Bandana Blues, A Way of Life....

Petition Time

2011-07-29T12:43:00.003-03:00

Check it out ... we could actually change our country ....

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sanity/

I Got The Blues.....

2011-07-24T12:56:00.002-03:00

My outlook on life has been radically changed over these last few years. The loss of my beloved Susan on April Fools Day 2009 didn't start it ... but certainly poured gas on it and struck the match .... burning through all positive indicators of my future. Obliterating the hope of a radical change in politics that I'd hoped the congress would at least do its duty and support the new President.

Also, the loss of the physical ability to continue my job as a cook (chef is so imperial sounding) added to my ever growing list of negatives. Fighting (yes, not just applying) for help via a social security disability claim for damn near two years has left me even more depressed. A condition known as Fibromyalgia (PAIN!!!) was added to my Diabetes and Asthma. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome had been dogging me for many years and was unexplained until recently.

Stuck in the house for 98% of the time... I've have been watching much more TV than ever that caused addiction to political shows starting during the 2008 Presidential Campaign and continues today with the crazy tea bagger supported rethuglican "newbies" in the house of representatives and Governers.

I understand we had a two party system for over a hundred years but that has changed. Right wingers signing Grover Norquist's pledge should just tear it up and refute the "not one penny of tax increase" horse shit that has congress and the President in a phony debt ceiling battle because they are adding on a ton of shit to it when it normally is considered house cleaning. A one line paper that usually took a show of hands in Congress because it was needed to pay for programs that had already passed the congress and needed to be paid for. you know, a couple wars,bailing out wall street and the banks, unemployment, and a bunch of other things.

Now they want money from social security (that pays for itself and when it has a bonus it lends it to the government (pay THAT back) and Medicare, that has exploded due to shitty medical expense explosion that must be brought under control.

Congress is REALLY broken this time. Bills that we have piled up for 12 years suddenly need to be payed for by senior citizens, school children, teachers, firemen, policemen, etc., etc., etc.?

Do I need to move to another country? Do you? I got the blues....BIG TIME!!!

Gotta Revolution!!

2011-04-28T01:22:00.003-03:00

This blog was about blues music.... right now it's about my personal blues. Well... yours too.. if you paying even minimal attention to what's happening in the USA ... you hafta be depressed. All the robber barons of our past have sardonic grins on their dead faces ... we are returning to their reality... the hard work done to undo all the terrible shit they inflicted on this country are being repealed!! If you have young children... get ready... they will be workin' in unsafe factory jobs soon. We are just pawns of the rich and their multinational interests.

Reaching retirement age? guess again. Paid social security your whole life? Tough shit!! Sick? Curl up and die! The only chance to reverse this trend is:
1. No more lobbyists
2 campaign finance reform
3 term limits
4 machete bearing crowds of pissed off Americans storming congress
5 tax billionaire people and their corporations (maybe that should be number 1)

My life sucks and doesn't look like it's gonna improve ... give me a machete!!!
Listen to the music at Bandana Blues and meditate .... it helps me ... for an hour or two.......

What do you think??

nauseous

2011-04-26T09:50:00.002-03:00

Nausea! Not caused by something ingested, but by watching TV shows about the fascist take over of our country by Repuglicans financed by large corporations. Everything I believed about this country is turning out to be wrong. The last 11 years have proven that we (normal Joes) are just cannon fodder and consumers (it was obvious for over a hundred years but I'm usually the last to know anything). Kept fat and dumbed down by the true leaders of this country. Even the founding fathers knew that human beings are intrinsically evil and out to grab your wares and keep them for their own without a hint of regard for fairness or compassion. They tried their best to create a document to help prevent what has happened to this country, I am however, sure that they knew it was an impossible task.

Wanna join me in this Nauseous state, or do you prefer to keep your blinders on? Get ajolt in the groin that will open your eyes by watching Terrorstorm by Alex Jones. If you have Netflix .. it is watchable for free... but you will pay a price ... your cherry will be popped and you'll wanna tell everyone about it.

Watch it and let me know if you are nauseous.

Obama Speech 04.13.11

2011-04-13T16:15:00.000-03:00

I felt equally buoyed and dismayed by the Prez speech.... it was great... but the republican machine will grind it to pieces with spin, alternate baked "financial numbers" and opinions told to them by rich despots like the Koch Bros. that the play-dough minded subscribers to Fox News will eat up like candy and IGNORE the facts.

I wish him luck... along with the aging baby boomers that I am one of.

Listen to some blues and feel better...... you could be Libyan.

WTF?

2011-04-07T11:07:00.003-03:00

The world is in such a state that it is depressing to even follow news stories about it. It doesn't help my personal outlook on life in general. There isn't enough positive things happening to make me feel remotely optimistic about our spinning (out of control) planet.

Just something to cause me to spontaneously smile does not happen on a daily basis. However, about the only thing that affects my mood in a positive direction is my love of listening to great music ... I can still do that. If I became deaf I'd end my life.

So,... join me in smiling when I play music for us on the provided link ... email me if it helps you smile too.... that would make my smile wider. Just click on WTF?

Just a moment....

2011-02-25T11:11:00.002-04:00

Hey Y'all!!
Here is the link to hundreds of podcasts of blues and r&b from me & Spinner. No getting bored with this mega-source of great music. Remember?

Lotsa NEW CDz sampled on this weeks show with a blast from the past from a vinyl LP....

Check'er out and spread the word........

B

jesus key- ricest

2010-09-06T21:01:00.001-03:00

Anybody still look at this? I have changed in dramatic fashion. No longer the perpetual smile or desire to.
I'll be back if anyone wants....

playlist:B&S Show#213

2007-10-21T18:51:00.000-03:00

show#213
10.21.07

Artist Title Album Label Composer
Bullfrog Brown Wicked Grin Tundra Andres Roots

Spinner's Section:
playing (with) the ladies
Angela Strehli: still a fool (Strehli) (Deja Blue, House Of Blues, 1998)
Deborah Coleman: don't start the car (Kevin Bowe) (Time Bomb, Ruf, 2007)
Sue Foley: two moons gone (Foley) (Time Bomb, Ruf, 2007)
Roxanne Potvin: hittin' on notin' (Potvin) (Time Bomb, Ruf, 2007)
Bonnie Raitt: gnawin' on it (Raitt, Rogers) (Silver Lining, Capitol, 2002)
Barrelhouse: walking in time (Schoemaker, LaPorte) (Walking In Time, Munich, 2002)

Back To Beardo:

Artist Title Album Label Composer
Susan Tedeschi The Danger Zone Hope And Desire,Verve
Etta James Spoonful At Last!,Chess
Renee Austin U-Haul Right About Love - BPCD 5099 Blind Pig Austin,

Reneé/Kevin Bowe
Bo Diddley Bo Diddley 20th Century Masters: The Mil MCA Bo

Diddley
Rockin' Jake Band baby what you want me to do 5 pm breakfast
Little Milton If Walls Could Talk (Single V Rockin' The Blues,MCA

#VALUE!
Smokin' Joe Kubek Feat. Bnois Worst Heartache Take Your Best Shot,

Bullseye
Jason Ricci & New Blood Dodecahedron Rocket Number 9
Walter Trout Mercy Relentless,Ruf
Otis Redding Mr. Pitiful I've Been Loving You Too Long

http://www.aworldofblues.com for 24/7 blues...... Beardo 10am to 1pm EST of America

Sunday, Monday and Wednesday

thebeardo@gmail.com

http://www.bandanablues.com

Hurry Up!!!

2007-04-30T17:07:00.000-03:00

H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act was introduced by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL ) to save the Internet radio industry. Please call your congressperson to ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2060.

whoo-boy

2007-03-26T09:39:00.001-03:00

Check 'er out!!

http://www.youtube.com/v/utNo8BX8V2A

JLW Fund Info

2007-01-28T18:02:00.001-04:00

Joe Louis Walker Fund

C/O Dave Jones

5520 Mission Rd

Fairway KS 66205

913-262-4898

JLW NEWS

2007-01-28T12:56:00.001-04:00

I was on the cruise and talked to Joe just before his removal to medical help. He was in a wheelchair and in extreme pain. Just the night before he tore everyone a new one with Tommy Castro at the all night jam.

