Spencer Mackenzie
Good friend of mine Jon Sexauer introduced me to Spencer Mackenzie, This young man is amazing. For a young man he definitely has an old soul. Let’s first talk about Spencer’s guitar playing, he definitely is a strong player and has a lot of licks in back pocket. Spencer’s guitar playing reminds me of lot of B.B. King and a bit of Buddy Guy. Now to Spencer’s vocals, I have to say they are refreshing. They really aren’t the gritty blues vocals that we associate with Blues Music. But they definitely have the Blues feel to them. I feel that Spencer’s vocals definitely have a great tone & a lot of soul to it. Spencer is an outstanding songwriter for someone his age. His songs are ones that all of us Blues lovers can relate to. I have two of Spencer’s albums “Preach To My Soul” & “Cold November”. The first album has one of my favorite songs by Spencer “Two Doves” I am going to keep my eye on Spencer Mackenzie, I believe this young man is going to go far and become a Blues legend in due time. I put some websites below for you to find out more about Spencer Mackenzie and some questions that I got the pleasure to ask Spencer. https://www.spencermackenzie.ca/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerMackenzieMusic 1. How long have you been playing music? I picked up a guitar at the age of five, and I've been playing professionally for the past 8 years. 2. How many bands have you been in? I've only ever played in garage bands growing up. Other than that, I’ve only led my own band. 3. Where were you born? Ridgeway, Ontario. 4. Are you self-taught? No, I have had multiple great teachers that I still keep in touch with like: John Navaroli, Elton Lamie, Brant Parker, etc.… 5. Who are your biggest influences? Besides My teachers I have so many influences like: BB King, SRV, Joe Bonomasa. Also, more local influences like Steve Strongman and Jack De Keyzer. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? Although I play and listen to many different styles I would call what I do Blues/Rock. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? One of My first gigs was at the Fort Erie Racetrack. I was 14/15. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Play as much as you can, with as many people as possible. 9. Do you write your own songs? I write my own songs, and also write with My Co writer Rich Mackenzie. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? Artists like: Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? Teaching. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? All Along the watchtower - Hendrix, Next-door neighbor blues - Garry Clark Jr. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Eric Clapton.
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Sarah Morris
Sarah is the third blog that I have done of 4 amazing ladies from the Minneapolis area. My friend Vicky Emerson introduced me to Sarah. Sarah is a tremendous songwriter, also has a beautiful voice. Sarah is one of those singer that you really can put into a certain genre. The closest I can come up with is Singer-Songwriter. Sarah’s vocals are so clean and pure, when Sarah sings it just puts you in such a warm safe place. Her songwriting abilities are outstanding, Sarah can be given a single word and come up with a song. Couple of my favorite songs are “Sway Me” this song has a Country vibe to it. That is old style Country music. Another song of Sarah with that Country vibe is “Used To Be Mine”. Sarah also does a great rendition of “I Just Want To Dance With You” by the late great John Prine. Sarah is always busy with several different projects. Her personal one is “Toilet Tunes with Sarah Morris” & one she does with four other very Talented Ladies Is “Thanks For Being A Friend” stream. The first one you can find at Sarah’s YouTube page which I put a link below. The Second one they do once a month which should be starting back again in the near future. So here are some links to check out Sarah Morris’s music. https://sarahmorrismusic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sarah+morris+music
2.How many bands have you been in? Let’s see! 1 a Capella group. I’ve been the official background singer in 2 bands and sung harmonies for a whole lot of people in less official contexts. I have my own project, and I am half of The Home Fires - a duo with Vicky Emerson.
