Thursday, December 23, 2010

Seasons greetings!

Seasons greetings and welcome! This weekend, being Christmas, is a quiet one for live music around town. This time of year, I like to reflect on the past year and look forward to the coming year. 2010 has been, arguably, the best year ever for Lowcountry Blues Club. The past year has seen our introduction to the Blues Foundation as we sent our first nominees Dan Wright and Sarah Cole to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. We successfully moved our jam venue to our new home at Home Team BBQ in West Ashley. We were able to keep a lot of our old friends after the move, and make tons of new friends. The Wednesday blues jam events continue to go as strong as ever, and I look forward to next year, when we are proud to send nominees Dan Wright, Jeff Norwood, and Wyatt Garey to Memphis, and who knows what else will come.

For my recurring entries, I’d like to offer a couple of thoughts on some basics of music theory and gear. This first entry was inspired by a conversation at last week’s blues jam between me and a young jammer. Hopefully others can benefit from the discussion.

BLUES YOU CAN USE – Distortion vs Overdrive

One of the main staples of a guitar player’s tone is his pedal rig. Many pedals offer ‘overdrive’ or ‘distortion’ effects, and it may be difficult for the novice player to know the difference. When explaining it to people, I often refer to the genre or the player rather than the technical details. In practical terms, an overdrive pedal is designed to affect the amplifier itself and the effect will vary with volume. A distortion pedal is designed to give distorted tone no matter what volume. Characteristics of ‘overdrive’ include a hollow, bluesy tone…a smooth, natural sounding tone that most blues and classic rock players favor. ‘Distortion’ is a harsher, fatter, grittier tone with tons of sustain…this gives the ‘crunch’ favored by hard rock and metal guitarists. Pedals aren’t cheap, and it is easy to be seduced by catchy names. My advice, if you’re just starting out, stick with the old school classics. Take a look at the pedals on stage at the blues jam and ask questions. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get a good deal on a used pedal from a big guy with a white beard, and I’m not talking about Santa Claus!

Cheers, and keep bluesin’!

jpd

Reminders:

To get info in this blog, send all details of your event to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, and put "Attention blog-writers" as the subject heading, please. Also, let us know if you would like to be one of our blog-writers!

Featured artists with birthdays in December are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Gregg Allman, and George Thorogood. In January, the featured artists will be Leadbelly, Etta James, and Jonny Lang.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub, and join us on facebook and twitter.

And of course, we hope to see you at the blues jam next Wednesday night at Home Team BBQ West Ashley!!

LMW, December 23, 2010

Thursday, December 16, 2010

“So this is Xmas. And what have you done?”

Yes, that time of year is upon us. This year, make it a point to give the gift of music. If you’re so inclined, think about the possibility of sharing your talent with those who will be spending the holiday in a hospital, nursing home or retirement community. “Mix Tapes” are a great way to share a moment with friends or loved ones. You can even keep it simple by heading to Monster and picking out some tasty tunes for those on your list and don’t forget the Local Artists like Skye Paige, Cary Ann Hearst, Leslie… or the box set that hasn’t found its way into Little Martha’s budget. Think back, if you’re like me, many of your favorite gifts from under a tree were 12 inches in diameter and shrink wrapped. For those of you blessed with youth, that’s how we used to buy music!

“And so this is Xmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear one, the old and the young”

For the musician on your list, there is no better time to upgrade equipment. I’m sure that you could find SOMETHING at your favorite (Ye) Olde Music Shop – even if it’s just stocking stuffers like strings or sticks!

“A very Merry Xmas, and a happy New Year. Let’s hope it’s a good one…”

This coming weekend, look for Lowcountry Blues Club members around town: On Friday, The Louie D. Project (with Louie D and J.R. Getches) at Bucca’s Bar & Grill in Hanahan, and Sarah Cole with the Hawkes at Lazo's. Then on Saturday night, Castle In the Air (with Sammy Derrick and Nick Mullane), and Heyrocco (with Tanner Cooper, Nate Merli, and Chris Cool) play at the Music Farm, an early show, 8pm, only $5. Also on Saturday, Sarah Cole and The Hawkes will be at Coot’s Lounge on Edisto Island, and Jojo Wall plays at Home Team (West Ashley), with Mama and Redemption. On Sunday the 19th there's the Cord and Pedal Christmas show at the Pour House with lots of local artists like Rachel Kate Gillon, Whisky ‘n’ Ramblin’ and Sarah Cole and The Hawkes... Next Tuesday, look for Skye Paige downtown at the Tattooed Moose.