Don't just wish him well... send him cash money here:

http://www.soul-fixin.com/donate.html

It's fast and easy... you can use a credit card through paypal even if you don't have an account.

I urge you to check out what Soul Fixin' is all about. The work they are doing now and future projects urgently need your tax deductable contributions. Professional volunteers are also in demand. Step up to the plate...NOW!

Contributions made by cruisers during Watermelon Slim's set brought tears to the eyes of battle hardened M.C. Chip Eagle, who was heard muttering, "I LOVE these people!"

Me too....

Beardo

Gore weighs in

2006-12-06T14:45:00.000-04:00

Check this out...from the today show this morning:
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/12/06/gore-iraq-bush/
It has a transcript if you don't have the bandwidth to view the clip....

Iraq

2006-12-06T14:22:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to the Baker Plan being revealed, I started looking for info and found this informative artice by Chris Dickey of Newsweek Interntional:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16072946/site/newsweek/

It paints a picture that makes Bushspeak just that..... get the troops the fuck out of there...

Surprise!!!

2006-12-04T08:11:00.000-04:00

What we have here is a failure to communicate! Thanks to Struther Martin for that oh-so-trueism. Hi boys and girls. I see there have been so changes around Blogger since the last time I was here (JUNE!!).

Lotsa changes around the old homestead too. I no longer am affiliated with Highway 49 booking agency, Beau is in college, and my diabetes medicine sucks ass. Hopefully, we will get a better handle on that with today's DR. visit. I sent him a letter with all my bitched on it a couple weks ago, so cross your fingers that he gets it right this time.

To more pleasant news, I will be on the BIG BLUE BOAT again this year and can't wait. Look for a wrap up of that mess late January on Blueswax and our podcast with Beardo & Spinner.

Ya know, if you STILL haven't figured out how to subscribe, to automaticly get the weekly show downloaded to whatever mp3 device you choose.... listen to this:
Feedburner will send you an email with a link to the show whenever there is a new one. What's this mean? It means once you sign up here (only takes a minute and no spyware or selling of your address or other emails) the show can be played or downloaded right from the email.
WOW!! If you are into it... sign up some friends!!!

Ok, this posting will hopefully continue now that I have some time...

Beardo has left the building!

Michael Powers

2006-06-24T06:51:00.000-03:00

Shit.... I forgot to tell you that MP is playing NXNW in Philly tonight!!!!

So what?

2006-06-03T08:35:00.000-03:00

Yeah teah yeah...... I know. long time no post. As you get older time really fuckin' flies...

Just a note hear to remind you of our annual gig, The 16th Annual Bandana Blues this August 5th... go to the website for details AND a short audio file you can download thet speaks of what is going on this year and some music from the artists playing.... it shoiuld be up and running by next week.

Also, mark your calendar for June 34th as Michael Powers appears at NXNW just outside Philly. More about that as it gets closer...let's rock the house that night...I'll be there...how 'bout you??

Beardo

Jason Ricci

2006-05-11T04:32:00.000-03:00

Wow!

It's been way too long....

Finally saw Jason Ricci last Sunday. Great guy and one-of-a-kind harp player. You really need to check him out... he is featured on show#142 and more on the all live show #143 this week.

WOW!!!!!

2006-04-24T12:58:00.000-03:00

Damn,
As the wheel of Life picks up even more speed I find my posts here lacking. Something must really move me to break the inertial sloth of the last few weeks. After watching this years first episode of IFC's Henry Rollins Show I was impelled to post.

Man, watch this sucker!!! You may have issues with Rollins' music, but he has that laser focus working overtime on socio-political issues...and with a sense of humor to boot!!

Just listen to his show's mission statement and tell me you're not interested!!!

Fuckin' Amazing!!

I want to interview him for The Blueroom...

Stuff!!!!!

2006-04-17T11:43:00.000-03:00

Man,
It's been a whirlwind of horseshit called life lately. I've been swamped with too much input and not enuff output for the last 3 weeks or so.

How've you been? Haven't heard from many of you for a while either. New shows are up for podcast, Easter has come and gone(thank Loki)and I'm taking a day off to fuck around with some new software. Thanks to the few who have donated to the cause via the tip jar or througn the t-shirt purchase. Thank you very much.

I'm going to catch up on some e-mail and update the webpage too. Drop me a line or call with Gizmo.

Type to you later...

New Taint!!!

2006-03-27T20:09:00.000-04:00

The neutron bomb makes a comeback.... in my mind!! And, is censuring G-dub a ploy or more fun than impeachung Clinton?

Listen to the explosive Sandy Taint!!!

X- communication?

2006-03-25T06:34:00.000-04:00

Strother Martin was right, when in the movie Cool Hand Luke, What we have here is a failure to communicate. Nothing says that more than the lack of inflection or tone of e-mails. How many times has the true meaning of your e-mails been lost by lack of a human facial expression or tone of voice?
That happened this week between myself and The Boss at Alligator Records.

If we mere citizens can have this problem, imagine the phenomenon on a geopolitical level. The Prez can barely make himself understood when ordering a grilled cheese sandwich, then wonders why the people of his country gasp at a statement shifting the oness of the removal of our military presnce in Iraq to "future presidents".

Thoughts anyone?

Bonamassa

2006-03-22T16:38:00.000-04:00

I'll post more of these soon. Thanks to Alan Howe for snappin' 'em!!

POISONED!!!

2006-03-17T07:58:00.000-04:00

Went to see Joe Bonamassa this past Wednesday... and poisoned myself. A fool report on this week's episode of Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner. Uploaded Sunday.... BTW, Joe was his usual fantastic self with yet another drummer.

B

Tab Benoit on Blueroom

2006-03-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

Part one of Tab Benoit's rant concerning Katrina, The Welands, Bush, Louisiana, and maybe some music too.
Check out what he said to Sandy Taint!

Live Longer with Beardo & Spinner

2006-03-12T16:06:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share this e-mail with you folks:

Hi Guys, Al Foders in Orlando, Florida here. I'm 56 years young. I
love Blues music. I've been downloading the show for 8 months now. I put it on my MP3 player and take it to the gym.

I normally workout for 30 to 45 minutes, but since your show is usually 60 minutes, I spend extra time on Saturdays on the cardio machine "Sweatin' To The Blues".

The young, buffed kids around me must wonder what the heck is going on
with this guy "sweatin' like a whore on dollar night" on the elliptical
training machine: his eyes closed, earplugs deeply inserted in his ear
canals, his grey head bobbing up and down in time with the music, his
lips moving as he silently sings along with his favorite tunes. Too
bad...they don't know what they are missing! They get to hear NSync,
Usher, Coldplay and Britanny Spears on the crappy PA system while I hear
the best of the Blues from my friends at Bandana Blues.

You guys keep it up. Thanks to you, I'm going to live longer because of
the extra time spend working out each week.

Al

Next Blues Guitar Slinger

2006-03-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

A listener to the show clued me into a contest Guitar Center is having:

Beardo, just wanted to let you know about a cool
contest sponsored by Guitar Center. Go to
www.guitarcenter.com and click on the guitarmageddon
icon, then click for Flash, then click on Tracks, then
pic and choose whichever type of blues you want, from
list on left of page.

Ok, would-be SRV's, here is your chance! I checked it out and it is a pretty sweet set up, although time is short, so you better get moving!!!

Beardo

The Marconi Experiment Lives!!!

2006-03-07T22:27:00.000-04:00

The new podcast, The Marconi Experiment, is up and running.... available at iTunes too! Just search for Beardo and see all four podcasts.... subscribe now!!

Stinky Lou Debut........

2006-03-05T18:14:00.000-04:00

Just thought you'd like to see Stinky Lou, The Goonmat,... and Lord Bernardo who debuted on Beardo & Spinner this week (show#134)

Moving to......