4. Are you self-taught? Nope! I’ve had so many wonderful teachers in my life! From piano to individual voice study, 4 years in a music conservatory for college, I’ve had two guitar teachers (since stumbling my way through it on my own, initially). 5. Who are your biggest influences? As humans - my kids, my husband, my parents. Musically - Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Lori McKenna, and back at my start: Bette Midler, Mariah Carey, Barbra Streisand. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I usually say singer-songwriter, because those are two of my favorite words, brought together by a hyphen :) Then I offer up ‘Americana-ish’ and ‘Country-influenced’. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? My first ‘gig’ was probably in college, I played at my second cousins’ high school open house, with my brother on bass, and his best friend on guitar. I held the mandolin, and occasionally tried to make it sort of percussive while I was singing - Haha! 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Oof, that’s hard, but I think I’d offer something along the lines of ‘stay in your own lane/be true to your school/don’t let comparison be the thief of your joy’. Because I think one of the harder things to figure out *for me anyways* was how to just honor my voice/who I am, rather than trying to be what other people wanted me to be. I would also say “Heck yeah! That’s awesome! I’m certain the world needs to hear your songs!” 9. Do you write your own songs? I do! 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? I don’t know that anything is that surprising about my record collection (which is really now my library on Apple, but…), but my deep early love for Mariah Carey is notable! And she really was the first artist that I knew that was a ‘singer-songwriter’ in a sense. Even though I was into her music years before I considered songwriting, interviews where she described her writing process really stuck with me. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? If playing music was not an option, right now, I’d go work in a restaurant or a bakery, or a wine shop. I love food - making it, talking about it, the way people come together around it. I’m a passionate sourdough baker, so getting to work somewhere where I could deepen those skills would be really wonderful. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? In the right space, singing ‘Over the Rainbow’ while Thomas Nordlund plays guitar - that’s always a deeply special experience for me. “You Never Even Call Me By My Name” (David Allan Coe, via John Prine and Steve Goodman) is always a favorite - I don’t often write anything that sassy, so it’s fun to get to dive into someone else's tunes! Also, I love singing harmony on my friends’ tunes - Vicky Emerson, Annie Fitzgerald, Matthew French - that’ll get me every time! 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Just about anyone would be thrilling! But dream artists would include: LeeAnn Womack, Alison Krauss, Kelly Willis! I recently discovered Rachel Crowe on the internet. When I first heard her sing with that Bluesy/Growly voice I was hooked. Rachel has got the perfect voice for the Blues; her vocals are so full of emotions. The control Rachel has of her vocals is outstanding, even when she is belting out a song her voice is in perfect pitch. I have heard a few original songs from Rachel, I have to say that they are very strong songs. Her songs really dwell in the deep blues and are something that the everyday person can relate too. Rachel's voice is nothing I have heard before, you get a little bit of Janis Joplin and maybe some Susan Tedeschi. But pretty much I would have to say is Rachel Crowe has her on sound and it's awesome.
I would have to say for me Rachel Crowe is definitely someone to watch. She has a lot of talent and great stage presences. She is working hard to become the next generation member of the Woman of Blues. You can really see in Rachel that she cares about the music she plays and puts a 100% effort into her performances to make sure the crowd is enjoy themselves. Here are some places you can find Rachel Crowe’s music and information. https://rachelcroweband.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu_NwvPo8aaa0v21RI9Z5Ow https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IHMPeRYZ9wEMWtFgi4Cas 1. How long have you been playing music? I’ve been playing the guitar since I was 23. I taught myself how to play so I could write better songs and not rely on other people. I’ve been singing since I was about 8. I told my father I wanted to be a singer so he brought home, Janis Joplin, Joe Cooker and Otis Redding tapes. We spent hours together learning how to project feeling not just the notes. 2. How many bands have you been in? A lot 3. Where were you born? I was raised in the Red River George 4. Are you self-taught? Yes 5. Who are your biggest influences? Tina Turner, R.L. Burnside, B.B King, The Allman Brothers, Odetta, Buddy Guy, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Betty Davis…. not the one with the eyes the one with the voice, legs and attitude, Candi Stanton, Ruby Starr, Yvonne Fair, Eddie Floyd, Suggie Otis, Joe Cocker, Otis Redding and of course Janis Joplin 6. What style of music do you consider yours? Holler Blues I guess? It’s heavily influenced by the blues but I like to tell stories and has a hard driving beat. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? Shew that was a long time ago lol paying gigs didn’t come till later maybe my early 20’s when I could get into bars and aggravate my buddies to let me sing. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Learn an instrument, write your own stuff, log in stage time wherever you can get it, be better than you were yesterday and never stop being true to yourself. 9. Do you write your own songs? Yes and they are all mostly true events 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I don’t know if I could imagine not doing something pertaining to music it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do but probably something that would help other people like a therapist or a shaman 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? Feels like Rain - Buddy Guy, long Train Running - Doobie Brother, Whiter Shade of Pale- Procol Harum 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Elle King or maybe Grace Potter. I write from a very strong female prospect, but I think that it translates to all human emotions. We’ve all loved, lost, begged, hurt, triumph and lost again. Those two ladies could definitely get those emotions across to everyone. This blog is on Chris Ruest, I first met Chris at The Blues City Deli in St. Louis, MO. around 2016. I think there were two things that grew me to Chris’s music. One was his distinctive vocals; he has a real almost grit kind of Blues voice which gives his song that extra bit of Texas feel to them. The other thing about Chris is his guitar style, it also has that Texas Blues feel to it with a bit of Roots edge. All I know is that the first time I heard Chris play I was hooked. One other thing about Chris is that he is a real down to earth kind of guy and real easy to talk to. Chris mentions a few of his influences in the questions below. I feel that he really shows the talent of Jimmy Rodgers & Elmore James. Chris also has a real knack for writing songs and collaborating with other musicians. One in particular comes to mine Gene Taylor, an amazing piano player. I would have to say that Chris Ruest is in my Top 5 best Blues Guitarist. So, if you happen to get a chance to see Chris live, I Highly Recommend you go. Also there are a couple links below that you can hear some of Chris’s music and you can read Chris’s answers to the questions I was able to ask him. https://www.chrisruest.com/ https://www.facebook.com/chrisruestband https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeGx5F0MA1jX6ReuIDdqTiw https://www.eltororecords.com/El-Toro-R-B/fbclid=IwAR0scTdBzEyKXk5SBwyeLwVjLp633l5byj7gvHnJGR8uXF9mpzkVxN_JWRM https://envikenrecords.com/ 1. How long have you been playing music? I’m 47 years old now I started playing music when I was 12-13 years old, but I did not play seriously until I was in my early 20s and I left Connecticut for Texas to play professionally at age 25. 2. How many bands have you been in? I have played in several bands over the years Wanda King Linda, Gail Lewis tribute band The Texas Cannonballs, Sean Pittman band, Robin Sylar, Paul Bonn band, Gene Taylor Band and predominantly my own band the Chris Ruest band…. 3. Where were you born? I was born in Bristol Connecticut 4. Are you self-taught? I took guitar lessons at age 13 until 16 from a private teacher… 5. Who are your biggest influences? Sam Myers, Robert night Hawk, Elmore James, Hounddog Taylor, Jimmy Rodgers, Homer Henderson, Robin Siler, Brian Calway, Anson Funderburgh, BB King, Robert Junior Lockwood, Eddie Taylor….. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I would call my music original music influenced by roots rock ‘n’ roll blues and American music. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? My first gig was a house party I was 17 years old on a makeshift Stage that fell apart while we were playing, and a drummers cymbal landed on my guitar damaging it permanently…. Lol A true image of what the future had to hold. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? keep it real! 9. Do you write your own songs? I write my own music I do a few cover songs on each album typically under four cover songs with the exception of my live Cd where I purposely played my favorite cover songs. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, Django Reinhardt, a lot more 😂 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? Crying. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? I like performing my original song called I’m down off of the Gene Taylor and Chris Ruest Albums 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? I wrote a song for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top although he has yet to hear it. If anyone’s got a recent email address for him let me know HAHA. This blog is on a duo Andrea & Mud, I really don’t remember how I discovered them. All I know is that when I first heard them I knew there was something pretty awesome here. Andrea & Mud have combined a bit of Rockabilly with Surf music, and some Honky Tonk. I have to say it’s a great combination. I think their description of what they play is “Surf Western Music” this is a perfect description.
