Blues News - January 1990

8/7/2019 Blues News - January 1990

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KANSASCITY

BLUESSOCIETY

JANUARY 1990

Election & Membership PartyJanuary 11, Grand Emporium

On Thursday, January 11, the KC. Blues Society will hold their

1990Election and Membership Party at the Grand Emporium, 3832Main, 8 p.m., with the New 39th Street Blues Band. Anyone, who is

a current member of the KCBS is eligible to run for the Board of

Directors and vote. Those KCBS members who want to be on theballot should contact Pam at 642-8107. Nominations willbe accepted

until 8 p.m. on January 11at the Grand Emporium.

Being on the KCBS Board requires one to attend monthly meet-ingsand contribute a great deal of volunteer time and energy. Ifyou

CON TIN U E 0 ONPAGE5

Kansas City Blues SocietyJanuary Calendar

o January 4,5& 6, 1990 .....Show Your Card!One dol-

lar goes to KeBS when you show your KeBS mem-

bership card at The Grand Emporium's door. Plus,

as usual KCBS members get a dollar off on all bluesshows at the G.E. all year long.

o January 11 KCBS Election Party and Mem-

bership Drive, featuring the New 39th Street Blues

Band, Grand Emporium, 8 - 12midnighto January 21 Fourth Anniversary Celebra-

tion for Undsay Shannon's "KC Blues Show" will

be broadcast live at The Grand Emporium, 6 to 10

p.m. Also, come celebrate KeBS' Tenth Anniversary

at The Grand Emporium, 6 to 11p.m. with live bluesfeaturing Little Hatch & Milleage Gilbert while Lind-

broadcasts his blues show.

Lindsay Shannon and Little Hatch

Photo: Shirley Owens1

KCBS Kept the B lues~t-~-~_S CI)-)- Alive in '89~ ~ 1989was another active and excitingyea/" uH E Y E A for the KCBS. Despite financial limitationsI. lEY l E W we were able to put forth a year long calen

98 ! ? dar of opportunity for blues enthusiasts. The

holiday season is a good time to sit back and- < . reflect on all the good times we had thisyea

Uts -s 0C\ ~ and the many hours of hard work put in b-----=---- board members and dedicated volunteers.

by Jon Lowe

------Winter: Cicero Heats up KCItwas all kicked off inJanuary at our election party inwhich the

Board of Directors were

elected. Milleage Gilberthosted the jam which was heldat the Grand Emporium.

A cold February was

warmed up a great deal by Cic-ero Blake who appeared at ourWinter Fundraiser. His soulful

blues style delighted a fullhouse of supporters.

March opened up with ourmembership meeting and jamat the Roxy hosted by the

Nightcrawlers. We then joinedforces with CrossCurrents toput on a Country Blues Show

March 16 which featured

Sparky Rucker and George

Jackson. Itwas also announced ==========that KCBSbecame a member of Cicero Blake: Getting Downthe National Blues Connection

Association.Photo: Shirley Owens

Spring: The "Wolfman" Howls

Our April membership meeting and jam session was held at theTuba and hosted bythe KC. Bottoms Band. Many of our members

headed to New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Hoohah's hosted our May membership meeting and Stevie andthe Jive Tones handled the entertainment part. Walter "Wolfman"

Washington headlined the Spring Fling which was held May 26 and

provided a much needed financial boost.

Summer:A Full Seasonof the BluesJune started off a very active Summer for the Society. Itbegan

with a membership meeting at Jimmy's Jigger which included a jam

with Rick Hendricks, Millie Edwards, and the Hit and Run Band.

Then manymembers sped off to Chicago for their Blues Festivalandto put in a few good words for our organization. Everyone got back

in time for Abb Locke's record release party which we sponsored. Abenefit was held for the KC. Free Health Clinicwith Eddie Clearwa-ter as guest. The month was capped off by our first Blues Cruise of

the year on the Missouri River Queen with the Bon Ton Band and

Milleage Gilbert. A sold out crowd enjoyed the moonlight and music.This was only the beginning of the frenzied summer. A large

delegation ofmembers drove toDavenport, Iowa for their 4th ofJuly

festival before returning for our Amateur Blues Talent Contest.