2006-03-04T06:56:00.000-04:00

SUNDAY!!!!

Due to time demands, and who likes them, the weekly upload for Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner, and The Blueroom with Sandy Taint will be moving to Sunday evening starting next week.

This means all of you reprobates need to find something else to do Saturday nights.... try going to a live show, fer christsakes! The music is going to all be canned or on the net soon if people don't start supporting live music.

Even I find time to catch a show now and then.... and speaking of shows, the new podcast should be up and running by next weekend. I'm really looking forward to your reaction on this one. Stay tuned here for updates.

BTW, part two of The Northern Blues Podcast is up (check our website), this episode features Chris Beard!!

Beardo

Playlist:Bandana Blues show#134

2006-03-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

show#134
03/04/06
Stinky Lou and the Goonmat with Lord Benardo- Somebody Else

Spinner's Section:
Carlos del Junco: lonely buzz (Big boy, Big Reed Records, 1998)
Blues Crowns & Lynwood Slim: believe it
Frank Sinatra: one for the road (Only the lonely, Capitol, 1958)
Colin James: bad habits (Bad habits, Elektra, 1995)
Barrelhouse: straight to the airport (Live, Munich Records, 2004)

Jeff Beck Group LIVE-You Shook Me/Let Me Love You (From www.wolfgangsvault)
Joe Bonamassa- You Upset Me Baby
Graham Bond- I Want You
Lady Bianca-Still Good
Bobby Rush-Hoochie Man
A snippet of Tilburg Slim and the Spinners from 15th Annual Bandana Blues 08/06/05

http://www.bandanablues.com

BUSH's Katrina lies caught on video

2006-03-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

Here's a breaking story for ya'!! You won't believe your eyes! Then again, maybe you will:

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-katrina2mar02,1,5983662.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage

Call or leave a message with Gizmo for use on Sandy Taint

Lady Bianca

2006-03-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

If you haven't had the Lady Bianca EXPERIENCE yet and are ANYWHERE near Hot 'Lanta... just go.. (Thursday and Friday doing the Wild Women sing the Blues Festival with Janiva Magness and Helen wild child Davis)
and be rewarded for living a good life, even if you don't deserve it.

I'm busting out her Let Love Have It's Way CD right now.... I think I'll put one on the show...Thanks Baby..... wish I could be there...

Beardo

2006-02-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

Making the transistion to booking agent has me cleaning and re-organizing my shit hole of an office which also entails hammering out a backlog of BlueWax features. Makes me feel a bit like this animation. Today I submitted an interview with Joe Bonamassa. The kid is ok in my book.

I take delivery of my VoiP telephone today. I'll give you a report on that as soon as I test pilot the damn thing.

Ok, Here's the news...

2006-02-25T17:03:00.000-04:00

Looks like yours truly will be joining the ranks of the people I once occasionally referred to as "Pricks' "Liars" And "Scumbags". Booking Agents! Yeah, I know, I know,...but I'll be different. At least I'll be representing some people I respect, like Michael Powers, The Imperial Crowns, Slick Ballinger, and Omar and the Howlers to name a few.

So, if you have a need to book a blues band, please.. give me a shout!!

Also, if you have a blues venue in your neck of the woods, please forward me the contact info for it. It would be appreciated.

And one more thing, we will be changing the name of the agency. Send me your suggestions. The winner will receive a Michael Powers prize pack!!

Like a Phoenix... from the ashes...

2006-02-19T19:37:00.000-04:00

Saw The Nighthawks Last Saturday. Those who know me will know the validity of what I say and take it as gospel. They fucking rocked!! Best I've heard them since 1985. A true Roots Rock, R&B and Rockabilly legend is re-born. Oh, they played some blues too.

Look for their new CD in a few weeks.... and a full review of the show at BluesWax.

Take two minutes for our survey...

2006-02-19T19:34:00.000-04:00

... do it at work... get paid for your time! Thanks!!

New CD Deadline and Technorati Tags

2006-02-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

I found that alot of people are weeks behind listening to B&S. It's just a fact of life that podcasts are like tivo'd programs on TV, time-shifted!

With that in mind I am extending the deadline for the Podcast Promotion CD #1 to March 1st. If you are unaware of what this CD is, go to the website and choose the link for Donations. Wait a minute, just click here.

A t-shirt, the CD and the tip jar are located there. Thanks for the support show by the people donating to the show. It is truly appreciated.

Also, note the Technorati search engine in the upper right of the blog. A keyword search of all the posts on Bandana Blues can be performed. Useful if you want to check a statement I may have made about a subject, that you want to call my ass out on. OR, just to see if I've mentioned a subject near and dear to your heart. Try it out, I love it!

B

Big haps...

2006-02-10T18:10:00.000-04:00

A great deal of developments here at bandana central. But first, this weeks show will feature the one and only Tilberg Slim and the Spinners, live from The 15th Annual Bandana Blues last August.

Yes, that's right! The Mysterious Tilburg Slim!! Also, featured Mark Wenner sitting in with the German blues band Jack O'Ryan from the late 80's (I think) performing Slim Harpo's Scratch My Back.

Stay tuned for a major announcement Monday that will have a ripple effect on "the show".

Links for Islamic Humor

2006-02-06T01:48:00.000-04:00

This one explains the limits of Islamic humor:

http://www.islamcan.com/cgi-bin/increaseiman/htmlfiles/static/113159680730468.shtml

This one is for The Wacky Adventures of Ahmed and Mohammed, Islamic terrorists!!

http://ahmed-mohammed.mindswap.net/index.php

Call or leave a message with Gizmo

Beardo
Blueswax Senior Contributing Editor
Co-Host of Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner Weekly Podcast
Producer of The 16th Annual Bandana Blues BBQ
Bon Vivant
Bandana Blues

Islamic Humor Links

2006-02-05T19:12:00.000-04:00

This one explains the limits of Islamic humor:

http://www.islamcan.com/cgi-bin/increaseiman/htmlfiles/static/113159680730468.shtml

This one is for The Wacky Adventures of Ahmed and Mohammed, Islamic terrorists!!

http://ahmed-mohammed.mindswap.net/index.php

Podcasts Preview

2006-02-03T17:31:00.000-04:00

This week's Blueroom with Sandy Taint will deal with the Danish cartoon
"crisis", take my existence ..... please, while Beardo cranks out some
otherwise unavailable tunes & Spinner lathers you with some high powered
estrogen.

Beardo

PS check out the new easier to navigate website http://www.bandanablues.com

Steal This Banner!

2006-01-26T11:33:00.000-04:00

Use banner on your website and/or e-mail Signatures, just click banner for code! Help spread the Gospel of Bandana Blues, B&S Thank you!! Have Mercy!!

Alan Howe Cruise Pix

2006-01-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

Click here for Alan Howe Cruise Pix

Franklin's Armonica

2006-01-22T12:35:00.000-04:00

Legend says it was originally invented by the priests of Atlantis, and that the secret of the glass armonica was lost when Atlantis disappeared beneath the sea — only to be re-invented by Benjamin Franklin.

In 1761, while living in England, Franklin heard a performer playing musical glasses. Franklin wrote: "He collected a number of glasses of different sizes, fixed them near each other on a table, and tuned them by putting into them water, more or less as each note required. The tones were brought out by passing his fingers round their brims."

Franklin was charmed by the music, but felt that there was a better way to create the same sound. He had a glassmaker create thirty-seven hemispheres made of glass, with each hemisphere being a different size and thickness to produce different pitches. Franklin ran an iron rod through a hole in the top of each hemisphere so that they could nest together from largest to smallest. He linked all of this to an apparatus like a spinning wheel, with a foot treadle that turned the rod, making the glass hemispheres rotate. Franklin moistened his fingers and held them against the rims of the glass hemispheres as they turned, producing a sound similar to the musical glasses. The glass hemispheres were color coded with paint to identify the notes.

