Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Community at the Crossroads

“A Community at the Crossroads”

By Scott Bucholtz

As musicians and lovers of audible creations, both earthly and otherworldly, we can all identify with the classic print advertisement that showed a man sitting in front of two large living room speakers – with his hair being blown back from the sound waves. That feeling, that energy. Being transported and enraptured by the intoxicating exhilaration… It is precisely those feelings that drove us to learn to play. To pick, pluck and strum. To massage and caress and to hit with force. It fed the desire. Remember?

Then, instead of simply sitting in front of the speakers, we attempted to play along. To participate. Hour after hour. Day after day. This is when dreams truly began to formulate. If the dreams were REAL, it wasn’t dreams of Sex, Drugs & Rock-n-Roll. It was ALL about the music.

Turning a few pages forward, the experience of the non-verbal communication with others is like being part of a secret community with its own language. The “we went to different schools together” feeling. Communicating via music. Call and response, unison, harmony. Then, combining it all together: performing – with an audience. If you’re lucky enough to be able to get their attention and earn a positive response… THAT may be the highest known form of euphoria. The communal climax. If you’ve had it, how could you forget it?

It’s been said that Charleston is a town full of musicians but just a handful of bands. Plane Jane, Johnny Mac & The Booty Ranch, Leslie, Mason Dixon… there are a few others that have been established. But really, it’s the high ratio of musicians in town that I think is a major part of what makes this area so special. The number of accomplished guitarists and songwriters around is amazing and I often say that a bird can’t make a dropping without hitting a drummer! (Why do us drummer’s always get crapped on?) Jam Night is a classic example. Jam Night is also the best place to ask: Who’s playing with them? You got a gig Friday? Jim’s going to play bass, you want to play? Stop by, bring your guitar. If you can make it out, we’ll get you up for a few songs… As far back as I can remember and to this day, whenever I see live music, I want to get on stage on play. Here, I often get to and it’s usually thanks to the Lowcountry Blues Club.

Speaking of the band Leslie - What better example of ‘community’... Leslie only had to cancel one gig after all of their gear was stolen. Countless members of the community stepped up for them! They were blown away by the support that they received. I must say that those are three guys who have got “it”, “get it” and appreciate it. (By the way, you HAVE to get their new CD “Lord, Have Mercy”.)

As members of the Lowcountry Blues Club, we get to participate in “Jam Night”. It’s our weekly Holiday. It’s a birthday party and a family reunion. If you don’t think that Jam Night is something special, think about the crowds that regularly are in attendance. Think about the response and support you get. Do your bands gigs always compare favorably? We can’t afford to take the Blues Club and Jam Night for granted. It’s special and we are lucky to be a part of it. Note: Pay your dues!!! Jam Nights are the best opportunity in town to make contacts and catch up. Not to mention that you get to see and hear some of the best talent that the Lowcountry (and beyond) has to offer.

Nearly everyone that I have met and everything that I have done in Carolina can be credited to being turned onto the Blues Club (Thanks again to Mike Davis from Ye Olde Music Shop). With the recent retirement of President Tim Shaw and the pending departure of ‘creator’ Dereck Curry (as VP), we are at a significant crossroads. For the weekly jam to continue, not to mention the involvement with the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Foundation, dues must be paid and active, conscientious leadership must be in place. We can’t sit on our hands! Remember, the Club and the weekly jam not only provide great entertainment, a viable network and sense of community, it is a musical outlet unlike any other. For many it is their ONLY chance to perform. For me, picking up my sticks is like a hug from a loved one, everything feels right. I wish that everyone could experience the joy and excitement that I get when playing. For those that have ‘been experienced’, do you need to be reminded...?

I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of The Mason Dixon Band since August of 2010 and I have the incredible good fortune to also be in The Jonathan Robinson Trio, since early 2011. Recently, I had my first gig with the incredible YoungMi Feldsott and friends (I sincerely hope that there will be many more to come). The stories behind how I got involved with these groups range from an intricate grapevine of connections and contacts to a simple introduction – all can be traced back to the Lowcountry Blues Club.

As an example of the power of networking, I had happened to mention to YoungMi that I was looking to pick up some extra gigs. Within an hour of that conversation, she calls me and says, “I got us a gig”. Then, she calls me later that same day and says, “do you want to fill in tonight?”. Within a 10 day period, I picked up three gigs! To take it a step further, she has introduced Jonathan and me to a couple of club owners who are booking the Jonathan Robinson Trio. It’s amazing to watch how the network of this community can operate! So, a special ‘thank you’ to YoungMi. And, guess what, I would never have met her had it not been for the Blues Club. In fact, I would not be playing at all if it had not been for Lowcountry Blues Club. I would just be dreaming about it. Trust me, reality is better!

