Hey there. I’m living in a Purple State. No, not talking politics here, talking Covid.
We’ve got 4 Covid “tiers” in California and Purple is our worst one. So we’re battening down the hatches – again. Keeping a couple masks in our pockets – again. And reminiscing about all those things we used to do when people could do … you know, things.
Thank God for the Blues, WiFi, and (especially) DoorDash.
This week: The Spotlight is on a program that can really be a life preserver for some of our musician/artists.
And then in Short Licks, there’s a great live album release, a resurrected old friend, and an auction item you might be interested in (tip: check your couch cushions first.)
Spotlight – Fueling Musicians
Fueling Musicians by KeepingTheBluesAlive.org
Joe Bonamassa’s At It Again.
The man with too many #1 Blues albums to count, is giving back to the Blues community. And he’s doing it with an an emergency relief plan for touring musicians called Fueling Musicians.
Cash on the Barrelhead
We’ve all been smacked down by Covid but the musicians we love the most – the road warrior blues musicians – have been among the hardest hit. So Joe’s put together a program to provide some relief.
The program provides immediate cash payments to musicians to help with their living expenses. It also provides pre-paid gas cards as well. So when they do go back to gigging, they’ll be able to gas up the van and hit the road running.
Strength in Numbers
Joe’s put his time, his effort, and his own money into this endeavor. He’s also convinced some brand-name industry partners to help out too.
Companies like Gibson, Fender, and Sweetwater (to name a few) have all made contributions. Over $350,000.00 has been raised and more than 200 musicians helped so far. But as usual, more is needed.
That’s where we come in.
If every Blues fan gave just a buck, that would add up to a whole lot of bucks. And those bucks could help out a lot of musicians.
So if you can, please donate to Fueling Musicians. And share this info and the links below with a friend or two. That could help out even more.
The Outro
If you’re like me, music has been one of the major “fuels” of your life. So if you can, please put a little fuel into the tanks of some folks that could really use it.
If you’re a musician and you want to apply for some help, Click Here.
If you’re someone who can help out with a donation, Click Here.
Short Licks
Photo by Scott Gruber on Unsplash
Rockpalast For the Win
Man, if you’re a Kenny Wayne Shepherd fan you’re gonna want this in your collection. “This” is a live concert video/album just out, entitled “Straight To You: Live.” The show was recorded for the German TV show Rockpalast, last November – before Covid made the (live) music die. The sound is great. The band is in top form. And the video puts you right in the audience. (Pre-Christmas gift from me-to-me.)
“Straight To You: Live” on Amazon
Catch the Concert (Free) on Youtube
Ballot Box Redux
If you’re not yet tired of all-things-voting (hah!), here’s another chance. You can cast your vote for the top Blues album of 2020 on the Blues Rock Review website. And if you don’t want to vote, just check out their album list. You’ll find it’s a great exploration/listening list. (This is one vote that won’t need a recount.)
Vote for the Top 20 Albums of 2020!
Welcome Back Old Friend
Tower Records has risen from the dead. It’s coming back as an online service. And for those of us that spent way too many hours sifting through those record bins, it kinda feels like a long-lost friend has returned. I loved the Sunset Blvd. store. (Ahh, the smell of vinyl and weed … smelled like, victory.)
6 Pounds of Grammium
The Grammy Nominations have been announced. And as usual, there’s a good mix of young turks and old souls on the list. All vying for that 24k gold electroplated little phonograph of an award. Here’s a list of just the Bluesy nominations. (Another great list of music to explore.)
2021 GRAMMY Nominations in Our Favorite Categories
Albert King’s Flying “V” Gibson
Classic guitar collecting is truly big game hunting. So you’d better come with your guns loaded or you don’t stand a chance. Case in point, Albert King’s personal Gibson Flying V. Owned and played by Albert. It’s up for auction with a starting bid of $75,000.00. (But take a look where the bidding’s at now – whoa!)
Albert King’s Guitar at Auction
I’ll Leave You With…
“The Things (That) I Used to Do” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
(Oh, so so many)
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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