Franklin mastered the instrument and took it to dinner parties and other gatherings to play for his friends and acquaintances. The instrument became popular and other performers started playing armonicas. In fact, it became so popular that thousands were built and sold, and one factory employed over a hundred people to build the instruments. Interestingly, many of the performers were women, which was somewhat unusual for the period. One of the musicians, Marianne Davies performed all over Europe and even gave lessons to the French queen Marie Antoinette.

Composers were also struck by the haunting sounds produced by Franklin's instrument. Mozart wrote two pieces for the armonica, including "Adagio and Rondo 617," and in 1815, Beethoven wrote a short melodrama where a narrator told a story while accompanied by armonica.

Some of the people who performed regularly on the armonica complained that the instrument was upsetting them emotionally. They said that the vibrations were entering their fingertips and causing mental anguish. There has been some conjecture that these conditions were caused by lead poisoning that the performers acquired from lead in the glass hemispheres of the instrument. Lead was a commonly used metal in the eighteenth century, so it is difficult to determine if these players' maladies came from the lead in the armonica or from other sources.

The popularity of the instrument faded early in the nineteenth century, but it is still played occasionally today.

Click here for a Mozart piece played on the Armonica. Perhaps Spinner will get one!

You Want Sandy Taint!!!

2006-01-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Of course you listen to Bandana Blues, but have you checked out Beardo'salterego (one of many) Sandy Taint? go to http://feeds.feedburner.com/blueroom to subscribe for about 5 minutes a week of rant and rave that just may jolt you out of the doledrums and make you scratch you head about things.

Beardo

Da Boat part Deux

2006-01-18T18:44:00.000-04:00

Wednesday on Da Boat

Not counting interviews, I only had contact with a few artists today. At the intimate Queens Lounge I enjoyed ACOUSTIC WORKSHOP:” Preserving Acoustic Classics w/ John Hammond", who was joined by Daniel “Slick” Ballinger (runner up at The IBC in 2004 and winner of The Albert King Award for most promising blues guitarist) for a delight and insight filled repartee between a most respectful Slick and obviously impressed veteran, John Hammond. A Q&A with the audience revealed some things missed in my interview with Hammond (coming soon to your Blueswax mailbox). His introduction of Bob Dylan to The New Hawks (soon to become The Band) at his My Way recording session in 1964 was a revelation. Mentioning some influential harp players, it was gratifying to hear Mark Wenner of The Nighthawks in the list.

As sunshine was at a premium up to this point I enjoyed 7.4 minutes of obligatory photosynthesis on the pool deck followed by a sumptuous Indonesian dinner of Nasi Goreng. Properly fueled, The Crow’s Nest was next. Although my least favorite venue due to the low ceiling, bad sightlines and, being as stated the highest point of the ship hence the rockin-est movement wise, it held some of the best moments all week. This night joined by Alan Howe, erstwhile Blueswax Photographer and guitarist for two time IBC finalists Mike Guldin and Rollin’&Tumblin’ and his purchase of duel triple shots of Wild Turkey, we watched Ana Popovic and Anthony Gomes get their sexually charged groove on jam-wise. The crowd went nuts.

The Crow’s Nest was followed by some hang time with the gregarious Biscuit Miller (Gomes bass man) and the spectacular Millie Jackson show at my favorite venue The Big Room, the multi-tiered Vista Lounge. A review of this show is not forth coming because decided I was having too much fun to take notes as the repartee by Millie even stunned MC Scrap Iron and her band. Not a show for the easily offended, let’s just state that she abruptly closed the show with a mellifluous sing song of, “F%ck You, F%ck You, F%ck You, F%ck You, F%ck Yoooou, as she strode off the stage in a very regal manner. It was one of the highlights of the week. WOW!!! The audience ate it up. Those of you in Dallas are very lucky to have her host a morning drive radio show. I can’t imagine.

Thursday in brief started by waking up to The Imperial Crowns DVD on the TV as my wake up time check (no watch, ever) and included more interviews, a conversation with Bob Margolin about sound problems with The Chicago Legends show he is involved with and part of a Robert Mugge film in the Queen’s Lounge. Another highlight, as I see this short report is getting lengthy; Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers braved the rain on the pool deck joined by special guest cruiser Tommy Castro on “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl”. Tommy also showed up later as a guest with his pal Jimmy Thackery at the late night jam on the Pool Deck that went till about 4 AM, actually an early night.

Heading back to a Mougli-less (MIA) cabin about 2 AM via my secret upper deck route that drops the elevator off down a hall at the side entrance of the Queen’s Lounge I was stopped in my tracks by an eerie sight. The darkened room was lit by only a white follow spot illuminating a vision in a body length white veil dancing seductively for a good number of people, most with video cameras. Dancing to an uber weird mariachi version of “Hey Jude” was Schmat. Cruisers will know who this guy is and hopefully there will be pix of him online somewhere. He is known as The World’s Last Free Man and if free means eccentric, the moniker fits. I could fill a page of just his costume descriptions. Nuff said.

Friday was spent going over notes and interviews amid a smattering of shows. The Electric Rod Thompson on The Pool Deck, Rod Piazza’s best set of the week in The Vista with special guest Jimmy Carpenter sitting in for most of the set. JC really fit the west coast swing style to a T. I sure wouldn’t mind seeing him as an addition on the next CD and perhaps occasional sideman on a tour. Kenny Neal and Billy Branch had the infamous “open fly” incident at The Queen’s Lounge and Anthony Gomes held down the Late Jam duties on the Pool Deck. Mitch Wood’s Club 88, held at the ship’s piano bar never started till after 2 AM and held sway over the night owls aboard. This night Tommy Castro rolled in about 5 AM after the jam and stayed till 7 AM. Whew!

Saturday
Suffice to say my interview with Tommy Castro was delayed a few hours. Morning was delayed as quite a few people were green at the gills from the 12 foot chop, some of our crew included. As a blustery day made the movement of all Pool Deck festivities inside a necessity after John Hammond around 2 PM. Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy were at the heavily swaying Vista Lounge with Bob Margolin filling in on bass. Diunna brought Slick Ballinger up to the stage with a story of Slick as a little kid showing up at her shows with the idea of becoming a real blues man. The tunes they did together were a very warm and fuzzy reunion. “Built For Comfort” with the sexual interplay between guitarist John “Del Toro” Richardson and Ms. Greenleaf was a highlight of the show along with the riveting “Do You Want Me To Stay”. MC Scrap Iron was caught whispering something to Bob at stage left and Dianna demanded to know what was said. Without missing a beat Scrap Iron declared,” I was asking for yo phone number!” Bobby Blue Bland, Ana, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Taj, and Whiskey Store with Tab Benoit and Jimmy Thackery were also observed in bits and pieces as I went venue to venue before settling in at The Sports Bar to watch the Broncos dismantle the Patriots with good pal Gene Fontana of the Diamond State Blues Society and a couple Bokma Oude Genever Martini’s complete with my own olives from home. Thanks to Francisco, bartender extraordinaire for the perfect tooni’s.

The night’s sleep was interrupted by some pretty violent boat movement, noticed by me for a moment or two before returning to a deep sleep. Room service breakfast, swift deployment of passengers to shore, Pittsburgh/Indy at the airport and home to my home cooked meal deprived wife and son in Philly.

Great Fuckin’ trip! Be there or be square.

Alan Howe sends some pix

2006-01-18T18:37:00.000-04:00

Here are some PIx of the sensational Slick Ballinger and John Hammond from the cruise. e-mail Alan for your next photo shoot. Maybe a CD cover?

Wow, aftermath of Blues Cruise

2006-01-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

It is like the cruise was a dream already. I will have an update on the last few days of the cruise tomorrow, the 18th. Those of you that are on the fence about shelling out the dough for this event need to jump in with both feet and your wallet. It is the shit.