There will be a meeting on July 13th at 6:30PM at Home Team BBQ/WA to elect the new board and officers for the Lowcountry Blues Club for the upcoming year. Be sure to come out early that Wednesday to participate in planning the future of the club.

Kick off your weekend with YoungMi and OLD YOU on the Vendue Rooftop at 6 on Friday. I’ll be with The MASON DIXON BAND at the Sand Shack later Friday night while The LOUIE D. PROJECT (with J.R. Getches) will be at Bambu and SGT. SUBMARINE (with Bill Nance) will be at The Wolf Track Inn. Saturday night features Captain Kirk with STARLING at the Bottom Grill & Pub in Bonneau, Rev. Dr. JOHNNY MAC & the BOOTYRANCH will be at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ (WA) while OLD YOU will be at Boone’s on King Street. Also, DRIVIN’ N CRYIN’ and GASLIGHT STREET will be at The Windjammer. Sunday also has a full slate of awesome choices: EDWIN McCAIN at the Windjammer, JASON ISBELL and the 400 UNIT at The Pour House, GASLIGHT STREET at The Brick House Kitchen and The LOUIE D. PROJECT at The Brick. NOTE: Try to make it past the 4th with all of your fingers! If you survive all of that, catch SKYE PAIGE at the Tattooed Moose Tuesday night. ENJOY!!!

==============================================

and look out, 'cause here it comes, from Shrimp City Slim:

The 11th annual GREENWOOD BLUES CRUISE
Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9 in Greenwood, SC
www.greenwoodbluescruise.com

A FREE blues club crawl, part of the South Carolina Festival of Discovery. Greenwood is located about 1 hour from Columbia, SC; three hours from Charleston; two hours from Atlanta.
Star-studded line-up: CHICK "STOOP DOWN" WILLIS, BUDDY WHITTINGTON with RANDY MCALLISTER, FRANKIE'S BLUES MISSION, DRINK SMALL, BACK PORCH BLUES (Eleanor Ellis, Jay Summerour, Eric Selby), WANDA JOHNSON, and a whole lot more. Please look at the website!

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

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. OR you can post your gigs on our facebook wall yourself, with no need for a middle-man...

July's featured artists are Willie Dixon (1915), Junior Kimbrough (1930), and Buddy guy (1936), born in July.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 30, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Highlights from the Jam, and more

As always, we had a gathering on Wednesday night of Lowcountry Blues Club members and friends at Home Team BBQ/ West Ashley, which, as always, was a lot of fun. I thought I'd share a few highlights for those who weren't there, and for those who were there but who drank too much to remember the fun!

At one point early in the evening, Dan Wright sang one of my favorite songs from the old Dough Re Mi days, "John the Revelator" along with Tony Cobin on bass, Keith Syn Clarry on drums, and John Scott. They also played a song I hadn't heard before, apparently called "Dirty Shirt".

A little later, we had Jack Downey singing "Born in Chicago" with Dave Jones on bass, Cap'n Kirk on drums, and Billy Gadol. Jack said that the original of this song was by Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and there's a version by Tom Petty as well. And Billy sang his version of Elvis's "Little Sister", which is always fun.

Dan got back up and did a blues club favorite, "Standin' On Shaky Ground" with Tony on bass, Greg Levkus on drums, Charlie Kendall, and the Horny Horns (that would be Louie D and Will Elder on sax) - that had the crowd dancing and singing along.

Towards the end of the night, there's usually a surprise or two. This time, we got to see a set with Big Mike singing, Dave Jones on bass, Willie D and Scribs (Brandon) playing some great guitar.... AND Tony Cobin on drums! Who knew?!

So, there's a few highlights from the last jam. Be sure to come out for the next jam, and join the fun...

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

Some weekend events: The Jonathan Robinson Trio (with Scott Bucholtz) will be at Bushido Japanese Restaurant Friday night, June 24th, for SUSHI MIDNIGHT MADNESS. Also, Scott is with the Mason Dixon Band Saturday night at Famous Joe’s.

On Friday night, Momma & the Redemption Band with JoJo Wall will be cutting loose at Home Team/WA, and there's Shrimp City Slim rocking the Home Team on Sullivans.

For some smokin' hot home grown power blues, catch Highway 17 Blues Band rocking Bonneau on Saturday the 25th, at The Bottom grill and pub.