Three preliminary rounds of the contest were held inJuly with BlueRoxx qualifying from competition at Hoonah's, Reen and Cobalt

Blue taking the honors at the Roxy and the New 39th Street Blues

CON TIN U E 0 ONPAGE5 ~



Who's Been Talking"It's a family affair!" - Big Daddy KinseyBig Daddy Kinsey and his sons, The Kinsey Report finally re-

turned to KC. after a long absence. Big Daddy's three sons, Donald

on guitar and vocals, Ralph on drums, and Kenneth on bass have

========= followed in their father'sblues steps.

"I'm the cause for them

being in music. That's for

=======~~~~~~=sure, all three of them", Big

bv Shirl......Owens Daddy proudly reports. "IJ IK-J taught Donald how to play

______________ what I know as early as 4 or

5 years old. And my older boy, Ralph, well I never was a drummer

but I knew right away that he was going to be a drummer because

when he was a little boy, he always kept a knife and fork all the time

in his hands and beat the bottom out of chairs. I guess by the time he

was 5, I bought him a parade snare drum. That's how he got started.

And, of course, Kenneth, the youngest, he wanted piano. So, lbought

him a piano when he was about 8. He took lessons for 2 years and

then, he changed his mind and said he wanted to play bass. I got him

a bass and right away he went to work on it. There you go. It's a family

affair", laughed Big Daddy.

KCCROSS

ROADS

. "We always had a lot of fun in Kansas City."- Willie Dixon

The first inductee as a National Blues Treasure at the 10th Annual

Handy Awards was Willie Dixon. After cordially agreeing to auto-

graphs and photographs, Willie talked about KC.

"Oh, it's been a few years since I've been in Kansas City. I haven't

been in Kansas City for a while because I haven't been working very

much. You know, I've been getting around to writing books and

writing songs. I've got a new book coming out of England on Quarter

Books called I Am theBlues, WillieDixon. It's been getting beautiful

reviews all over the European countries ...

The Kansas City Blues News is published monthly by the

Kansas City Blues Society, Inc. Articles, reviews, band calendardates, and items of interest must be submitted by the 20th of eachmonth, and become the property of the Society.Founding EdHor Roger NaberEditor Shirley OwensContributing WrHer Jon LoweTypesetting/Layout Matt QuinnBoard of Directors and Officers

Chairperson Shirley OwensPresident Roger NaberVice-President Suzi ColbertVice-President Patrick FlemingtonSecretary Pam JacksonTreasurer Patrick FlemingtonDirector Jim BufordDirector Grace Harris

Director Jon LoweDirector Daisy LujanDirector Carolyn Wicker

The Kansas City Blues Society, a Missouri not-for-profit corpora-tion was formed for the sole purpose of promoting and preservingvarious styles of blues music. Founded in December of 1980 the

Kansas City Blues Society presents: monthly jam sessions, va;iouslocal and national groups in concert, and our main presentation -The Kansas City Blues and Heritage Festival. Members receive thenewsletter, discounts on Society eventsand discounts on purchasesat certain participating businesses. See page 5 for membershipapplication •.

"We always had a lot of fun in Kansas City. You know, Kansas

City was one of the older places where they first started playing blues.

A lot of good musicians came from Kansas City, years ago, you know,

especially horn players. In fact, I had a horn player that used to work

with me out of Kansas City named Harold Ashby for a long time and

he finally got with Duke Ellington. He was just telling me on the

phone last week that he was over in Russia and everywhere playing.

He's in New York now, Harold Ashby, a lot of the guys knew him. in

fact, he was with the first band that me and Chuck Berry went on the

road with. He was out of Kansas City.