I will try to get Alan Howe of Rollin' & Tumblin' fame (and Semi-official Blueswax Photographer) to weigh in as it was his maiden voyage AND I know he already put his deposit down on the next cruise.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Oh Yeah, don't forget to listen to Spinner fly solo this week on Bandana Blues. It smokes!

mid week floating blues

2006-01-11T17:31:00.000-04:00

Random Thoughts from The Big Blues Boat

Monday

Weather seems to be the pervasive topic of conversation, what? It isn’t 90 degrees and removing the top three layers of your epidermis? Let it rain a little. Speaking of rain, Millie Jackson, seasick from her stint in The Vista Lounge earlier in the day took to the wind swept pool and kicked the weather’s ass live on XM radio. Her tear jerking heart pounding horn heavy finale? Let It Rain, of course. As Millie explained, she wanted the audience to believe she had “mystical powers”. She pointed to three corners of the compass challenging the clouds to dare rain on her, then looked behind the stage at one mean looking thunderhead and said,”Oh, Shit”. Her performance was magnificent and her band overpowered the elements for her.

Tuesday

The trip to shore at Montego Bay will remain a secret till someone else blows the whistle. Let’s just say Mougli and his crew reached supernova “Bob Marley” state in just a matter of moments while I got soaked, ………….. and then it rained, you feel me? I informed my spirit guide if he would have brokered a better deal for the jewelry he wouldn’t need to go back there to get his reward. I would have tipped him. As it stood I only had cab fare left to get me back to the boat.

Speaking of my return, on to the pool deck just in time for the resurging drum solos as Anthony Gomes put on a “for ladies only” vaudevillian act with some music thrown in. I hope he sticks to playing next time I see him this week. Serious guitar shredding going on this year, which brings me to Joe Bonamassa and his shred with substance approach in the Vista Lounge.

Highlights of that show found Joe mining the Jeff Beck Group’s catalog again, this time for a righteous version of “Don’t Know Much About love”. His show really never lets you take a deep breath as one song flows into another, then sometimes back again. Case in point, Blind faith’s “Had To Cry Today” which had the aforementioned obligatory drum solo (a very good one this time with extraordinary footwork), a drop in sonic pressure as Joe showed of some nice volume knob riding ( he even looked back at the band at one point and smilingly said, “I like that!”) and some YES riffing ala Steve Howe that us old heads still haven’t identified, but if you heard it you’d know it.

Whiskey Store with a melding of Thackery and Benoit bands took the stage next for tunes from The Whiskey store CD and some of Jimmy and Tab’s solo stuff. Their version of Tab’s “Nice and Warm” had one of the best solo’s I’ve heard from Jimmy on this trip. He gave the assembly a tip of his leopard spotted fez to acknowledge their applause.

Top that off with a jam session hosted by Rod And Honey Piazza that started around 1:30 AM in a rainstorm they promptly shoed away and you have a typical day in the life of a blues cruiser.

Beardo, your Blues pirate

The Big Blue boat

2006-01-10T16:22:00.000-04:00

Blues Cruise Deux

Like Ali-Frazer and the Thrilla in Manila, I was back to duke it out with the blues Caribbean style, my second year covering it for Bluewax. Things turned nuts immediately as I found myself waiting for the shuttle at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport with members of The Ana Popovic Band. Nick (the keyboard man) and the boys were very sociable even after discovering I was the author of a less than glowing review of their bosses last Live CD. By the way, I discovered they were the band on said CD adding to my bemused discomfort.

Getting squared away in the hotel and trying to grab a quick bite, I ran into the same guys at the hotel snack bar and joined them at their table. This all ties in just bear with me. Racing to the ballroom for the pleasure of seeing Albert Castiglia (as the t-shirt corrected, “That’s Cas-Steel-Ya Dammit”) rip into a set of relentless rock tinged blues in a ballroom that had all the acoustic splendor of a high school gymnasium. The performance was still great and followed by The Blues Disciples featuring Pat Ramsey (impeccable harmonica work) along with Dave Renson (stylistically evasive guitarist with 60’s overtones) continued the excellent first night vibe. Get to bed Beardo, you need to pace yourself.

Breakfast, and it’s those guys again. This time the boss lady shows up and informs me I had an “interesting perspective” on her CD in question. Taking it as a compliment I agreed and added it was an honest one, and typically American and that I couldn’t wait to hear her with the band live. We made a tentative arrangement to have a chat later in the week on “da boat”.

Boarding this year was a snap! A quick check of the cabin and off for a bite to eat, a Red Stripe and a few cell calls before the damn things become inoperable. Hellos to remembered cruisers and other friends and it was off to the cabin to get into our life jackets for the obligatory fire drill. It’s now time to get serious.

Simultaneously watching Anthony Gomes in the big room, watching the Steelers win, and drinking a martini as big as my head I started “working”. Here we go: I was shocked to see Gomes was so friggin’ tall and he shredded like a salad shooter on a more than acceptable version of Led Zep’s Heartbreaker”, thankfully no Purple Umbrella that I always thought ruined the end of the song. He immediately switched to more contemporary blues before all the purists left the room. A nice read of the crowd by young Mr. Gomes.

Hooking up by inter-room phone with old buddy Jimmy Thackery, I discovered he was sitting in with Deanna Bogart, subbing for her guitarist who fell ill. It turned into an engaging set with the interplay between the two consisted on key change hand signals, nods and knowing smiles as it fell together beautifully. Watching Jimmy’s bemused smile as he clearly was having a good time was a treat for me. Leaving before the set’s end to prepare for his own show after a energetic version of Bogart’s own,” Just a Girl In The Band” another Jimmy took his place, Former band mate and Driver, Jimmy Carpenter. Stepping up to the mike, Bogart stated that the following tune had five key changes and a verse he needed to take…. That was in Latin. Unflustered, he said,” Let’s go!” As is the case with the cruise, there is always something else going on. It was time to head to the very intimate Queen’s Lounge for John Hammond’s emotional solo blues and stories about going to Allan Freed shows as a kid, Robert Geddings tapping his cane on the stage when John started performing” My Time After While” as a Buddy guy song and saying, Excuse me, excuse me,” I wrote that song!”. He also told the story of his discovery of Robert Johnson on an old Folkways compilation, leading to his subsequent obsession with Johnson. It was his own personal crossroads. Nobody does it better than john Hammond. I left as he picked up his National and belted out “Jitterbug Swing” and headed for a typical tone laden Thackery Show buffeted by the near gale force winds of the pool deck stage outside.

The pro-jam started on the pool deck later with Ronnie Baker Brooks joined by Jelly Bean Johnson. The highlight was their searing version of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. The fierce expression of their bass man, Mr. Armstrong, matched his playing as he stalked the stage. I left after Billy branch joined them for some Chicago blues around, ah, um…. well it was before 3 AM. I heard from my cabin mate, Mougli that it went till after 4 AM! It broke up early. Well, it’s only the first night. I swung by Club 88 where Mitch Wood’s holds court every night after 2 AM at the piano bar for a little lounge vibe and sing-a-long.

Somewhere in there was a fantastic dinner in the opulent multi-leveled dining room. Round two, or is it three, Coming up! Stay tuned; we are heading for Jamaica, yah mon!

Your Blues Pirate,

Beardo

B&S T-Shirt!!!

2006-01-07T13:06:00.000-04:00

I'm outta here for the blues cruise in about an hour... see ya'!! Look for updates here starting this Sunday!!

In the meantime, check out the logo for the new donation premium. If you are interested, they are VERY limited addition in lg, xl, xxl and xxxl.

Stake your claim to one by e-mailing me now! I'll return with details 1/15.

Later....

Call on the boat or leave a message with Gizmo

Bon Voyaa-geee!!

2006-01-05T06:28:00.000-04:00

Wow,

Just a couple more days till the big blue boat...The Blues Cruisewill be my home for the next week, but I'll try to post the goings on and some pix every day.

Check back often. I gotta get back to work.

B

Goodbye and good riddance

2005-12-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

Happy new year!!! Yeah, as if.....
The Final Blueroom of the year 2005 provides a rich tapestry of deceit with a re-cap of G-Dubs year...whooo-boy!

