Maple Blues Online - Loose Blues News

Sherman Robertson will be backed up by the Shawn Kellerman Band for an appearance at the Silver Dollar Room on Saturday, October 22.

2005 "Songs From the Heart" Songwriter Awards: The winner in the Blues category is Suzie Vinnick, David Leask and Liz Tansey for "The Honey I Want", and in the Children's category, it's Ken Whiteley for "Leaves". The annual prizes, presented by the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, will be given at the OCFF's conference in Kingston, October 13-16, 2005. Nine awards will be granted at the special "Songs From the Heart" Winners' Showcase, in which each winner will perform his or her winning song. "Songs From the Heart" award-winners are selected through a juried process. This year the OCFF received more than 600 entries.

Helping out New Orleans: As we go to press fundraising concerts are taking place at Big Daddy's Crab Shack and Oyster Bar locations and Toronto's Distillery District (with music on seven stages). Sunday, October 2nd there will be a matinee concert at Healey's, 178 Bathurst Street in Toronto, at 4 pm with Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, the Happy Pals, Mr. Rick & the Biscuits, Kevin Clarke, Donnie Walsh, Laura Hubert, Terra Hazelton, and more, performing jazz & blues in the tradition of New Orleans. On October 25th, the TBS joins forces is organizing a fundraising event with Raoul Bhaneja and Jazz-FM's Danny Marks."Mississippi Blues" will take place at the Phoenix with guitarist extraordinaire Colin Linden and more guests to be announced in the coming days. Numerous other smaller events are taking place across town. Support them and give something back to the land where blues began.

Ellen McIlwaine in town: The guitarist and vocalist will be performing on Sunday November 6 at the Flying Cloud Folk Club in Toronto. 2005 marks forty years as a professional musician, with ten albums under her belt, one featuring the great bassist and singer Jack Bruce, and the latest featuring world renowned Taj Mahal. For more information, visit www.ellenmcilwaine.com.

The Inaugural Toronto Music Expo: To be held November 19 & 20, 2005, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the TMX promises "Everything Music Under One Roof". Produced by Dynamic Events Management, the Toronto Music Expo will present "a world of music for the professional and amateur enthusiast alike. Three performance stages will play host to established and emerging talent in a variety of music genres throughout the two-day event. Workshops such as Digital Recording, Video Editing, Publicity & Promotion, and seminars such as Modern Singer/Songwriter, Power Guitar and Recording Studio 101, will feature professional veterans in all aspects of the music industry. The Clapton or Avril hobbyist can feed their passion for music around the showroom floor with numerous kiosks catering to professional services, information, instruments and gear. Your one-stop-shop: get a taste of what it's like and experience all that is the Toronto Music Expo (TMX)." Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, 11am to 6pm, $10 Admission.

Aboriginal Blues: Congratulations to Jeari Czapla (Alberta), South Thunderbird (Manitoba) and The Wolfpack (Ontario), nominees for Best Blues Album at this year's Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 25 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's John Bassett Theatre. The Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards are a part of Canadian Aboriginal Week which launches in Toronto on November 21 and culminates with the 12th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow November 25-27.

CMW06: Canadian Music Week is calling for showcase submissions for their 24th Annual Conference and Festival taking place in Toronto March 1-4, 2006. Deadline for applications from Canada is October 31. Go to www.cmw.net for more information.

Dan Aykroyd & JW-Jones: Dan Aykroyd has played the Ottawa band on his internationally syndicated radio program, the House of Blues Radio Hour. He joined them live at the Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa in September: the band opened their last set with Aykroyd (Elwood Blues) singing "Killing Floor", and he then returned later in the set to perform "Born in Chicago". Sound clips and photos are available at www.jw-jones.com. JW also had the opportunity to sit in with the Fabulous Thunderbirds in Waterloo, Ontario.

Moncton-based harp & guitar player Larry Mailett (formerly of Molly Oliver) has replaced saxman Don Rodgers in Glamour Puss. The band has been in pre-production for their 5th CD, Bluesman's Prayer. Recording started August 24 in an old United Church built in 1891 overlooking the Northumberland Strait. NorthernBlues' Fred Litwin came out to visit the Upper Cape New Brunswick location to spend a couple of days with band manager Bruce Morel to take in some of the live off the floor recording that producer Michael Jerome Browne was directing. "Bluesman's Prayer" is Glamour Puss' second NorthernBlues release.

Blues Radio: The award-winning Buff Blues, which is broadcast from Queen's University in Kingston Ontario has a different time slot. It now airs on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. With host and programmer Ron Dickenson, Buff Blues can be heard locally on 101.9 FM, 90.9 Cable, and around the world in real time at www.cfrc.ca

Happy 84th Birthday Snooky Pryor: Chicago blues legend and Electro-Fi recording artist James "Snooky" Pryor is considered an innovator of Chicago blues harmonica. His 1947
recording "Snooky & Moody's Boogie" considered to be the first post war Chicago Blues recording, and Snooky is also credited as the first to amplify the harmonica, playing through a pawn shop P.A. on Maxwell Street immediately following WWII. Beset with health issues in recent years, Snooky continues to enjoy life at his home in Cairo, Illinois, cared for by his extended family.

We remember: Toronto bassman Dan Hickman passed away last month at the age of 61. He played with several local bands including the Soulsetters and the Mammoth Blues Band with Jaime Heath and Ric Levenston.

Guitarist Jim "the General" Preston, of Kingston, Ontario, passed last month, grieved by B-Side Blues band mates Georgette Fry, Zak Colbert, Dirt Clancy, Ken Hall and Bunny Stewart. He is survived by wife Susan and children Kaitlyn and Sean.

R.L. Burnside 1926-2005: (BBC) Delta Mississippi bluesman R L Burnside, a guitarist who only found fame late in life, died last month, aged 78. Born in the Delta town of Harmontown, he worked most of his life as a sharecropper and fisherman, only taking up music professionally when he was 65. Mississippi Fred McDowell taught him to play in Chicago in the 1940s, and he performed in local bars for decades. After signing to Fat Possum records in 1991, he recorded a dozen albums and toured worldwide. Matthew Johnson, owner of the record label that made Burnside famous, said he played guitar "just `cause he wanted to. He never really wanted a career, never said he did. We just sort of gave him one." Burnside had been in declining health since heart surgery in 1999, and died in hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. After growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Burnside moved north to Chicago in the 1940s, but came back south after his father and two brothers were killed in the city. He returned to a country living, and served six months in jail after shooting a man Burnside said was trying to turn him out of his home. "It was between him and the Lord, him dyin'," Burnside remarked in a 2002 New Yorker article. "I just shot him in the head." He first recorded in the late 1960s, and his sparse, one-chord blues style was documented by the folklorist George Mitchell. After playing in bars for decades, it was only when he became the first act signed to Fat Possum records in 1991 that Burnside achieved a wider fame. In less than a decade he recorded a dozen albums, including "Bad Luck City" and "Too Bad Jim". His final CD, "A Bothered Mind", was released last year. He toured with a trio comprising his grandson Cedric on drums, and an "adopted" son, Kenny Brown, on guitar. Burnside was popular with a number of younger acts, including the Beastie Boys and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Burnside and Spencer's band recorded the album "A Ass Pocket o' Whiskey" in a few days in an old log cabin, achieving a sound described by one observer as "Bo Diddley backed by the Stooges". Some of his songs were remixed for labels such as Los Angeles' Bong Load records, which first released Beck. Burnside is survived by his wife Alice Mae and numerous children. (BBC)

Grammy winner 'Gatemouth' Brown dies Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, the singer and guitarist who built a 50-year career playing blues, country, jazz and Cajun music, died last month in his hometown of Orange, Texas, where he had gone to escape Hurricane Katrina. He was 81. Brown, who had been battling lung cancer and heart disease, was in ill health for the past year, said Rick Cady, his booking agent. Cady said the musician was with his family at his brother's house when he died. Brown's home in Slidell, Louisiana, a bedroom community of New Orleans, was destroyed by Katrina, Cady said. "He was completely devastated," Cady said. "I'm sure he was heartbroken, both literally and figuratively. He evacuated successfully before the hurricane hit, but I'm sure it weighed heavily on his soul." Although his career first took off in the 1940s with blues hits "Okie Dokie Stomp" and "Ain't That Dandy," Brown bristled when he was labeled a bluesman. In the second half of his career, he became known as a musical jack-of-all-trades who played a half-dozen instruments and culled from jazz, country, Texas blues, and the zydeco and Cajun music of his native Louisiana. By the end of his career, Brown had more than 30 recordings and won a Grammy award in 1982. "I'm so unorthodox, a lot of people can't handle it," Brown said in a 2001 interview. Brown's versatility came partly from a childhood spent in the musical mishmash of southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas. He was born in Vinton, Louisiana, and grew up in Orange, Texas. Brown often said he learned to love music from his father, a railroad worker who sang and played fiddle in a Cajun band. Brown, who was dismissive of most of his contemporary blues players, named his father as his greatest musical influence. "If I can make my guitar sound like his fiddle, then I know I've got it right," Brown said. Cady said Brown was quick-witted, "what some would call a `codger."' Brown started playing fiddle by age 5. At 10, he taught himself an odd guitar picking style he used all his life, dragging his long, bony fingers over the strings. In his teens, Brown toured as a drummer with swing bands and was nicknamed "Gatemouth" for his deep voice. After a brief stint in the Army, he returned in 1945 to Texas, where he was inspired by blues guitarist T-Bone Walker. Brown's career took off in 1947 when Walker became ill and had to leave the stage at a Houston nightclub. The club owner invited Brown to sing, but Brown grabbed Walker's guitar and thrilled the crowd by tearing through "Gatemouth Boogie" — a song he claimed to have made up on the spot. He made dozens of recordings in the 1940s and '50s, including many regional hits — "Okie Dokie Stomp," "Boogie Rambler," and "Dirty Work at the Crossroads." But he became frustrated by the limitations of the blues and began carving a new career by recording albums that featured jazz and country songs mixed in with the blues numbers. "He is one of the most underrated guitarists, musicians and arrangers I've ever met, an absolute prodigy," said Colin Walters, who is working on Brown's biography. "He is truly one of the most gifted musicians out there. "He never wanted to be called a bluesman, but I used to tell him that though he may not like the blues, he does the blues better than anyone," added Walters. "He inherited the legacy of great bluesmen like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, but he took what they did and made it better." Brown — who performed in cowboy boots, cowboy hat and Western-style shirts — lived in Nashville in the early 1960s, hosting an R&B television show and recording country singles. In 1979, he and country guitarist Roy Clark recorded "Makin' Music," an album that included blues and country songs and a cover of the Billy Strayhorn-Duke Ellington classic "Take the A-Train." Survivors include three daughters and a son. (AP)

Mory "Sockman" Wardinger preparing for a huge business trip to Supermarket chains in Boston, Mass to introduce Gertex Hosiery's NHL-licensed hockey socks (and probably checking out the New England blues scene while he's at it). Photo by Monique Zanetta

With festival season winding down, attention is now being focused on the club scene, and the welcome re-emergence of Mory "Sockman" Wardinger after an 18-month promotional hiatus. Summer 2005 wasn't even underway when some ear-catching, rockin' Soul vibes from the Mississippi Hippies re-ignited Sockman's desire to get back into action. Less than two years ago, Sockman parlayed his debut foray, The 1^st Annual Superbowl Rockin' Blues Gala, into a hugely successful affair. Memories are still vivid, particularly 400 hundred party animals flocking to the Woodbine Banquet Hall and having a blast celebrating Superbowl 2004 weekend, and swinging to the glorious sounds of the "Sock It To You" All Star Band.

Sockman's flamboyant demeanour is two parts razzle-dazzle, two parts affability and a generous portion of love! His enthusiasm is absolutely contagious, reflective of Sockman's sense of style, humour, and panache. It's a genuine reflection of the man's true nature. His cheeriness and upbeat outlook precisely parallel the approach taken in his position as U.S National Sales Director for Gertex Hoisery (one of North America's leading hosiery companies). Positive attitudes lead to the highest altitudes. The other key ingredient to Sockman's success is an unwavering commitment to excellence, symbolized by his company name "First Class Promotions". This means never cutting corners, never scrimping on costs, and always treating people in an exemplary manner. Put into practice, it's earned him the wholehearted respect of family, friends, peers, and associates, and for Sockman, that recipe has most noticeably won him the unwavering loyalty of MUSICIANS. Mory's word is his bond.

His roots in Toronto run deep; he grew up in suburban Downsview in the 50's and 60's listening to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Ricky Nelson and other early rock `n rollers on the radio. Watching Dick Clark's American Bandstand every day after school brought Motown, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The British Invasion, and later psychedelic music. Sockman attended Downsview Collegiate, and graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to earn an MBA from York University. By the 1990's, Mory had achieved career success as a top-tier salesman, and in 1995, the "Sockman" moniker was born, as Mory sold his socks to Shoppers Drug Mart stores from coast to coast, and later to Pharmaplus, Loblaws, and Canadian Tire. Sockman then turned his attention to the huge supermarket chains south of the border in the USA. Business trips may have taken him to all corners of North America, but Sockman's eyes would always search for venues where quality Blues was happening—be it Des Moines, Memphis, Boston, Tampa Bay, or San Francisco. He has developed friendships with fabulous artists like Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater, Magic Slim, Duke Robillard, and Kim Wilson, and many other international Blues luminaries, testament to Sockman's facility for developing instant rapport with everyone: club patrons, serving staff, bar owners, but especially musicians. His effervescence, winning smile, and easygoing manner have opened up lots of doors. That emphatic voice and jaunty stride set him apart, and with that trademark "sock it to you" greeting, you simply can't meet a more enthusiastic music lover.

Now Sockman is about to offer another fabulous evening of "Sock-It-To-You" entertainment - a Hallowe'en Trick Or Treat R&B Ball!!! featuring his fabulous Mississippi Hippies, augmented by a thrilling 4-piece soul-drenched horn section To go along with the addictive vocalizing of the "Hippies" John Dickie, Sockman has added Canadian Soul legends Jay Jackson and Roy Kenner.

Did you know that hundreds of Blues-related photographs festoon Sockman's office walls? One picture, however, has very special meaning: the one of the late Gordon James Brown taken by Sockman in Clarksdale, Mississippi at the Ground Zero Blues Club. Gord was a one-of-a-kind Blues fan; he never missed a show; and his dedication was such that his favorite haunt The Silver Dollar Room set aside a special table for him and his partner Patty. His passing this winter shocked everyone, and Sockman will be making a donation to the Toronto Blues Society's Blues In The Schools Program in Gord's name.

Here's where the Oct 29th excitement will be taking place: The Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall, 30 Vice Regent Boulevard, Hwy 27, one block south of Rexdale Blvd on the east side—416-743-0003. For ticket information call 416-244-6984 or 416-241-2345 ext 288. Doors open at 8:30 PM. Clip out the coupon below and get a half-price discount on admission. There'll be prizes galore for best costumes. Come prepared to dance the night away! And remember: Sockman has plenty more wonderful entertainment surprises coming our way in the coming weeks and months.

Get involved! The TBS is looking for volunteers for its upcoming events. Volunteers receive free admission to events and other perks. To find out how, call the office now!

Voting members of the Toronto Blues Society are eligible to run for the 2006 Toronto Blues Society Board of Directors.

In order to run, you must be a member in good standing, and you must be nominated in writing by three voting members of the society. Deadline to receive nominations is 5pm November 18. The slate of candidates will be announced in the December issue of MapleBlues.

Elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting December 6, 2005 at the TBS office.

Members, please send us your current email address to ensure that you receive all the latest blues news including information about very special deals for TBS members.
Email to: info@torontobluessociety.com

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