"Then I had a drummer, AI Duncan. AI Duncan recorded with

me and Chuck Berry and all those guys way back there. He recordedwith me a lot on the Chess Label. And me and Memphis Slim used

to sing about Kansas City here I come, crazy little women, and I'mgain' to get me a few of 'em". ..sangWillie Dixon ..."standing on the

comer ...."

Katie's GuaranteeKatie Webster, 1989 Handy Award winner for best blues instru-

mentalist, had some good advice for Kansas City women. "I heard

you've been playing that 'Red Negligee'. I want them women to

snatch them negligees out of the closet. Don't leave them up there.

Itdon't matter ifyours not red. Ifyou don't have red, go out and buy

one of your choice. You don't have to use Estee Lauder. I use Estee

Lauder but whatever you use, do what I tell you and I guarantee you,

he won't do no snowin' cuz mine finally woke up", exclaimed Katie

Webster. Listen to the 'Red Negligee' on Webster's recent Alligator

release, Two Fisted Women.

Good, Bad and, Ugly- Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown

"I don't call my music blues, It's World and American music

Texas drive and swing," testified Gatemouth. Over coffee and lemon

water, Gatemouth won't tell anyone why he's called Gatemouth.

"You'll have. to read it in my book. It's going to be called Good.Bad,and Ugly- emphasize Ugly!,"chuckled Gate. It will be an autobiog-

raphy about Gate's life and his friends from T-Bone Walker to

Freddie King to his so-called son Lonnie Brooks ....

"Whatever mood I'm in is what I like to play," said Gatemouth as

he tuned his violin. "I playa '65 Gibson. It's like a part of me. It's twin,

the wife, is at home," speaking of his second '65 Gibson. Sixty-fiveyear old Brown performed until 2:30 a.m. recently at the G.E.

The Not-So-Silent Partners, who opened up for Gate, left silent

partner, Mel Brown, in Austin, Texas. Mel, tired of the road, appears

on Th.e Silent Partners outstanding new release, If It's All Nigh~ It'sAll Right, on the Antone Label. While the Partners are on tour

24-year old Mark McCotto is filling in on guitar. The Silent Partner;

strong and talented rhythm is due to Russel Jackson on bass and

Tony Coleman on drums. Their plans are an extensive tour to the

West Coast to promote their new release.

ZuZu meets ClydeSmokey Logg performed to about 5 people at The Grand Empo-

rium while KC.'s first blizzard blew in with below zero temps.

Smokey, a Dallas, Texas resident lives near ZuZu Bollin, recently

performed at the KCBS Fest and is on the cover of the December

Living Blues magazine. Smokey reports that "ZuZu told me when he

was a kid hitchhiking down Forth Worth Ave. going to a movie when

they cost a nickel, a Model- T Ford slowed down. A white man picked

him up and asked if ZuZu knew who he was. ZuZu said no and the

man told him his name - Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie & Clyde fame).

Today, ZuZu lives right across the street the street where Clyde is

buried and Bonnie is buried across town." 0

2



Jammin'in the Eighties

HappyHolidays! With the close of 1989 and the onslaught

1990 comes a bit of a retrospective of the jams. Over thepast year I have met and seen a lot of great people at the

jams. I have also heard some of the perceptions about the

jams from musicians and audience alike. It is these I would like to

address. There are many per-

ceptions out there including,

but not limited to:

It's a wayof clubowners tomake more money intheir off ============

hours. by B ig E dThe bands like hosting

them cause they don't have to ------------

playthe entire 4 hours.There are a "known few" that alwaysseem to get up quicker and

are more popular. It's a Clique.

Somejams are handled ina heavy handed manner and are uneven.

The truth is that it is all true. But like most truths there is aproblem with the way it is perceived. Fear and superstition occur

because there isnot enough understanding about the subject.

Yes, it is a way for clubs to get something in their off hours! Butone needs to understand that jams mostly pay for themselves. Maybe.

