set that opened the festival with fun and funk.

The middle act on Friday night was the daughter of the late blues legend, Tommy Tucker. Teeny Tucker has surely made her own name in the business over the last few years. Supporting her new CD, “Two Big M’s,” a tribute to Big Mama Thornton and Big Maybelle. Teeny opened her set with a great rendition of the Big Mama Thornton standard, “Hound Dog.” What followed was more of Teeny’s powerful voice. Tucker doesn’t work alone, she has a good supporting cast, great backup singers and a top notch band that worked through standards like “Whole Lotta Shakin’” and Dylan’s “You Got To Serve Somebody.” The only problem with Ms. Tucker’s set was that it was too short.

Closing out Friday’s festivities was the veteran power trio of Lil’ Dave Thompson. Lil’ Dave rocked the enthusiastic crowd until after midnight. Look for a new cd soon from Lil’ Dave on the Electro-Fi label.

In addition to the music, the setting for the Pocono Blues Festival is just relaxing. Small friendly lakes surround your drive in and all three stages are at the bottom of the various ski hills that Big Boulder possesses.

Blues guitarist Joey Gilmore opened the Saturday lineup. Joey opened with “I’m A Bluesman” which he certainly looks and sounds the part. Again a top notch band backed the star. The sax and keyboard player really stood out as drivers behind the Joey Gilmore sound. As a usual part of his set, Joey got the crowd moving with his rendition of the Johnny Taylor classic “Last Two Dollars.”

Michael Roach & Johnny Mars

From the main stage to a quick dash to the tent stage where the acoustic sounds of guitarist Michael Roach and harp player Johnny Mars were just starting to kick in. The Guest MC and voice of the blues tent, I believe for all 17 years of the festival, Dave “Muskie” Moskal got them on their way. Stagger Lee and some familiar favorites followed, they took us to Chicago, then to St. Louis (Honky Tonk Blues) and then they took us to church. It’s a shame but perfectly understandable that this combo spends most of their time entertaining the crowds in Europe instead of the U.S. It was great to hear them create the sounds of Washboard Sam and the many blues greats of the past. Sometimes stripped down and all acoustic is the best way to hear the blues.

The opposite of stripped down is probably the Kinsey Report. The Kinsey’s are the offspring of the late blues legend, Big Daddy Kinsey. Back in the 80′s the Kinsey’s recorded for Alligator records and toured with their father. I was surprised but very happy to see their name on the bill for this years festival. The Kinsey’s laid it down on the big stage including some “Jammin’” borrowed from the late Bob Marley. The Reggae covers came as no surprise since they had crossed paths with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley and their bandmates through the years. Though I was only able to catch a few of their tunes at the festival, I was fortunate enough to catch some of their late night lodge set echoing across the lake to where I was staying.

Next up came Chicago Blues guitarist Byther Smith. Byther was backed by the Jim Kohler Band, a Long Island group that backed Son Seals in his later days. Byther and his band tore it down from the moment they hit the stage. Byther ground down some Chicago sounds reminiscent of the Wolf’s “Killing Floor.” Smith’s raw guitar sound also reminded me of the lively rock riffs of Chuck Berry. Byther told me he wanted to retire five years ago, I’m surely glad he didn’t. You can check out his new live release on Delmark Records entitled “Blues on The Moon.” I found Byther’s performance at the Pocono Festival to be even more rockin’ than on his latest release. “Running to New Orleans” was probably one of my favorite tunes that he played. Unfortunately Hubert (Sumlin) wasn’t there this year, but thankfully for us another Chicago guitar legend was.

Kenny Neal has returned to the big stage after fighting a long illness. Kenny is supporting his new release on Blind Pig records, entitled “Let Life Flow.” Kenny was just how I remembered him almost 20 years ago. Highlights of his set included his version of Guitar Slim’s “The Things That I Used to Do” medley into Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Since I Met You Baby.” Kenny also took it down to Louisiana with his versions of “My Toot Toot”& “When The Saints Go Marching In.”

Choices have to be made at these festivals and they are never easy. Unfortunately I was unable to catch guitarist Michael Burks supporting his new effort on Alligator Records entitled “Iron Man.” I also missed out on Sharrie Williams and Terrance Simien. I heard all three of these acts were great from people that I spoke to over the weekend. I’m not surprised, they are all top notch performers.