The wait Is Over!!!

2005-12-29T06:40:00.000-04:00

The Northern Blues Podcast is up and running! First up, an in depth interview with Northern Blues recording artist and 30 year overnight sensation, Watermelon Slim AKA Bill Homans.

Join Slim, Northern Blues owner Fred Litwin and myself for 45 minutes of insight and music from this multidimensional Blues man at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/northernblues

I found Slim to be a 21st Century blues artist with strong convictions that may have hindered his musical career that is really just getting started thanks to years of tireless work by his manager Chris Hardwick at Southern Records and now with his affiliation with Fred at Northern Blues.

Slim's newest CD, Watermelon Slim and the Workers will be released Feruary 16th 2006 and available from Borders and Amazon in addition to the Northern Blues website.

I urge you to give this man's harmonica, slide guitar, and booming field holler voice a listen.

Gizmo for Xmas

2005-12-21T20:39:00.000-04:00

Gizmo is the way to go to contact me about, well....anything. Get it FREE here and give me a call or leave a voicemail.

Free calls Gizmo to Gizmo anywhere on the planet AND cheap-as-shit calls to landlines anywhere.

Tell'em Beardo Sent you!!!

Call or leave a message with Gizmo

Flickr test

2005-12-21T08:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20557541@N00/75894337/

Call or leave a message with Gizmo

Beardo

The Moochers

2005-12-18T14:49:00.000-04:00

Here's the link to The Moochers I promised on The Show.

Bushler on Sandy Taint

2005-12-18T11:32:00.000-04:00

On The Blueroom, we take a shot at Bush. If you think we are being un-patriotic, take a look at his report card?

The 9/11 Public Discourse Project formerly known as the 9/11 Commission just released an assessment of Bushs progress on the issue. Despite his rhetoric, they arent impressed:

The 9/11 Commission concluded that the administrations current efforts fall far short of what we need to do and recommends President Bush request the personnel and resources, and provide the domestic and international leadership, to secure all weapons grade nuclear material as soon as possible. Good idea.

What...no Schwall?

2005-12-18T08:11:00.000-04:00

Corky Siegel was on NPR's Weekend Edition yesterday. Y'all know I'm a fan so I recommend giving it a listen.

When you get there, tell'em who sent ya'!! thebeardo@gmail.com

The Yule Blog

2005-12-15T18:52:00.000-04:00

Xmas, Xmas, Xmas,

What's the big flap over? Consumerism at an all time low, or something? Just keep buying that Christmas ( and I had a meeting of minds with myself over whether or not to capitalize that) crap that's out there, and maybe a GM product and everything will be a-ok!!

Donation Thank You

2005-12-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

About the donations to our radio show equipment budget, thanks to the fine listeners that have contributed with cash, paypal transfers to the tip jar or the premium we offered of a buttload of archived shows not available for download anymore, I pulled the trigger on a new pair of cans. Headphones, you know .. not a breast transplant. The old ones had an intermittent short in the right can and a rubber band around the input jack for fuckin' MONTHS.

A new hard drive is next!!

Above is a card from a NYC blues fan that came with cash in it yesterday. I'm touched, thanks! I actually got the Xmas spirit, well for about five minutes.

I hope to have a couple more worthwhile premiums in the next few months to make it easier for y'all to pull out your wallets 'cause you'll get something worthwhile back. No PBS coffee mugs here, ... no, uh-uh.

The Devil....

2005-12-12T20:54:00.000-04:00

Call or leave a message with Gizmo

War on Xmas redux

2005-12-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

Hey,

In addendum to Sandy Taint's rant last week about the Bush "Holiday" Card...ya' gotta check this out:

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/sederchristmas.wmv

Call or leave a message with Gizmo

Beardo
Blueswax Senior Contributing Editor
Co-Host of Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner Weekly Podcast
Producer of The 16th Annual Bandana Blues BBQ
Bon Vivant
Bandana Blues

iTunes

2005-12-07T20:15:00.000-04:00

Yee- fuckin'-haaaaaaaaaaa............

I know I shouldn't seem so excited about this... BUT.. after almost six months of frustration, Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner wil be listed in the iTunes Podcast Directory.

Let's spread the word of the blues, can I get an amen?

Watermelon Slim Interview....

2005-12-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

.. was a friggin' blast!! it will take some days to edit and produce a cogent podcast out of the huge audio file of our conversation. I'll keep you posted on the show..... some of his comments will be used in The Blueroom with Sandy Taint, also.
B

iTunes update

2005-12-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

Well.

I think Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner may be listed in the iTunes Podcast directory very soon. I have been in both e-mail and phone conversation with Pete, their directory czar.

This would be delightful news as Spinner and I spread the gospel of the blues according to us.

Yee hah

Call or leave a message for Beardo with Gizmo

Xmas Spirit

2005-12-04T07:14:00.000-04:00

Here's the audio link I spoke about on The Blueroom with Sandy Taint:

http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=05-P13-00048&segmentID=8

If you are overly stimulated about Xmas... this will throw some water on the fire.

some stuff...

2005-12-04T06:43:00.000-04:00

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public... Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
-- Teddy Roosevelt, Kansas City Star, May 7, 1918

oops...

2005-12-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry about that! If you got a Gizmo e-mail from me yesterday.. believe me it was inadvertant. That being said, you can call me FOR FREE via Gizmo (also free) if you install it and call thebeardo, yep.. that's my number(?). Just type in thebeardo and talk to me or leave a message. Just know I might play it on the show.

Chris Whitley

2005-12-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

CHRIS WHITLEY
9 April 2003: The Village Underground New York

by Thomas Bartlett

Chris Whitley is a real live fallen angel, and you'd do well to see him before they call him back to heaven.

 29 April 2003

What comes after Q?

2005-12-01T18:06:00.000-04:00

Rrrr Matey!

looks like the blues pirate is heading back out on the high sea in January for the Legendary Blues Cruise. I'll be conducting some interviews with selected blues performers and when I have a confirmed list, I'll let you know. Then, if you have any questions for them... let me know!

Send me your Watermelon Slim questions in, the interview with him is just days away!

iTunes dilemma

2005-11-28T18:20:00.000-04:00

Ok,

Here's the poop. Since iTunes opened their podcast directory, Bandana Blues hasn't been able to get listed. That said, my other podcast ,The Blueroom, got on in a mere three days after its creation. I can't figure out the difference in the RSS feed that has gotten me this e-mail many times:

----- Original Message -----

From: itunesabuse@apple.com

To: beardo@bandanablues.com

Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 10:55 PM

Subject: Podcast Misuse

Dear Podcast Creator,

This is to inform you that your podcast has been removed from the iTunes Music Store because of a technical problem with your feed.

If your problem can be resolved, you can fix it in your RSS feed, and then re-submit your podcast to the Music Store.

Sincerely,

The Music Store Team

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, a reply to this address has gotten me zero response. I tried a new feed with just the latest show and after hiting the submit button, the next screen said it was already submitted, which is impossible. I even used a new show file.

I'll keep you posted, but if anyone has a suggestion, please speak up. here is the new feed I tryed:

http://www.bandanablues.com/bs1.xml

Here is the original feed:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/bandanablues

If any of you have iTunes installed, please try submitting these feeds and let me know what happened.

Thanks for your support!

Donation news

2005-11-28T10:04:00.000-04:00

We've offered a donation premium to enhance your response to the tip jar. To defray operating expenses we will send you 18 episodes of Bandana Blues with Beardo and Spinner that were pre-podcast.

In other words, shows that are unavailable for download. 24 hours of the boys on CD for a donation of $25 plus $3 shipping anywhere on the planet!!

It's just our way of giving you a tangible gift for you donation. Kinda like PBS in America, only not a coffee mug, but something you can listen to in your home, car or transfer to your iPod.

Thanks for listening,

RIP Chris Whitley

2005-11-25T16:46:00.000-04:00

I am truly Bumming... it is so sad. An edgy, out on the fringe of celebrity, real human being, who profoundly touched me with his music.