After the club pays for the host band (decidedly not an extravagantamount) and the overhead ittakes to stayopen for that period oftime

the onlything they realize isthe word ofmouth advertising that comesfrom the people that were there. In short, they are doing it because

they want to participate in the blues of K.C.Sure, the host band doesn't have to play the entire time they've

been paid for. But let 's understand that these aren't picnics.These

aren't gigs in the regular sense. These are Jams! As such it is their

P.A and other equipment which isoffered for everyone's use. Thereare a lot of horrorstories about equipment being either cosmetically

ruined or just broken byjammers. The hosts also have to do a lot of

juggling in terms of 1)getting all the jammers up and satisfy them; 2)making sure the audience stays interested; and 3) making sure it is

handled in a professional manner to satisfy the management.Yes, a known few are able to get up easier and maybe evenmore

often. But that is a direct reflection of the level of their past partici-pation. While it is conceptually true that no amateur should be

treated differently than another; the reality is that those that con-

stantly participate and support do become known factors to the hosts.This make it easier for them to knowwhat they can expect and this in

turn allowsthem to control the jam better. With better control they

can satisfy the participants, the audience and the management.Somejams do seem more uneven or heavyhanded when they are

compared to others. Every club has its own atmosphere. Every host

has hisown personality and approach to the blues. Everyjammer hashis own axe to grind. The jams are not uniform. Some emphasize a

jazz approach to the blues. Others offer a more traditional approach.

Some have lists to get on and some go bysomeone's memory. Some

are more organized than others.

In this new year, I call all musicians - both amateur and pro -to find newer ways of understanding each other. We should all bepulling together for a better and more varied music scene in Kansas

City!Iwant to thank all the clubs that holdjams for havingthem! Those

clubs that don't, I ask "Why not have a jam?" They make it anencouraging experience for the amateur. Many times they don't

realize the effect they can have on the up and coming people. It's

irreplaceable. Lastly, I want to thank all the jammers. You knowwhoyou are! But I want to extend a special thanks to the regulars I have

run into. 0

AT THE

JAMS...

The BLUES on KKFI 90. 1 FM...

.&te- (0. "7~ ~" ~ at 4:00 p , "" , fJII,

KKFI",4{la~de H'lr4S~"t¥~

Help support

Community Radioin Kansas City ...

Subscribe to KKFI!

o Sign me up as a KKFI subscriber and send me

the quarter1y program guide, as well as other premi-

ums. My tax-deductible donation is enclosed.

oooo

Listener

Sustainer

Patron

Founder

$25

$60

$120

$500

Bill me monthly:

o $10/month

o $20/month

Name

Address _

City/State/Zip _

Mail to:

KKFI90.1 FM, 1627 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

7230 W. 75th Sf. • Overland Park, Kansas

~~4-~,'~~&de~~

3

- _ " . - : - : ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ < ~ : : : : . : · : -" _ .

J : h u a r y 26& 27

FULL BLAST

E~S~-~~1-121HU6u9it~~~&tie~~

(913) 236-6211



Records - Recent ReleasesJohnny Adams, Walking on a Tightrope, Rounder 2095

O are nc e "G ate Io olJh " B roM l, StarrJing MyGroux:J , Al ig a to r 4 779

John Cephas & Phil Wiggins, Guitar Man, Flying Fish 470

Gary B.B. Coleman, Dancin' My Blues Away, Ichiban 1049

Tinsley Ellis, Fanning the Flames, Alligator 4778

John Lee Hooker, The Healer, Chamaleon D1-74808

Jerry McCain, Blues 'N'Stuff, Ichiban 1047

Bobby Radcliff Dresses Too Short, BlackTop 1048

Silent Partners, If It's All Night, It's All Right, Antone's 0010

Joe Louis Walker, Blue Soul, Hightone 8019

Muddy Waters, The Chess Box, Chess 80002

Katie Webster, Two-Fisted Mama!, Alligator 4777

Big Shoulders, Rounder 9023

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THE V EAR I N REV lEW FROM PAGE 1

Band emerging from Maxine's. There was also time to host the

"Chuck Roast", a benefit for KCUR's "Fish Fry", and a benefit for

George Jackson which was arranged by Little Hatch to help defray

some of his medical expenses.The last preliminary round of the Amateur Contest was held atzntmoves as the Dan Doran Band earned a in the final round.