Johnny Mac will take the madness to the Dollar on Friday and Saturday nights, and also will be at a benefit for Jason Wiles on Saturday afternoon at Jimbo's, 3pm.

There's a benefit for ALS at Bowens Island on Sunday afternoon/ evening which features Sarah Cole and the Hawkes, Cary Ann Hearst, Ryan Bonner and the Dearly Beloved, and a bunch of other great musicians - highly recommended. Go to scalsa.org for more info.

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

There will be a meeting on July 13th at 6:30PM at Home Team BBQ/WA to elect the new board and officers for the Lowcountry Blues Club for the upcoming year. Be sure to come out early that Wednesday to participate in planning the future of the club.

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

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. OR you can post your gigs on our facebook wall yourself, with no need for a middle-man...

June's featured artists are Howlin' Wolf (1910), and Scott Holt (1966), both born in June.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 23, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Feature: Bill Nance

A Blues Club Bio of Bill Nance.

By Scott Bucholtz.

Welcome To The Machine: Mr. Bilco, Keyboardist extraordinaire, Bill Nance. Born in Charleston far enough back to truly be a product of The British Invasion and Motown. He actually saw THE Ed Sullivan show. Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan to a musician is like seeing Babe Ruth call his shot for a baseball fan! A fourth generation performer, tuned in and turned on by his older brother and sisters. His guitar playing older brother, Joe truly whet his appetite for ear candy. Bill says he was the two or three year old who would play records at 6 a. m. at full volume while changing speeds to create different sounds. I can identify with that, my Dad loves to tell how I would get up and practice the drums in the middle of the night. Where there is inspiration….

“Welcome My Son, Welcome To The Machine… What Did You Dream?”.

Self-described as straightforward and wacky, a quick perusal of the Facebook page for William Prohaska Nance reinforces that. He lists favorites such as Family Guy, The Office, South Park, The Simpsons, Star Trek, Star Wars… a favorite quote is “No offence, man, but you suck”. He’s been known to bother dogs (his “kids”) with a Tenor Saxophone. This is a guy who has also said that he would like to be Bugs Bunny and that he “brakes for doughnuts”. That, I can understand.

Bill will tell you that his proudest accomplishments are his own Bilco Amps. Probably much to Bill’s chagrin, this won’t be an ad for Bilco Amps. Although, he will tell you “my gear gets better gigs than me”. He has stories to prove it. One cool fact: Billy Preston’s final performance was on Bilco gear. I’ve heard that his stuff is great and I’m sure that it is. But, I’m a drummer. What do I know about amps? I just hit $#*+!!! Bill, on the other hand, starting with Erector sets and Lincoln Logs, has always loved to build, manipulate and fix all sorts of machines. Years later a conversation over dinner with virtuoso Eric Johnson inspired him… wait, I said I’m not going into details about amplifiers.

Now that I have had the opportunity of playing a full gig with Bill, I don’t think I would call him a keyboard player. He is a MACHINE. Not only does it sound like he knows every song, he’ll play every part, if necessary, AND some parts that come from who knows where! Bill lives by the credo: “Quest For The Tone”. If I may, I’ll suggest taking that a little further and quote ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons: “TONE. TASTE. TENACITY.” Bill has been performing since 1974. He says that he got serious about it in 1981. While he has never had any intention or desire to be a ‘star’, he’s certainly had extensive personal experience with ‘stars’. But, when asked what his goals are he simply states: “to have fun playing with good musicians, regardless of their name”. He says, “treat people like you want to be treated”. He does.

Some of his early bands were Early Morning, The Source and Duchess (with John McKelvey). Later, it was Bill Driscoll and Hot Pepper (remember “The Boucan Room”?) and Ninth Row. Then he played with Bobby Alvarez, John Ethridge, and Wayne Mitchum, which continues occasionally to this date. He wants to note that he “went country” and joined Country Junction with Marvin Lanier and Hap Robinson whom he calls ‘masters’. Not only has Bill played (and recorded) with anybody and everybody who has ever seemingly been in the Charleston area, he shared stages with many household names. As I mentioned earlier, he’s broken bread with Eric Johnson. He was on a first name basis with Michael McDonald (ask him about it). He’s opened, worked and hung with the likes of Sammy Hagar, REO Speedwagon, Johnny Winter, Eddie Money, Charlie Daniels, Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult and Robin Trower. A personal favorite was the late Jeff Healey, whom Bill said was a “wonderful guy”. A highlight that Bill recalls centers around a night on tour with Eddie Bush when they opened for The Jeff Healey Band. Following Bill’s band performance, Jeff stopped by before going on stage and said, “well, we had planned on doing a good show anyway. But, now we HAVE too! You guys were awesome!!”. Then he proceeded to walk out on stage and repeat that message to HIS audience before he even played a note. You can’t buy that kind of respect.