Don’t forget, Drivin’ N Cryin’ w/ Leslie this Friday at the Pour House.

Happy Xmas!

Scott Bucholtz, December 15, 2010
Lowcountry Blues Club

Reminders:

To get info in this blog, send all details of your event to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, and put "Attention blog-writers" as the subject heading, please. Also, let us know if you would like to be one of our blog-writers!

Featured artists with birthdays in December are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Gregg Allman, and George Thorogood.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub, and join us on facebook and twitter.

And of course, we hope to see you at the blues jam next Wednesday night at Home Team BBQ West Ashley!!

LMW

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Hello Blues Fans

Hello Blues Fans,


There's a lot of great shows out there this week. On Friday night at the Windjammer on IOP The Holy City Heartbreakers will be performing the music of Tom Petty. This tribute band features one of the blues club's favorite sound guys Mr. Jon Hager on keys along with other great local musicians such as Sadler Vaden of Leslie and Michael Trent of Shovels and Rope. There is a $10 cover charge at the door and proceeds go to help Leslie replace their stolen gear.

Before you head on over to IOP though make sure to stop by the Home Team BBQ on Sullivans Island to check out another great artist: Rev. Dr. Johnny Mac will be playing at 10:00 and there is a $5 cover charge at the door.

On Saturday night there's HeyRocco and Castle In the Air performing at the Village Tavern. Both HeyRocco and Castle In the Air feature great young blues club members and a good time and great music is guaranteed for all. For more information check out http://www.myspace.com/heyroccomusic or check facebook for Castle In the Air.

Additionally on Saturday night is the one and only Tommy Thunderfoot performing some great blues at the Home Team BBQ in West Ashley. The show starts at 9:00 and there is a $5 cover charge at the door.

As always make sure to get out to Home Team BBQ in West Ashley every Wednesday night to check out our amazing blues jam, a great time is guaranteed for all.

KMF

Reminders:

Featured artists with birthdays in December are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Gregg Allman, and George Thorogood.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub, and join us on facebook and twitter.

To get info in this blog, send all details of your event to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, and put "Attention blog-writers" as the subject heading, please.

LMW, Dec 9, 2010

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Awendaw Green Music Festival this weekend!

I tell people,natives and newcomers to the Lowcountry alike, that the weekly Lowcountry Blues Jam is the most exciting and entertaining event in the Charleston area. The music and dancing are world-class. The energy and sense of community are spectacular.

As it has become more and more successful, the jam has created its own special set of problems. Unless one arrives early, it is now difficult to find parking or to get on stage before the cows come home. More musicians are fighting to have their voices heard and the inevitable questions are debated such as “what really is blues?” and “does everybody get a solo?”

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all that as we draw in more blues music lovers of all kinds, we each need to be more tolerant and patient. It is easy to see the things that could be tweaked but I see how vastly the event has improved since I began attending three years ago. I have taken thousands (certainly no exaggeration) of photos of these LCBC jams. I look at the faces in these shots and I see people literally growing up before my eyes. They are metaphors for the development of the jam and the club itself.

One of the many things of which I was consciously thankful this past Thursday was the Lowcountry Blues Club. The people I have met and the music we have made has made my life richer. Thank you all.

And speaking of riches, the Awendaw Green Music Festival this December 4th & 5th looks to be a stellar lineup of great local music. Many of our blues club members and friends will be performing including Allyson Taylor, Highway 17 Blues Band, Dan Wright, Skye Paige, Jeff Norwood, My Buddy Todd, Castle In the Air (with Sammy Derrick and Nick Mullane), and HeyRocco (with Tanner Cooper, Nate Merli, and Chris Cool. I hope to see you there.

--J.R. Getches

And one more event to consider for your weekend is Saturday night Dec. 4th at Home Team BBQ / West Ashley -- this will be the last gig for our friend Robert Paige with his band the Holy City Sinners. It's at 10pm, and only $5, so you can go after the Awendaw fest, if you've still got enough energy!

Reminders:

Featured artists with birthdays in December are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Gregg Allman, and George Thorogood.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub, and join us on facebook and twitter.

To get info in this blog, send all details of your event to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, and put "Attention blog-writers" as the subject heading, please.

And of course, we hope to see you at the blues jam next Wednesday night at Home Team BBQ West Ashley!!

LMW, Dec 2, 2010