Ida McBeth on Blues Cruise II

Photo: Keith Thorpe

On August 10th these four bands squared off at the Grand Empo-rium for the big "shoot off'. Our three judges selected the New 39th

Street Band as the winner and they earned the trip to Memphis for

the National Finals. Blues Cruise II brought back the ever popular

Bel Airs to the river. Ida McBeth joined in on the upper deck as weall danced on the waters.

Fall: Festiva/s...and more Festivals -_Beale Street was the destination of the New 39th Street Band on

Labor Day weekend as we sent them to Memphis for the NationalAmateur Blues Talent Contest. That same weekend many of ourpeople helped out at the Blues Stage at the Spirit Festival. Blayney's

was the site of the September membership meeting and jam session

which was hosted by Milleage Gilbert.October meant hours and hours of planning and working the

Festival. We did have a membership meeting at Nightmoves featur-

r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .

LET'S PROMOTEKANSAS CITY BLUES

MEM~ERSHIP APPLICATIONANNUAL DUES: Single-$10.00 • Family-$15.00

NAME

ADDRESS _CITY/STATE/ZIP _

TELEPHONE: =-_-= _

DATE D New D Renewal

Send Check or Money Order to:

KANSAS CITY BLUES SOCIETY

P.o. BOX32131 • KANSASCITY. MISSOURI. 64111L ~

ing Little Hatch and had a sizeable delegation drive to Helena,

Arkansas for the KingBiscuit Blues Festival. I am sure our GenuineBlues '89 Festival isfresh in everyone's mind but itis noteworthy for

the first ever Blues Club Crawl, appearances by elder statesmen

Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, ZuZu Bollin and Lazy Lester, arockin' Lone Star performance by Johnny Winter and the big armory

finalewith the Juke Jumpers, Lonnie Brooks, and Mr. T.D. (TyroneDavis). There was something for everyone at thisyear's fest.Certainly, the highlight for November was the Handy Awards in

Memphis where our ow n president, Roger Naber, was selected BluesClub Owner of the Year. He was cheered on by a throng of faithful

KC. Blues Society members who made the longdrive for the awards.November also featured a folk blues show put on jointly with Cross-

Currents that showcased the talents of Spencer Bohren and included

a country blues jam.In December, we were able

have a volunteer party in ap-

preciation of the approxi-mately 65 volunteers who

joined in to make the Blues

Fest possible. This was heldat the Chateau Lounge

and included entertain-

ment bythe 360 De-

gree Band. Ourmonthly mem-

bership meetingwas held at

Harling's.

In retro-

another great

year of opportu-nities for area blueslovers. KCBS has

rocked on throughthe eighties and will

celebrate its 10th an-niversary in 1990.

We expect to havean even greater year

ahead. 0

Lonnie Brooks surprises theArmory Crowd - 10/28/89

Photo: Marcie Ryan

E L E C T ION S FROM PAGE 1

are willingtowork hard for FREE inpromoting the blues inKC., theKansas CityBlues Society needs you! Contact Pam at 642-8107.

So far the followingKCBS members have decided to run for the

Board ofDirectors: Roger Naber, ShirleyOwens, Marcie Ryan, PamJackson, Joyce Mourning, Suzi Colbert, Daisy Lujan, Scott Mackey,

Provine Hatch, Jon Lowe, Kenny Taylor, and Ellen Schulthies.

Again, ifyou would like information about the KCBS Board of

Directors' election, call 642-8107 or 333-5462.