Lurrie Bell

They call them headliners for a reason, and Saturday nights did not disappoint. Legendary writer and keyboardist who began his career in the 1940′s, Jimmy McCracklin warmed up the crowd for Sugar Pie DeSanto. Jimmy laid down favorites like “the Walk” & “Think” before he gave up the stage for Sugar Pie. At 70 plus, Sugar Pie DeSanto has it all going on. She worked her way through an incredible set of hard driving blues and a few ballads including an emotional show stopper- “Hello, San Francisco” dedicated to her late husband. Sugar then kicked it up a notch, it was time for her shoes to come off, some high kicks and even a back roll on the stage. Sugar Pie worked her old classic “Down In The Basement” with full force. Back in the day (1966) Sugar Pie recorded this song with Etta James for Chess Records. Sugar wrapped up her set by inviting an unsuspecting gentleman on stage to join her for some dancing which turned into the return of the Lindy Hop. The crowd roared and the band rocked on as Sugar Pie straddled the surprised volunteer like a mechanical bull. All that and still one more day to go.There is nothing more fitting than waking up Sunday morning and beginning your day with the gospel & blues sounds of Virginia’s Holmes Brothers. The Holmes Brothers sound as great as always. The Sunday set opened with a fitting and insprirational version of Amazing Grace which seemed to chase away the threatening thunder storms. Other favorites in the Holmes Brothers set included: Close the Door and Walk Away, Let It Roll, Gasoline Drawers, Whole Lotta Shakin’ medley with Jenny Jenny and Please Don’t Hurt Me. Jesus On the Mainline and a fitting May God Be With You rounded out the early afternoon set by the blues world’s finest harmonizing trio. The Holmes Brothers latest release is “State of Grace” (Alligator Records).Lurrie Bell rocked the other main stage with some of the most intense guitar playing I’ve seen. I was fortunate to see Lurrie twice in one month, since he made a rare Upstate NY appearance in Geneva NY on July 17th with Nick Moss. Lurrie worked the blues like a true Chicago veteran dishing out Chicken Shack, Five Long Years and I’m Ready. Lurrie Bell’s last release is entitled “Let’s Talk About Love.”

Meanwhile over at the tent stage Eric Bibb & two guest musicians were playing to a packed house. Eric has been traveling the globe in support of his new release on Telarc entitled “Get Onboard.” Following Eric was the legend and headliner of the entire festival Mr. Bobby Rush. Mr. Rush was scheduled for two performances at the festival, one under the blues tent solo and the other on the main stage closing out the fest at 6:30pm.

Boby Rush

Bobby Rush is really the ambassador of the blues. Everywhere he goes he always has time to meet, greet, sign autographs, take pictures and speak with who ever wants to see the legend up close. During a time where performers like to jump in a limo and dash away from a performance it is great to see a performer actually end his performance off the stage in the middle of the crowd. Away from the social side of Bobby Rush, the music is still rock solid. During the solo performance Bobby alternated between playing electric guitar and his blues harp.

Bobby Rush’s solo set included: Night Fishin’, Good Morning Little School Girl, Bony Maronie and other blues classics. Bobby sang about the garbage man and gave a shout out to Muddy, Elmore, Wolf & Little Walter. Bobby also paid tribue to the preachers in his life, including his Daddy with a great rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. With Bobby Rush the stories in between songs are just as good as the music. Unfortunately I had to boogie on back to Rochester early, but I’m guessing the night set included the full Bobby Rush band complete with shake dancers. One of my favorite Bobby lines was: “I had the blues when my woman left me, but I also had the blues when she stayed too long.”

Before I left the festival there was time for one more act. Soul singer Trudy Lynn hit the stage and belted out some real hits to shake the mountain. The rockin’ sounds of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love To You” brought Trudy to the stage. After knocking down the Chess Classic Lynn performed: Everyday I Have The Blues, Steal Away, Just A Little Bit, Hound Dog and 634-5789 (Soulsvile, U.S.A.). It was my first time seeing Trudy Lynn, I’ll definitely have her circled for a must see when she comes around next time.

So as you can see my first trip to the Pocono Blues Festival was a good one, now I need to make sure I don’t wait another 17 years.  For more info. on this years Pocono Blues Festival also check the Big Road Blues website.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre