Monday 28 March 2011

STAR BLUES on 27th March 2010 at 22:00

The roll-call of blues artists called away in recent weeks has grown uncomfortably large and I will admit that I thought Pinetop Perkins would always be there. He wasn't a natural band leader and his best work was almost always done with someone else. He was the unsung lynchpin of Muddy Waters Indian Summer career via Johnny Winter though he joined Waters band in 1969 after Otis Spann left for (sadly very brief) solo glory. Different in style and temperament to the younger Spann, Muddy had no hesitation in extending the offer to join. In addition to a later track from Muddy, Pinetop showed real genius on a two hander with Bob Margolin in the songbook of Robert Johnson.
We found out why he was called Pinetop from his first solo session at Sun in 1953 and we ended our celebration of him with "Grindin' Man" from his final project with Willie Big Eye Smith that won him a Grammy less than a month ago. There's a great story that may just be urban legend (though I hope not): he came to London a couple of years ago for a club gig then everyone adjourned back to the hotel including some very attractive blonde ladies. Spying a piano in the hotel foyer Pinetop decided too play and tell some stories from his long career. The night porter wasn't amused but turned a blind eye to the revelry in the early hours. The really cool thing is that Pinetop (age 95) kept going as the stragglers had to give into tiredness. I've never seen a photo of Pinetop without a hat or a huge smile.
The rest of the fare on offer was none to shabby either: new album from Tracy Nelson (due in the shops 19th April), and returns to new projects by Rory Block and Marcia Ball. The distaff side of blues in 2011 is still strong. Last weeks link ended with Elmore James, how we got from there to Albert Collins is revealed over on "BluesChain.BlogSpot.Com". Gospel came from Albertina Walker and the Caravans in superb fashion and the two hours was over and done all too soon. Until we can get another couple hours next Sunday at ten, take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you

Track

Artist

Album / Track

Can't Stop Lovin'

George Thorogood

[1] Heritage: Who Do You Love – George Thorogood

Feel Good Doin' Bad

Lonnie BrooksLong John HunterPhillip Walker

[5] Lone Star Shootout - Lonnie BrooksLong John HunterPhillip Walker

I'm Ready

Muddy Waters

[1] I'm Ready - Muddy Waters

Feel Like Messin' Up

James Harman

[6] Mo' Na'kins Please! - James Harman

Mean Old Frisco

Blues Band, The

[1] Scratchin' On My Screen : Acoustic Blues Music - Blues Band, The

Mystery Train

Little Junior Parker (As Little Junior’s Blue Flames)

[12] Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Memphis - Various Artists

I've Got Ford Movements In My Hips

Cleo Gibson

[13] Territory Singers - Vol2 : 1928-1930 - Various Artists

You're So Fine

Snooks Eaglin

[5] Out Of Nowhere - Snooks Eaglin

Kindhearted Woman Blues

Bob MargolinPinetop Perkins

[8] Hellhound On My Trail - Various Artists

Meet You At The Chicken Shack

Lightnin' Hopkins

[5] His Blues - Lightnin' Hopkins

Walkin'

David Gogo

[6] Skeleton Key - David Gogo

How Could You Do It

Henry Gray

[14] Louisiana Swamp Stomp - Various Artists

Little Red Rooster

Rolling Stones, The

[7] Rolled Gold Plus: Very Best Of The Rolling Stones - Rolling Stones, The

Have Mercy Miss Percy

Long Tall Marvin

[7] Gaz's Rockin' Blues - Various Artists

Woke Up This Morning

Rory Block

[11] Shake 'Em On Down: A Tribute To Mississippi Fred McDowell - Rory Block

Fine And Mellow

Eva Cassidy

[4] Live At Blues Alley - Eva Cassidy

I'm Willing

Caravans Feat. Inez Andrews And Albertina Walker

[12] Rough Guide To .. Gospel - Various Artists

Victim Of The Blues

Tracy Nelson

[1] Victim Of The Blues - Tracy Nelson

We Fell Hard

Marcia Ball

[4] Roadside Attractions - Marcia Ball

Pinetop's Boogie Woogie

Pinetop Perkins

[8] Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Memphis - Various Artists

Grindin' Man

Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith

[12] Joined At The Hip - Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith

Fake I.D.

Albert Collins

[3] Blues Guitar Box - Various Artists

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