Andrea has a very Country Twangy voice, which is very enjoyable to listen to. The tone and control she has of her vocals are just outstanding, also she can play the Saw. Now Mud play’s the electric guitar with that Surf sound of Dick Dale & The Ventures. Now as far as Mud’s vocals the only thing that comes to mind when I hear him sing is Johnny Cash. Which is a good thing. Now let’s talk their songwriting, to me they write songs that most people wouldn’t even think of writing about. This is one of the other things that makes me enjoy their music. I had the opportunity to ask them both some questions, their answers are below. Enjoy their responses. Plus, I highly recommend that you use the links below to look into Andrea & Mud. http://andreaandmud.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/AndreaandMud https://www.facebook.com/andreaandmud Mud’s answers
3.Where were you born? On 78, Snellville/stone mt. 4. Are you self-taught? Bass, tuba, and banjo- no Everything else yes 5. Who are your biggest influences? Guitar-Junior Brown, Gene Moles, Merle Travis Vocals- Dick Curless 6. What style of music do you consider yours? Country but I guess you could call it rockabilly if you had to, but I wear modern underwear. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? 2nd to last Battle of the band bands @ heaven in masquerade. I think I was 14. Glad I didn’t not stay around a few of my band mates much longer than that 😂 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Get ready to be poor but work your ass off and things will come 9. Do you write your own songs? I have a much easier times with songs I write over covers. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? A few of the one we cut in the studio recently. Really trying to push the boundaries of rhythm of country stuff. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? Pottery- went to school for it and it’s my side hustle. Maybe something environmental 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? Dick Curless songs in general. Truck stops maybe. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Dwight Yoakam Most of the rest are dead Andrea’s answers 1. How long have you been playing music? About 7 years “professionally” even though I started playing guitar at 14. I didn’t really get into it until I moved to Georgia in 2013. 2. How many bands have you been in? technically. My first band was Hothouse Peaches and then I played as myself which included a version called Andrea Colburn & Her Low Standards and now, of course, Andrea & Mud. 3.Where were you born? Toledo, OH. 4. Are you self-taught? I took lessons at 14 when I lived in St. Louis. My teacher was one of the best blues musicians in the city, Brian Curran. He still is I do believe! Didn’t play a lot and then I moved to Georgia and was friends with some amazing musicians. They taught me a lot and Mud and myself taught me the rest. 5. Who are your biggest influences? I’ve always been very inspired by old music. Mostly the blues, especially at the beginning. Memphis Minnie and Robert Johnson. Bobbie Gentry inspired me to play guitar because her style was so unique. Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton may be my biggest influences with my current music style. And of course, I/we get a lot of influence from surf music. Link Wray, Dick Dale and the Centurions really inspire our weird shit. Spindrift too. Love them so much. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? We call it Surf Western because we have never felt like we fit into the “Country” box and of course, Mud’s guitar tone is too delicious to just play straight country. I’ve always loved Surf music, but I have way too much to say to just play that. Plus, I love to sing. So that made it obvious to just meld the two. I do have to say, Junior Brown coined the term, although he said Marty Stuart tried too also. We told him that’s what we call our music too and he seemed ok with it. Haven’t gotten a cease and desist yet anyway. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? It was with Hothouse Peaches at Star Bar about 6 or 7 years ago. So, I was 6 or 7 years younger. Messy, wonderful, sweaty fun. I was completely hooked. It took me a very long time to get to that point and I don’t plan on ever stopping. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Decide if it’s most important to make money or do what you love. If it’s for money, make EDM or start an 80’s cover band. If it’s for love, stick to your guns and never give up. Be very patient and extremely determined and it will come. 9. Do you write your own songs? Yes. We do the occasional cover when recording and of course at long shows we play some but for the most part, they’re all ours. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? I have a soft spot for Garth Brooks. “Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old” gets played from an actual CD in my car whenever Mud isn’t in there. He doesn’t like Garth. I always tell him, if you grew up in the 90’s riding horses in rural Missouri, you’d love him too. As far as weirdest vinyl that I own, I’d have to say A Very Smurfy Christmas or Joanna Newsom. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I’d be an interior designer. I quit a big, fancy job a few years ago to play music full time and never looked back. Knowing I could look back if I absolutely needed to be nice though. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? Right now, it’s “Foolin’ Around”. We mix the Patsy Cline version with the Buck Owens version and it’s very fun. We also do a pretty killer cover of “These Boots” by Nancy Sinatra, that’ll really get me going when they wanna dance so that is always a fave. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Loretta, Dolly, Neko Case, Eileen Jewel, Orville Peck. Maybe Robert Plant. I mean he did sing “Hot Dog” and that was country AF. Erin Harpe