Also, on January 11, people willbe encouraged to join KCBS andvote. You must show your membership card in order to receive a

ballot. Therefore, bring your friends and have them join in the votingof a new 1990 KCBS Board. Ifyou join on January 11 during the

Election Party, Pam Jackson, KCBS Secretary, willbe able to giveyou

a membership card that evening. Members of the KCBS receive amonthly newsletter, discounts on KCBSmerchandise, a dollar off on

blues shows at the Grand Emporium and Blayneys, a dollar off on

blues records at The Music Exchange and Pennylane, plus otherpremiums. Help celebrate KCBS' Tenth Anniversary and get your

blues pals hip to the trip. 0

5



xc BLUES JAMS

SUNDAY JAMS . = JAMS - Bring your Instrument.

* The Roxy, 7230 W. 75th Street , 236-8211, featuring Oliver Riley & the

Blues Not ions, 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

* The Reiger, 1922 Main Street, featuring Lonesome & Dangerous,

8:30 - 11:30 p.m., 842-9133

* Jimmy's Jigger, 1823 West 39th Street, 753-2444, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00

p.m. featuring Rick Hendricks/Hit & Run Band with Mi ll ie Edwards

MONDAY JAMS* Blayney's, 415Westport Road, 581-3747, 10 p.m.

* Hurr icane, 4048 Broadway, 753-0884, KC Blues Band, 10 pm-2 am

TUESDAY JAMS* The Point, 917West 44th, 531-9800, Lonnie Ray Blues Band, 9:00

p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY JAMS* Elephant, 133S. Parker , Olathe, KS, Lonnie Ray's Blues Band, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY JAMS* The Tuba, 333 Southwest Blvd at Broadway, 471-8510, Mo Paul,7:30pm

* Harlings, 3941 Main, 531-0303

SATURDAY JAMS* Nightmoves, 5110 N.E. Vivion Road, 452-4393, Little Hatch & the

Houserockers, 3-7p.m.

* Harlings Upstairs, 3941 Main, 531-0303, Diana Ray & Rich Van Sant,

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

* H & MBarbecue, 1715N. 13th, Kansas City, Ks, Abb Locke, 10 pm

*MC's Lounge, 5709 Troost , 383-9378, Saturday & Sunday, J(jng Alex

and The Untouchables, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

OTHER CLUBSo The Boulevard Beat, 320.Southwest Blvd., 421-7207

o Birdland, 1800 E. 19th, 842-8483

o Eblon's, 1801 E. 18th Street, 221-8812

o Inferno, 4038 Troost Avenue, 931-4000

o J(jki 's Bonton Maison, 1515Westport R08'd, 931-9417

o Grand Emporium (.ee advert.), 3832 Main, 531-7557,

Fridays-Little Hatch's Housepar ty, 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

o Chateau Lounge, 5938 Prospect, 523-9333

o Inferno, 4038 Troost, 931-4000

Support the Blues in KC"" "

Join the Blues Society

K a n s a s C l t r B l u e s S o c i e trPo. Box 32131. Kansas City. MO 64111

ACR-RPG

BLUES RADIO

KANU-FM 91.5 Saturday, 8 to 11p.m. - "Blues in the Night"

wi th Kyle Neuer

KCUR-FM 89.3 Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. - "Saturday Night Fish Fr

with Chuck Haddock

KCXL-AM 1140 Saturday 3 to 4 p.m. - "The B.B. J(jng Show"

with B.B. J(jng

Saturday 4 to 5 p.m. - "Blues with J.S. Marshall"

KKFI-FM 90.1 Daily, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. - "Traffic Jam"

Tuesday & Thursday, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. -

"Breakfast Club" wi th Dave CreightonKPRT-AM 1590 Thursday thru Sunday, 9 pm to Midnight -

"The Blues Block Party" with Whitehat Mike

KCFX-FM 101 Sunday, 7 to 10 p.m. - 'Kansas City Blues Show"

with Lindsay Shannon

KPR5-FM 103.3 Monday-Friday, 12 to 1p.m. - "Lunch at the Oldies"

BULK RATE

U.S. Postage PaidPermit #3407 .

Kansas City, MO

Documents

Blues News - January 1990