Hey there. Bought a new car. Almost completely online too. Interesting experience.
I’d like to say it drives real nice but I’ve only been in it a few times. And then, only in the passenger seat.
The Mrs. has commandeered it. Taking it out for “spins.” Longer and longer “spins.”
If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was a little tired of quarantining with me. (Nah, who would ever get tired of that?)
This week: The Spotlight is shining on a man who played harp so good he made it sing.
And then in Short Licks, there’s a real interesting Grammy-Nominated album you should check out, something for the old kids, and a reminder that elves can be sexy too.
Spotlight – Junior Wells
Junior Wells by discogs.com,
Can You Really Play?
That’s pretty much what the judge supposedly said to Junior Wells when he was brought up on charges for stealing a harmonica from a pawn shop when he was young.
The harp was $2 and Junior only had $1.50. He dropped his dough on the counter when the clerk wasn’t looking and bolted from the shop. But he got caught.
So Junior looked the judge in the eye, picked up that harmonica in the courtroom, and played a little bit for his Honor.
Then, as the story goes, the judge pulled $.50 out of his own pocket, gave it to the shop owner, and said, “case dismissed.” And Junior never looked back.
Chicago Pioneer
Born Amos Wells Blakemore, Jr., Junior Wells was one of the seminal Chicago Blues artists in the 1960’s.
He played in Muddy Waters’ band, was a life-long collaborator with Buddy Guy, and fronted his own band for many years.
He sang and played harmonica. But while his singing was outstanding, his harmonica work was out of sight.
In fact, Wells’ harp work helped define what was to become the amplified harmonica sound associated with electric Blues.
The Springboard
A major force on the Chicago scene for some years, Junior’s first the big time in 1965. That’s when he released his first album, “Hoodoo Blues Man.”
The album is one of those cornerstone pieces of Blues work. A showcase for Wells’ singing and playing for sure. But it’s also a showcase for the Blues. And it turned him into a star.
The record actually captures the feeling of a live Blues performance at a local club even though it was recorded in a controlled studio setting. When you listen, you can almost believe you’re in the studio with the band. Just hanging out.
The Outro
I love Junior’s harp work in general, but particularly on “Hoodoo.” His style reminds me more of a lead guitarist than a harpist.
It’s clean, understated, and often playful. And it compliments his songs, always adding something to the equation.
“Hoodoo Blues Man” is a major Blues album. And if you’re a true Blues fan, you should have it in your collection.
Here’s a short playlist to give you a taste.
Short Licks
Got The Juice?
Like a little touch of Hip Hop in your Blues? I gotcha covered. “The Juice,” by G. Love & Special Sauce, is Grammy-Nominated in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category for 2021. For sure, this album stretches that category – but in a good way. The whole album is just gosh-darn interesting and well put together. (I couldn’t help but like it.)
Bona Who?
Most people slowed way down during the pandemic. But not Joe Bonamassa. Now there’s video of Joe’s life story (so far). And it’s available on all the Internets. You can get your hands on it several different ways. Amazon Prime rents it for $5.99. (I got it and it’s real good.)
Joe Bonamassa Guitar Man Trailer
Ancient Mariners
Okay, spoiler alert. Don’t read this if you don’t want to feel older than you already are. Ready? The Rolling Stones are closing in on their 60-year anniversary as a band. Man, it seems like just last week I was cruising down U.S. 30 listening to “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” (Ugh, I should have taken my own advice.)
The Rolling Stones Will Turn 60 In 2022
Don’t Be Late
Don’t be caught napping. Christmas is here in a couple weeks. So if you need some inspiration for that Bluesy, music-loving friend of yours, here are some ideas from Rock & Blues Muse magazine.
Holiday Gift Guide For Music Lovers
Sexy Santa
The Blues can make just about anything sexy. Case in point – Santa Claus. I’ll bet if Santa sang this way for Mrs. Claus, he’d get more than milk and cookies when he came home. (He’s the Santa Man baby.)
I’ll Leave You With…
“Mustang Sally” by Buddy Guy
(Great song when all you wanna do is ride around (Cindy))
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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