Here is my latest blog, I got the chance to see Erin Harpe at The Blues City Deli in 2015. It was an amazing show, I was hooked on Erin’s music right away. Erin has a unique sound, kind of like a Swing/Blues combination. Which makes for some good music, the kind of music you can really shake your tailfeathers too. Erin is an amazing Guitar player, no matter if she is playing some upbeat Blues songs or some Down-Home Delta Blues like on her album “Blues Roots”. She has such smooth style with the fingerstyle playing sort of reminds me of Memphis Minnie. Erin learned a lot from her father Neil Harpe, who himself was a master at The Piedmont Blues. Now Erin’s singing is not the usual style you think of when you think of the Blues. But it’s a beautiful sound, which is a pleasure to listen to. Erin can put the emotions in to the songs so much that you can get the real feel of the song. On top of being excellent guitarist and an amazing singer, Erin is also a great entertainer. Weather you are at one of her shows to just listen to show great music or to get up on the dance floor and boogie the night away. Erin Harpe is the complete show. I highly recommend checking out the websites below to hear what Erin can do. If Erin ever comes to your town I also highly recommend going to see her. https://www.erinharpe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/Erinharpemusic I Recently got to ask some questions to Erin. Here are the answers. Enjoy. 1. How long have you been playing music? Pretty much my whole life. I started learning Fingerstyle blues over 25 years ago. Before that I played flute in school. 2. How many bands have you been in? I’ve been (and still am in) two bands that I formed with my husband, Jim Countryman: Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers (“boogie, blues and beyond”) and Lovewhip (dance rock). I also play acoustic blues with my Country Blues Duo or “CBD”. Before that I played solo. 3. Where were you born? Baltimore, MD. 4. Are you self-taught? Pretty much, I never went to music school, though I did study the flute in school. Growing up, I was surrounded by music. My dad, Neil Harpe, who is a master acoustic fingerpicker in a style called Piedmont blues, was part of a scene based around Archie’s Barbershop in Washington DC. I got to watch and listen to some of the greats of the style like Cephas & Wiggins, John Jackson, Eleanor Ellis, Archie Edwards and many others. By the time I decided to pick up a guitar and learn from my dad, I had already soaked in a lot of it, so I picked up fingerstyle guitar pretty quickly. Eventually I went away to college and then moved to Boston, where I continued learning acoustic blues from recordings. I did have a few guitar lessons here and there, especially when I first picked up an electric guitar, and as I expanded into other styles like afro pop, rock and reggae for my band Lovewhip, but I mostly learn by ear (or nowadays YouTube videos!). 5. Who are your biggest influences? My dad, Memphis Minnie, Koko Taylor, Howlin’ Wolf, Bonnie Raitt, Toots & the Maytals, and so many others. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? American roots dance music. Whether playing acoustic country blues, electric boogie blues, or original rock, it’s always about moving the audience with a danceable beat. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? I know my first paid gig was solo, opening up for two of my Washington DC blues heroes – Warner Williams and Jay Summerour. I can’t remember the name of the venue, but it was in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I think I was still in high school. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Do it for the love of the music, and the lifestyle (i.e.. be prepared to work very hard and still be poor and be able to enjoy playing for audiences no matter how small). Don’t do it to get famous! 9. Do you write your own songs? Yes, I write quite a few of my own songs, and I also do my own interpretations of songs I love. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? I’m all over the place with my collection of favorite artists and songs. From acoustic blues and early electric blues to post punk/electro dance rock, reggae and afro pop. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? At this point I’d be great as a graphic designer and social media promoter for music! I am also a music producer, so I could help other people with their music. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? Slim Harpo’s “Shake Your Hips” is a really fun one! I play it with my electric band Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, and it’s a big highpoint of the show. Everybody dances, and I often go out into the crowd with my guitar. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? It would be cool to see what Bonnie Raitt did with one of my songs, she’s probably my all-time favorite vocalist. Lisa Mann
This blog is about Lisa Mann, Bass player and singer/songwriter. I believe I first heard of Lisa thru Gil Anthony’s radio show. It’s only been a few years that I have been listening to Lisa’s music. I think the one thing that got my attention about Lisa was her amazing Bass playing and vocals. Lisa’s voice has a bit a Southern tinge to it that gives it a Bluesy feel to it. But she can also bring out the raspy and rough side of the Blues when it’s needed. Now her Bass playing in just Top-Notch. Lisa seems to have her own unique sound on the Bass, which really puts the raw feeling into her songs. I have two CDs of Lisa’s “Hard Times Bad Decisions” & “Old Girl” I am not sure which one I like better; I would have to say that Hard Times Bad Decisions is one that people should get if they are just finding out about Lisa Mann because it shows all of her many talents and styles of music that she does so well. Now as far as songs, couple of my favorites are “Two Halves Of One Broken Heart” duet with Andy Stokes. This song is a soulful sad song, Love it. The next few songs all have that New Orleans vibe to them… The other CD I have is “Old Girl” this is an EP. The Tittle song is an amazing song that really shows off Lisa’s vocal skills. “It’s The Monkeys or Me” is a lighthearted song, which has been said that it’s based on a true story. The last song “Around Here” to me is a celebration of Music Legends, possibly ones that had influence Lisa Mann. I highly recommend checking out Lisa Mann’s music, she is one powerful performer. Here is Lisa’s website and other ways to find her music, http://www.lisamannmusic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/lisamann https://www.facebook.com/LisaMannBlues https://open.spotify.com/artist/119v7X6k46bE5xgwuWawbt 1. How long have you been playing music? I started singing and playing bass at a very young age, I actually walked home from school every day at age 11 & 12 to save my lunch money and buy my first bass. I was in a few garage punk and metal bands, but when I was 19 I decided to play professionally and started doing Top 40 in bars. Of course, I couldn’t be in the bar on breaks- I got to know a lot of dishwashers and doormen! 2. How many bands have you been in? It’s hard to say, because frankly I’ve been in a lot of side projects and done a lot of sub work in the past. But I was in a metal cover band in Seattle called Dixon Hill for a while (named after a Star Trek character), as well as an Irish drinking song band, a funk/ soul band, and a few blues bands. I came to front my own band in the mid-2000’s. We didn’t have a name, until one show we were discussing it while packing up, and during that time three people came up and said “hey, you guys are really good!” So, we named it “Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band.” 3. Where were you born? I was born in Charleston, WV. I moved here to Portland OR as a young teen after my parents broke up, but I can never completely get rid of the accent. 4. Are you self-taught? I am mostly self-taught, though I did take one year of music theory at a local community college. I learned by playing and singing along with records. First my parents’ albums-Deep Purple, Cream, Led Zeppelin- then later my own metal records- Iron Maiden, Dio, Rush, etc. As I’ve learned different styles of music along the way (blues, funk, soul) it was always through playing along with recordings of artists I love. 5. Who are your biggest influences? For blues, I would say most of my influences are the local musicians in Portland OR. I was blessed to hear vocalists like the late Linda Hornbuckle, and local bass players like Marco Savo and Phil Haxton. For major artists in blues, I’m influenced by Little Milton Campbell, Etta James, Johnny Guitar Watson, Bonnie Raitt, and for songwriting, Jimmy Reed. I’m influenced by pretty much everything I hear and enjoy in some way. For heavy metal, my main influences are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful fate and Dio. But again, anything I enjoy listening to may creep into my performances or recordings. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I walk in two worlds, in contemporary blues and in heavy metal. But I have performed country songs, folk songs, indie rock songs, Americana. While I mostly make my home in blues, I don’t consider any style necessarily my own. Who knows what crazy thing I may do in the future? I am a musician and recording artists first and foremost, and I like to leave things open for personally creativity. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? My first gig was at a dive called The Satyricon here in Portland OR. I was 16 years old; it was with a crossover punk/metal band called Dead Conspiracy. We opened for a skate punk band from Sweden called Slam. We got paid $13 for the four of us, all in one-dollar bills- I had to ask my cousin for four quarters so we could split the money evenly! 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? If you cook the ramen a little longer, it puffs up, and it feels like you have more. Add a few frozen peas and grated carrot, stir in an egg, and you’ll have a healthy meal! (I think you catch my drift) 9. Do you write your own songs? I write the majority of my recorded material, though I like to throw in a few covers of songs that really strike me or are really fun to play. I have recorded a few songs written by friends, like “Gamblin’ Virgin Mary” by tattoo artist and author Jeff Johnson, and “The Blues is My Medicine” by my dear friend Sonny Hess and the late blues diva Paulette Davis. 10.What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? I don’t have a record player so mine is more of a CD and digital collection- my husband tells me I listen to some weird music. I can listen to BB King’s Live at the Regal one hour, then Ghost’s Impera the next. I have lots of local Northwest blues artist recordings in my collection, national blues artists, some old school R&B and soul, lots of classic metal, some extreme metal, some world music, some classical, some classic singers like Judy Garland too. It’s all over the map! 11.What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I would have died of a drug and alcohol overdose at a young age, I am convinced of that. 12.Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? I just love the live version of “You Don’t Love Me” on the Junior Wells album Coming at You. It’s a Willie Cobbs tune that Wells transformed in his studio version to a faster swing with a different riff, then it was straightened out in that live version, with Buddy Guy chanking away on guitar. The drums are Kinda swinging while the rest of the band plays it pretty straight, it’s a really hip version. Whenever we play it live, people immediately get up and dance. 13.If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? I guess it depends on the song- there are a couple of songs that were influenced by Bonnie Raitt, like “You Don’t Know,” and it would be incredible to have her perform one of them. Other songs, like “Old Girl” are more countrified, it would be amazing to hear Dolly Parton sing that one. Hey thanks so much for the interesting questions! -Lisa Mann Jillian Rae
This blog is on Jillian Rae, who I found thru a good friend Vicky Emerson who is also a singer from Minnesota. I have a been trying to broaden my music horizon. Jillian is definitely not in my normal music wheelhouse. I recently purchased her CD “I can’t be the one you want me to be”. I have listened to it at least about 6 times. It is hard to pinpoint the genre of this album, which to me is a plus for any Artist. Jillian has a voice that soothing yet powerful. Jillian’s voice has a great tone to it, and she has amazing control of her vocals even when she breaks into a strong chorus. Jillian’s songwriting style is very refreshing, cause instead of writing about things happening she writes more about feelings and thoughts. Plus, a lot of emotions. I am looking forward to hearing more from Jillian, getting her other CDs. Jillian is someone who I will be listening to for a while and following. I highly recommend you do the same. Here are some places you can find her music. https://www.jillianraemusic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/jillianraeviolin I recently got to ask Jillian some questions, enjoy her answers. 1. How long have you been playing music? My whole dang life. Well, since I was 7 so most of my whole dang life. 2. How many bands have you been in? I had to make a list just now to figure out the answer… 11ish? (but forgive me I’m sure I am missing some) Jillian Rae The Okee Dokee Brothers Corpse Reviver Fiddle Heirs Steve Kaul and the Brass Kings Brian Just Band Adam Levy Ilika Ward and the Moonlight Riders Blackberry Brandy Boys The Killer Hayseeds Two Many Banjos 3. Where were you born? Eveleth, MN 4. Are you self-taught? No, I am not. I started out learning the Suzuki violin method, mixed with a well-rounded bit of Scandinavian and American fiddle music. 5. Who are your biggest influences? I have so many different influences! I suppose you can either say that I have eclectic taste, or maybe that I have musical ADHD. Both are true, I suppose. A few favorites are Andrew Bird, Itzhack Perlman, Jean-Luc Ponty, John Hartford, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? This is always hard question for me! If you listen to my music you will notice that I’m not one to stick to one specific style or genre. I suppose you could call my music, “indie alternative violin rock with an orchestral folky twist.” 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? Oh my god, this is going to be a funny answer. Technically, my first “gig” was playing Scandinavian fiddle tunes on a float in the Land of the Loon parade, probably when I was in the third grade, or so. (Ha!) My first “Jillian Rae” gig, as a solo artist, was at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, in 2012. It was either a Wednesday or Thursday night and I remember feeling pumped to have my name on a marquee for the first time. I was 27. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Let the music come first and play as often as you can, for as many different audiences as you can. 9. Do you write your own songs? Yes. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? Lol I can’t pick just one! My record collection is all over the place… from Fleetwood Mac to The Beatles and Paul & Linda McCartney’s Ram, to Edgar Winter Group, to Earth Wind and Fire, to Dave Brubeck, to Willie Nelson, to Johnny Horton, to all the great classical violin concertos, to Billy Preston… I have a little of everything. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve only ever really thought about doing music! I think it would be fun to learn how to work with wood and tools and make things with my hands. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? I love performing “The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin. And “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow makes me pretty happy to play with my band. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? OooOoo, what an interesting question! It would be an honor to hear the voices of Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Fiona Apple, Janelle Monáe, or Allison Krauss sing my songs. This Blog is about Nate Lowery, he is not a native St. Louisan but he really seems to fit in. I first met Nate at one of his shows. This was also the first time seeing him perform. I have to say it was real enjoyable listening to Nate sing. I spoke to Nate during his break and told him he reminded me of a cross between Arlo Guthrie & Jim Croce.