An appearance by Bill provides instant credibility to any event or performance. Having been told about the Lowcountry Blues Club by many different people, he first came to bear witness about 2 ½ years ago. His presence at a Jam Night always elevates the evening. His list of favorite jammers starts with Wayne Mitchum, Dan Wright, Jerry Ray, Jon Hagar, Quentin Ravenal, Melissa, Billy G, Louie D, myself (thanks!) and “SO many others, some of which who’s names I don’t even know”. He uses the words “excitement” and “surprises” in the same sentence when discussing the magic that is Jam Night. Some of his favorite Jam Night songs are “Shaky Ground”, “Cissy Strut” and “Strange How I Miss You”. Better yet, he expressed a desire for more Allman Brothers!!!

A few of the artists that deeply inspired Bill are Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic and “anything with the Funk Brothers”. He particularly referenced “Red” by King Crimson and the “righteous” Steely Dan classic “Deacon Blues”.

Currently, Bill performs with The Shane Clark Experience, Michael Davis, Sgt. Submarine (Beatles tribute) and The Krays. In fact, you can catch Bill in action this weekend on Friday with The Krays at Dockside on Edisto or on Saturday at Wet Willies with The Shane Clark Experience. Obviously, he is available as a hired gun and when you’re lucky, can be found at Home Team on Wednesday nights.
“So, Welcome to The Machine.”

As always, there are a number of great shows to choose from this weekend. On Friday night, June 17, Highway 17 is at the new Moonshine Saloon, Old You will be elevating the Vendue Rooftop, while I’ll be with The Jonathan Robinson Trio at the West Ashley Outback. Heyrocco is at the Village Tavern in Mt Pleasant, and Captain Kirk is at Skynyrd’s with Starling.

On Saturday night, Johnny Mac and the BootyRanch are at Jimbo’s Rock Lounge. As always, Plane Jane will be at a Wild Wing CafĂ© near you. Finally, don’t forget about Sarah Cole at the WA Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ next Tuesday.

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

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

June's featured artists are Howlin' Wolf (1910), and Scott Holt (1966), both born in June.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 16, 2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

Guest jam-master

This week's jam on June 15th will have a special Jam Master of James
DuPuis Wall, better known as Poppa DuPree from Momma & The Redemption
Band and Momma's Blues Palace Band. Poppa DuPree is a staple of the
lowcountry blues scene and we are excited to have him serve as our Jam
Master this week.

DC, June 13, 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blues jams keep getting better

Greetings blues club friends -

Last night's blues club jam was another winner - so many friends, so much great music! Starting off the evening were Dan Wright, jam-master, Jojo Wall on bass, Greg Levkus on drums, and Bill Nance on the Hammond, and they started the party right! Lots of our favorite regular players were there to jam, too, along with some new ones, and we thank you all for coming. We've been lucky enough to attract some good horn players lately, including the super-cool Louie D on sax. And we've got a new singer, Melissa, who fits right in. The crowd even persuaded Charlie Kendall to sing a song - a special treat.

And of course, we'll be doing it again next Wednesday too, so put it on your calendar!

Here are a few ideas for this weekend:

Friday night, you can catch The Louie D Project for soul and funk at Bambu, or Whisky 'n' Ramblin for swamp-blues at the Blind Tiger. Also, Home Team/Sl has The Damon Fowler Group featuring songs from their new cd "Sugar Shack", at 10.

Then on Saturday, Whiskey 'n' Ramblin are at The Griffon, and Johnny Mac and the BootyRanch are at Wild Wing in Mt Pleasant at 10.

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

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for all the shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

June's featured artists are Howlin' Wolf (1910), and Scott Holt (1966), both born in June.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 9, 2011

Thursday, June 2, 2011

So much to do, so little time

Greetings blues club friends! It's a very busy time here in Charleston, so don't forget to check out the schedule of blues events at www.piccolospoleto.com, for now through June 10. There's the Early Bird Blues Series at Mad River, the Blues Cruises, and Blues on the Dock. Get out there and have a great time!

And whatever you do, don't miss the next Wednesday night jam at Home Team/West Ashley. Those of you who saw the "Horny Horns" in action with Dan Wright and friends will know why you don't want to miss a jam -- you never know who's gonna show up and what they're gonna play -- so much fun!!

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

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for all the shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

June's featured artists are Howlin' Wolf (1910), and Scott Holt (1966), both born in June.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 2, 2011