Hey there. I hope you all have a sweet little baby of your own right about now.
And I hope you’ve been quarantining together too so you can keep him or her real close.
None of that 6-feet away stuff.
This week: I’ve got a Spotlight on a bluesman you should be keeping close – Albert Cummings. he’s definitely a craftsman both with and without a guitar in his hands.
And then in Short Licks, there’s a Memphis invitation, a mask opportunity, and a way to cook up some Blues from your couch.
Spotlight – Albert Cummings
Albert Cummings by Mascot Label Group
Builder Of Songs And Structures
Albert came to the Blues by way of the Northeast – Massachusetts to be exact. Not your classical starting point for a Blues guitarist. And especially so when you consider he’s a fourth-generation builder. But who cares when you’re this good?
Inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan as a teenager, Albert pretty much stayed under the radar in his hometown of Williamstown well into his 20’s – working the family trade. Then a chance “sit in” with the band at a wedding reception changed his mindset in a big way.
He formed a trio. Started playing local gigs. And in 1999, worked his way into the International Blues Challenge competition. Since then, he’s been building an impressive reputation on two fronts.
He’s Got The Resume
- 20-some years playing the Blues all over the world
- Opening and touring with B.B. King; performing with Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Sheryl Crow, Susan Tedeschi and others
- A Blues Music Award nomination for Best Blues Rock Album for his 2017 “Live at the ’62 Center”
Oh, and along the way he’s also won national awards, custom-building homes and other properties with his firm Cummings General Contractor Inc.
No idle hands here.
What About That Smile?
Well you see, Albert smiles a lot on stage.
Sure, he puts on his Blues face when he’s belting out a lyric, bending notes, or working out on a solo. But he’s just as likely to grin too. He’s just feeling the joy of it all.
He never makes it look like work. And he’s soooo relaxed. It just naturally makes you relax too.
Going to one of Albert’s shows is just a real good time.
The Outro
One of Albert’s strengths I think is that he doesn’t just play the Blues. He crosses over into different genres all the time. But everything comes with a bluesy touch.
That’s why people who say they don’t like the Blues, still like Albert. (Pssst, they really like the Blues too.)
Albert’s guitar playing is non-stop special. And his songs will grab at you in ways you never saw coming. Albert is just a bluesy good time every time he straps on that Fender. A true Blues artisan.
Here’s a short playlist from is 2020 album “Believe” to prove my point.
Short Licks
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Walking’ In Memphis
Gonna be in Memphis on the 14th? If you are, you can catch Eric Gales at B.B. King’s at 8:00 p.m. But if you’re stuck at home with the rest of humanity, you can still catch Eric via live-stream. Veeps.com can get you there for $20.00; you just need to set up an account. (Climb on board the live-stream bandwagon.)
Alastair Greene Sighting
Alastair Greene is dropping a brand new album on October 23rd. It’s entitled “The New World Blues” and it’s going to be on Tab Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records label. You can get to know him a little bit beforehand with this Blues Rock Review video interview. (Good read.)
Accessories Make Everything Better
Looking for that special accessory for these Covid times? Something that says “I’m hip to the music AND the virus” but still makes you look cooler than cool? Got you covered – literally! With your very own controllable LED face mask. (Safe and sooo sharp.)
Preparation Meets Opportunity
Ready to go back to a live shoe? I know I am. When you do, here’s a great check list from Aqib Raja in Blues Rock Review to make your experience more fun. I’m especially partial number 3 on the list. (I’m guessing this goes in the back pocket for now.)
Make Your Concert Experience More Fun
Home Cooked Blues
Like me, did you really miss going to the Big Blues Bender this year? Well the folks at #BBB have put together a virtual “Homebound Bender” on Facebook to ease our pain. It’s a mix of previous show recordings and new social-distanced performances to keep the Blues alive. (The show must go on.)
I’ll Leave You With…
“Every time I Roll The Dice” by Delbert McClinton
(Just because you haven’t yet been rocked enough.)
Thanks for reading,
Jon
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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