Beardo

We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of singer-songwriter,
guitarist, and recording artist Chris Whitley. Chris was a kind man and
immensely talented artist whose music has become an intimate part of many of
our lives. We are pained to acknowledge this loss and we grieve along with
those who knew and loved him and his music.
Brandon Kessler, Messenger Records brandon@messengerrecords.com

Chris Whitley (1960-2005): Singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Whitley
passed away of lung cancer on Sunday, Nov. 20, in Houston, Texas, at age 45.
Chris is survived by his daughter, Trixie Whitley, 18, of Belgium, whose
voice could occasionally be heard in the background of Chris's records over
the years, as well as on stage with him. He is also survived by his brother,
singer/guitarist Daniel Whitley (who contributed guitar to several of
Chris's albums); a sister Bridget, and his father, Jerry Whitley, of New
Jersey.

A man of rare poetic honesty, Chris maintained a resolute musical integrity
throughout his career. His 12 albums, ranging from raw-boned folk-rock to
lush electro-blues, had the thread of intense emotion and constant invention
running through them.

Chris's hit debut LP, Living With the Law, came out on Columbia in 1991. His
final album, Soft Dangerous Shores, came out in June 2005 via Messenger
Records, the independent label he worked with most. The discs now seem like
spiritual/aesthetic book-ends. Both mix roots-rock grit with heat-haze
atmospherics and were produced/engineered by Malcolm Burn. If his beloved
debut still contains some of his best-known songs, Soft Dangerous Shores has
the elusive intertwining of organic and synthetic that Chris often held as
an ideal.

Christopher Becker Whitley was born Aug. 31, 1960, in Houston, to a
restless, artistic couple: His mother was a sculptress and painter; his
father worked as an art director in a series of advertising jobs. As a
family, they traveled through the Southwest, with many of the images the
young boy absorbed finding their way later into songs. He once described his
parents' music taste as formed "by race radio in the South." The real deal
-- Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf -- seeped into their son's soul, eventually
leading to Bob Dylan and Hendrix.

Chris's parents divorced when he was 11 years old, and he moved with his
mother to a small cabin in Vermont. It was there that he learned to play
guitar. Hearing Johnny Winter's "Dallas" was the seed for what would develop
as Chris's keening instrumental style. Inspired by the naked, crying sound
of the acoustic dobro in "Dallas," Chris bought a National steel dobro and
taught himself how to play the blues with a bottleneck slide. He quit high
school not long after, moving to New York City.

In Manhattan, Chris worked odd jobs and played on street corners in the West
Village. Then, the owner of a travel agency who had long loved his playing
offered Chris a free ticket to Belgium. During his sojourn there, he scored
some minor success by playing dance music in a group called Oh No Rodeo,
(met his wife and had a daughter ...)

Returning to in New York, Whitley was working in a picture-frame factory
when a photographer friend invited him along for an outdoor shoot. It was in
a park that Chris was introduced to Daniel Lanois, producer of such top acts
as U2 and Peter Gabriel. Lanois was a fellow guitarist, and his eclectic
tastes mirrored Chris's own. Lanois helped Chris get his initial deal with
Columbia to record his debut in the producer's New Orleans studio with
Malcolm Burn (a Lanois protégé, who went on to work with Emmylou Harris and
the Neville Brothers).

One of the all-time classic debuts, Living With the Law mines romance and
regret, beauty and brooding in a vein of archetypal Americana. Cinematically
produced, the album features fine detail players from the Lanois circle, but
the focus rests firmly on Whitley's fallen-angel falsetto and his rustic
virtuosity on National steel. "I Forget You Every Day" and the title song
are aching dust-bowl ballads. "Make the Dirt Stick" whines and moans like a
forlorn train whistle through the dark woods. "Big Sky Country" is a
yearning plea for wider horizons, borne along by the virtual
call-and-response of gospel harmonies.

Chris once said: "The songs on Living With the Law were fatalistic,
hopeless. My
marriage was breaking up. I was working in a factory. But desperation can be
a good impetus for writing songs." Those songs struck a chord. Rolling Stone
magazine praised Chris as "a visionary. . . a bona-fide poet." Another
admirer described Chris's songs as "haunting, like a Robert Frank
photograph." Director Ridley Scott chose a song from the album, "Kick
the Stones," for the "Thelma and Louise" soundtrack.

The four-year gap between Living With the Law and his sophomore disc sounds
more like 40, as he sought to break free of any business-as-usual
restrictions. With a psychosexual caterwaul redolent of power trios from
Cream to Nirvana, Din of Ecstasy won Chris new hard-rock
fans -- even as its mix of existential pain and poetic noise put off some
listeners more attuned to the bucolic beauties of "Big Sky Country." The
album's brazen masterstroke was to drag urban blues screaming into the late
20th century, conflating the spirits of Elmore James and Kurt Cobain with
such riveting standouts as "Narcotic Prayer."

Chris's Sony swansong, Terra Incognita, saw his sound continuing to combust
at the crossroads of Hendrixian drama and Delta soul. The album's ghostly
psalm "Cool Wooden Crosses" would become a staple of his solo shows. Chris's
departure from Sony could've been a defeat, but it ended up the best sort of
medicine, as he stepped up to the indie challenge. The little New York label
Messenger ended up selling more copies of his next album, 1998's Dirt Floor,
than Sony had of Terra Incognita.

The folk-blues songs of Dirt Floor were recorded in a single day at his
father's Vermont barn-cum-bike shop with producer Craig Street (known for
his work with Cassandra Wilson, for whom Whitley provided studio guitar).
Such sepia-toned songs as the title lament and "Scrapyard Lullabies" were
powered by just the time-honored tools of voice, guitar, banjo and rhythmic
boot. Recorded the next year in Chicago, Live at Martyrs' documents a great
night of solo Whitley, including his sharp-edged cover of Kraftwerk's "The
Model."

Around the same period, Chris also covered "I Can't Stand Myself" for a
James Brown tribute disc, setting off sparks against a beat-box. But he
painted a fully evocative picture of his influences with the 2000 all-covers
set Perfect Day. Teamed with the earthy, empathetic rhythm duo from
groove-jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood, Chris not only beautifully
reanimated songs by Muddy Waters ("She's Alright"), Robert Johnson ("Stones
in My Pathway") and Bob Dylan ("Fourth Time Around"); he also cut to the
poetic heart of the Doors' "Crystal Ship" and Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" in a
way that rivals the originals.

Rocket House, a 2001 release on ATO, was perhaps the most ambitious of
Chris's career... from the buzzing electro-rock ... to the aching
dreamscape." A Sony Legacy compilation, Long Way Around: An Anthology
1991-2001, not only traces Chris's Columbia years; it includes the lyrical
Rocket House single "Say Goodbye" and highlights from Dirt Floor, as well as
previously unreleased demos and alternative mixes.

In recent years, Chris had found romance and inspiration in Dresden,
Germany. These days yielded some of his best work, with the albums Hotel
Vast Horizon and War Crime Blues, as well as Weed (a set of solo remakes of
early songs) and his only film score (for the German film Pigs Will Fly). In
particular, War Crime Blues is a solo electric masterpiece of sympathy and
antipathy by turns; such emotionally acute song suites are notably few and
far between in the post-Iraq invasion era. The heartbroken title track, the
raging desert storm of "God Left Town" and the Clash cover "The Call Up"
serve as both salt and salve for collective wounds.

Chris recorded Soft Dangerous Shores last year with a supple German rhythm
duo, bassist Heiko Schramm and drummer Matthias Macht. The album mixed
deep-blues feel and rich jazz harmonies with erotic rhythm beds and
electronic ambience. The idiom was the "universal blues," where the spirits
of Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards and Kraftwerk bond. "The
blues sound different in different places," Chris said just prior to
release. "But on a lonely, rainy night -- whether in New Orleans or New York
or Dresden -- they feel the same."