I won’t spoil on how Nate describes his music you can find that out in his answers. But I will tell you that to me Nate’s music is real feel good and honest music. That old time music, which I really enjoy, and Nate performs it very well. One of the other thing about Nate that I think is a plus, that is his shows are just laid back. He makes you feel like you are there with friends. Nate is one of those rare musician that keeps the Old-Time music alive and does it in a way that is as good or not better than the original. I highly recommend that if you are in St. Louis, MO. or planning to visit. You should add a Nate Lowery show to your schedule. I recently got a chance to ask Nate some questions. Here are his answers. Enjoy! 1. How long have you been playing music? I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t singing songs and tapping out rhythms, but I didn’t seriously start to pursue music until I was 13, so that makes it 20 years that I’ve been working on it. 2. How many bands have you been in? I’ve been in eight bands, some of them good and some truly horrible! 3. Where were you born? I was born in Irving TX, right outside Dallas. 4. Are you self-taught? Mandolin was the first instrument that I dedicated myself to, my dad showed me two chords, that’s the only lesson I ever got. 5. Who are your biggest influences? Boy, there’s so many that have heavily influenced different aspects of my musicianship that it’s really hard to pin down. From my Texas heritage there’s Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson and Billy Joe Shaver. But I also take a great deal from acoustic blues like Mississippi John Hurt, Bill Broonzy, and Snooks Eaglin. Then there’s the New Orleans piano players like James Booker, Professor Longhair, Dr. John. Honky Tonk music like Hank Sr. and Lefty Frizzell. Jazz from Fats Waller to Nina Simone. And then Doc Watson and John Hartford are massive, along with all the first few generations of Bluegrass. That’s a long answer, but they all figure so heavily into what I do I can’t leave anyone out. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? Down Home Music. Kitchen Music. Folk Music, whatever you want to call it. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? Busking at Sundance square in Ft. Worth with the first band I was in, I was 14. We made 60 bucks and promptly spent it on beer. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Depends on what you want from the business I suppose. Personally, if you care about music, if you have a good ear and know what’s good, then keep your nose to the grindstone and keep working on it until you have something that you can look at and say “That’s good”. If it is actually quality then do everything you can to put it out there, and hopefully people take notice. 9. Do you write your own songs? I do, and I’ve released a few records. But being a folk musician, I like to play a lot of old material, I do my best to keep it alive and give people an opportunity to hear it in a live setting. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? There are a couple Lou Reed songs in there. 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? Probably something else that doesn’t make much money. Honestly though music is just one of my pursuits, I also put time into writing and illustrating as well as woodworking and sculpting. If I had to choose a career outside of the arts though, I would pick something involving manual labor, I really enjoy that work. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? That’s a tough one. I would probably say Freight Train be Elizabeth Cotten. It’s my favorite song and also happens to be the first song I ever remember hearing. 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Colter Wall is good, and Gillian Welch. There are a few really great singers breaking out lately that would be neat to have cover a song, Nick Shoulders and Sierra Ferrell spring to mind. Christopher Wright
I recently found Christopher on Facebook, now as most of you know that I am not a huge fan of today’s Country music. Christopher Wright is not playing today’s style; he is sticking with Traditional Country music. I recently obtained an EP from Christopher; it has 3 original songs and 1 cover. I have to say I am very impressed with Christopher’s sound and voice. Now Christopher’s voice is sort of smooth sound with a whisky roughness to it. Which fits well with his songs, also with the cover he does of Cody Jinks “I am Not The Devil”. I can really see Christopher making a name for himself in Country Music as long as he sticks with traditional Country music. I have seen a few videos of Christopher playing live, he usually plays solo with just his guitar. I have to say that Christopher has a great stage presence, where he really makes you feel comfortable enough that you can enjoy his music. I highly recommend everyone check out the links below to see & hear Christopher Wright’s music. https://www.christopherwrightmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CMWRIGHT74781 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyyApvKBZn4in2W3OB8qig I recently got a chance to ask Christopher some questions, here are his answers. Hope you enjoy. 1. How long have you been playing music? I have been playing music since I was about 11 2. How many bands have you been in? I haven’t been in any bands so far. 3. Where were you born? I was born in Tyler, Texas 4. Are you self-taught? I am self-taught 5. Who are your biggest influences? My biggest influences are all the way from Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr, Willie Nelson, George Straight to Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder and Lynyrd Skynyrd 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I’ve been influenced by a host of music genres, so I don’t know if I necessarily fit into a box. I would say it’s Country/Americana 7. What was your first gig? My first paying Gig was at The Millhouse Stage in Garland, Texas. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Get ready for a frustrating, exhausting, humbling, scary and rewardingly glorious journey. 9. Do you write your own songs? I do write my own music. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? Run DMC 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I would probably be in sales in some form or fashion 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? So far it’s probably Turn the Page- Bob Seger 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Travis Tritt |
AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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