Buddy Guy Talks Blues with David Letterman

On David Letterman's Netflix show, 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction' episode with Tina Fay, Buddy Guy, one of the last remaining blues OGs, sat down with David to have some chicken and talk the blues.

Check it out, it's a treat! Here's a clip from Youtube, the episode is longer and has some live performances!

'Riverside Blues' - Otis Spann

Otis Spann was one of the main pillars of Chicago blues piano; he was also one of the mainstays of Muddy Waters' Blues Band from 1952 until his untimely death in 1970. 

Otis released a few albums as a solo artist in the 60's and has played with many of the big blues giants like Howlin' Wolf to Bo Diddley. 

He was known to play solo piano in mellow moans and expressive voice, and this song from his 1966 album "Good Morning Mr. Blues" symbolizes that:

The Story of Dixie Square Mall & the End of an Era

Remember the police scene in the Blues Brothers film? Of course you do! But if you need a recap, here ya go:

It took place in the iconic (and now destroyed) took place at the Dixie Square Mall in Chicago. It has been demolished 30 years after the film, but I got an interesting article detailing the demolishing and some other insights. Head on over [here] to see it.

Dan Aykroyd Starts 'Blues Brothers Records'

The face of Elwood Blues, actor Dan Akyroyd, and wife of John Belushi AKA 'Joliet' Jake Blues, have started a music label, appropriately called 'Blues Brothers Records'. It will be run under Capitol Music Group label Blue Note, also appropriate. The purpose of the label is to promote blues and new blues artists.

Aykroyd says:

"The recorded music industry today presents huge challenges but also great opportunities," Aykroyd says. "Judy and I are excited to partner with the master ear for talent Don Was and Blue Note Records in fulfilling the true 'Mission From God' — to find, develop and nurture emerging blues performers. After all, that's where American music began in the first place and now it is in the hands of the next generation." 

[SOURCE]

The Blues Brothers Return to SNL

Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary was on Sunday, and while everyone was checking out the other acts, I was waiting for The Blues Brothers, who did show up to sing "Everybody Needs Somebody".

Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's brother, Jim came on stage to sing. John Belushi was the original 'Jake Blues' character who died in 1982.

Obviously they put on some weight, and Dan was showing his age, but it's always great to see the black suits and glasses on stage again.

If the Blues Brothers Police Chase Actually Happened

[source]

For reference:

Blues Brothers Recreated With LEGOS!

Holy crap do people have some free time.

If you've seen the 1980 cult classic "The Blues Brothers", then you know that that Elwood and Jake Blues are on a mission from God to save their orphanage, and along the way they get in some trouble with the law (among others).

One of the car chases is through a mall; and it turns out, it's just as amazing with Lego bricks. Duncan McConchie, the mad genius at Bricktease, created a shot-for-shot recreation of the famous scene done entirely with Legos. 

This is brilliant , and this is what the internet is all about. Hats off to Duncan!

The Blues Brothers Video Game

In 1992, Titus Software released a platform game based on the popular Blues Brothers film on PC, NES and other platforms.

It's a strange game, with almost nothing to do with the movie apart from the characters Jake and Elwood Blues, and a midi soundtrack related to the film's music. The rest involves picking up boxes and using them to climb to platforms to damage opponents.

I guess it's part of how licensed material goes; take a popular movie or series and milk it to merchandise. Star Wars makes billions of dollars annually on merchandise like toys and t-shirts. Usually, licensed franchise video games don't turn out well, the only exception being the latest Batman games on the PS3/360.

'How Blue Can You Get' - The All Star Louisiana Gator Boys (Blues Brothers 2000)

If you have ever seen the movie, you know this song was one of the highlights; The Louisiana Gator Boys, comprised of some of the best blues and R n' B artists, are up against The Blues Brothers in a battle of the bands.

This song is one of BB King's signature tunes, and with all these artists on board, you know it can't get any more blue.

The Louisiana Gator Boys are:

B.B. King, Jeff Baxter, Gary U.S. Bonds, Eric Clapton, Clarence Clemons, Jacques de Johnette, Bo Diddley, Jon Faddis, Isaac Hayes, Dr. John, Tommy McDonnell, Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Preston, Lou Rawls, Joshua Redman, Koko Taylor, Travis Tritt, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Weeks, Steve Winwood, and Grover Washington Jr.

Too bad the video can't be embedded; so click on the link and enjoy this great collaboration.


How Blue Can You Get - Louisiana Gator Boys