Like most bluesmen of any era, Chris had his share of hellhounds on his
trail. He chased a lot of them down in song and on stage; other times,
demons got the best of him. But whether up or down in his career, Chris's
sweet, generous nature and pure sensibility earned him lifelong friends and,
as he put it, "guardian angels."

Although fully aware of his capabilities as a musician, Chris was a humble
man, always cognizant of the standards set by his peers and predecessors. To
sit with him backstage at a club or at a street-side café in the West
Village, it was soon apparent that he considered each admirer and
well-wisher who came up, known or new, something of a gift.

Chris recorded an a cappella rendition of the pop/jazz standard "Nature Boy"
as the haunted close to War Crime Blues. The words may not be his, but his
voice reveals wisdom hard-won over his time here: "The greatest thing you'll
ever learn/Is just to love and be loved in return."
-- Bradley Bambarger

T-Givin' Aftermath

2005-11-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Well,

My day job is working at a white table cloth eatery that did about 700 Turkey day dinners yesterday. Today I am kickin' back with a noontime hockey game, a bottle of Cabernet and leftovers.

I'll probably kick out the majority of Bandana Blues today too.Speaking of which, our boy Spinner got a mention on Dave Raven's show last week via his doppelganger, Tilburg Slim. Pretty humerous, I think I'll put the clip on BB too.

Playlists....

2005-11-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

I can be quite thick, sometimes. After numerous hassles over the playlist for Bandana Blues, I had the bright idea to include it in the ID3 tags inbedded in the actual show mp3 file.

Fuckin' DUH!!

So, just look in the tags every week on the Bandana Blues podcast your podcatcher has automatically downloaded.

If this sounds like greek to you... e-mail me for clarification.

Beardo

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2005-11-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

John Murtha, performing Iraqi Exorcism

Well,

The new shows for the week starting November 19th are uploaded and you can find them at the links to the right of this post. I had a beer today. This may not seem like big news to you, but it is my first one in 5 fuckin' weeks!!!

It was........... gooooooooooooood!

Beardo

Low approval?

2005-11-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

Don't look now, but spin control is in high gear in D.C. as The Prez goes on the defensive about who knew what and when.

"Reasonable people can disagree about the conduct of the war -- but it is irresponsible for Democrats to now claim that we misled them and the American people," Bush said in a campaign-style speech accusing Democrats of playing politics with the issue and trying to rewrite the past.

Bush said the Democratic criticism sends "mixed signals to our troops and the enemy. And that's irresponsible." Bush, struggling to rebuild Americans' support for the Iraq war amid rising U.S. casualties, criticized Democrats on the intelligence manipulation charge for a second time, reflecting sensitivity on the issue as he tries to battle back from the lowest job approval ratings of his presidency.

How did you vote? Then shut the fuck up!

show #118

2005-11-15T14:39:00.000-04:00

Wow,

The show went way over our usual 78 minutes. I hope that didn't wang you guys out too much. There was just so much to include...and I still left some stuff out. Next week, Spinner comes home from Barcelona, with some stories of debauchery. We can only hope...

There are a few new things on my desk crying out to be played and we'd like some more listener comments. Send me an mp3 of you commenting on the show (or shows, if you also listen to Sandy Taints rants).

It seems Sandy scooped some networks by two days this past week!!

Beardo

new blog design....

2005-11-15T02:06:00.000-04:00

Well,

I am NOT a graphics whiz... in fact I'm graphics challenged. Let me know what you think of the new banner and give me some suggestions on how to make it better. I'm also looking for a B&W logo for the show... any suggestions?

news from work..again

2005-11-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

Wow, Although there are still some sonic glitches, this weeks show of
all cover tunes is not only xxtra long... its xxtra good. Spinners
section smokes!!

As I stated before, we have a world exclusive from Watermelon Slim,
courtesy of Northern Blues. I will have the opportunity to chat with
Slim shortly and would like to know if anyone has a question theyd like
to ask him? Send me an e-mail at thebeardo@gmail.com or post your
question in the comments here. That way you may remain nameless if you wish.

Also, don't wimp out on me... send me a mp3 of your opinion of the show,
or suggestions... 30 seconds or less and we may put you on "the air"...

Beardo

Thursday, while at work

2005-11-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

Wow,

Hia kids! I'm just starting to realize the true potential of this blog
for communicating ideas, from all of us, to make the show better. This
week I'll be posting some questions here, instead of on the show, where
the time is best spent playing music.

Please feel free to post any question you might have or an observation
about the show, the state of the blues, or bitch about the sound (I'm
workin' on it, thanks to your donations... new equipment soon.

Beardo

Watermelon Slim News

2005-11-09T19:34:00.000-04:00

Hey, listen this week for an exclusive... Watermelon Slim and the Workers, soon to be released by Northern Blues.

Thanks to Fred Litwin for providing us with that track. More info on Slim coming up... I'll keep you posted.

Beardo

Alligator & Podcasting

2005-11-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

My first real post here at Bandana Blues will be a open letter to Bruce Iglauer, CEO of Alligator Records, concerning Podcasting in general and specifically, Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner. I encourage your comments. They will be periodically forwarded to Bruce at regular intervals.

In the past few months I've had a short conversation and e-mail correspondence with Bruce about Alligator material being used on podcasts and his take on the whole situation. Here is my e-mail to him:

Gentlemen,

Just checking to see what your current state of mind is regarding podcasting. Till there is a definite legal template to follow, podcasters are blazing their own trails. Bandana Blues has been broadcasting on the internet in one form or another since 1999 and now enjoying a substantial audience worldwide due to the creation of RSS feeds and XML. I have been promoting the blues as a vital living music, not a spent genre like it was my job for decades. Let me help bring new people into the fold.

If you care to give me some guidelines on using Alligator material, I'm all ears.

Here is his repeated stance:

Hi Beardo

Here are the problems I have with podcasting in a nutshell

--it isn't covered under any kind of royalties. Songwriters and publishers are not getting paid through BMI or ASCAP, and labels and artists are not getting paid through Sound Exchange.

--it's not very hard (and getting easier) for individuals to lift songs out of a podcast and store them, which makes it another way that the music is being given away against the wishes of the creators of the music.

If this is 'blazing their own trails,' it doesn't seem like anyone wins except the podcasters.

If there were a royalty scheme, I'd be interested. For now, the only way that I can see it benefiting anyone is if a podcaster is willing to play partial songs rather than full length. What do you think about that?

Best

Bruce

The solution is a complex issue that seems to need a mediator to digest and suggest solutions. Here is your chance people. What would be fair compensation to the artist, the author, the publisher and the record company? How would you determine the scale or % for each and what revenue do you base it?

Do you podcast in a reduced bitrate to lessen the quality thereby discouraging a napster-like situation, which is much more difficult as the podcast is a single file that would already discourage most would-be pirates, not a peer to peer file sharing environment. Add to that a monaural broadcast perhaps?

I would reluctantly agree to NOT play any Alligator material, if that is your wish. As Alligator is providing Cds to another blues podcast for "airplay", I would find that request to be a bit strange.

At Bandana Blues we try to overlap or talk over the beginning or end of a song much like the annoying DJ's of the sixties on AM. Are you old enough to remember waiting for the guitar solo by Jorma Kaukonen at the end of White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane only to have it buried by the big reverby voice telling you it was the psychedelic sounds from San Francisco and then the canned jingle with stations call letters in a sing songy style by a mostly female chorus? We try to be gentle and unobtrusive.

Finally, despite the wide variety of opinions on copyright infringement and the various definitions of podcasting, the consensus across the industry seems to be that there must be one set of rules that everyone can follow and enforce. Without that, and with the quick development and release of new technologies, the only thing we can be sure of is uncertainty and confusion.

So, where do we start?

Beardo

Blogs away

2005-10-26T10:44:00.000-03:00

Beardo
Blueswax Senior Contributing Editor
Co-Host of Bandana Blues with Beardo & Spinner Weekly Podcast
Producer of The 16th Annual Bandana Blues BBQ
Bon Vivant
Bandana Blues