Happy Birthday Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues

After reading today's earlier post, I hope you did go out and read up on Robert Johnson, or heard one of his tunes.

I don't think it needs to be explained who Robert Johnson is, nor what his contributions to music are. I've mentioned them on this blog countless of times, and named his collection the best album to be introduced to blues music. He is the most authoritative force in the genre.

Today marks his 102nd birthday, and here's his classic "Crossroads Blues".

Have You Ever Heard of Robert Johnson?

DO IT.

via http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/

Happy Birthday Blind Willie McTell

On this day in 1898, William McTier, otherwise known as Blind Willie McTell, was born in Georgia.

Blind from a young age, he picked up the guitar and eventually became a star of his own. His ragtime blues and fingerstyle guitar playing, as well as his use of twelve-string guitars, gained him much fame in the 1930's and 40's. It later influenced many artists, including Bob Dylan and the Allman Brothers Band.

He also had a more soft, laidback voice compared to other rough, harsh blues singers of the day.

So to celebrate here's one of his later tracks called "Love Changin' Blues".

Japanese Girl in Kimono Plays the Blues

It can't get more awesome than this; and she's got the chops too! Her name is Maki Shizusawa.

Happy International Jazz Day!

Today marks the second year of the official, UN sponsored, International Jazz Day, so I hope everyone can get some jazz in their lives on this occasion.

There will be a massive concert in Istanbul, Turkey, for this awesome day. Check out the roster on the official Jazz Day website [here], and here's the official blurb about it:

"The evening concert at Istanbul’s famed Hagia Irene will feature performances by stellar musicians from around the world, including pianists John Beasley, George Duke, Robert Glasper, Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis, Keiko Matsui and Eddie Palmieri; vocalists Rubén Blades, Al Jarreau, Milton Nascimento, Dianne Reeves and Joss Stone; trumpeters Terence Blanchard, Imer Demirer and Hugh Masekela; bassists James Genus, Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding and Ben Williams; drummers Terri Lyne Carrington and Vinnie Colaiuta; guitarists Bilal Karaman, John McLaughlin, Lee Ritenour and Joe Louis Walker; saxophonists Dale Barlow, Igor Butman, Branford Marsalis, Wayne Shorter and Liu Yuan; clarinetists Anat Cohen and Hüsnü Şenlendirici; violinist Jean-Luc Ponty; Pedrito Martinez and Zakir Hussain on percussion and other special guests. John Beasley will be the event's musical director."

Looks like it's gonna be a great event; in the meantime, check out this awesome track I'm hearing by Clifford Brown and Max Roach called "Sandu", and happy jazzin' to you all!

Remembering the 'Father of the Delta Blues', Charlie Patton

Born in Mississippi On April 28, 1891 (the date is still disputed)  and on the same day died in 1934, Charlie (or as it's spelled sometimes, Charley) Patton was credited to being the founder and father of the Delta blues.

His legacy is an important one, as many of the great bluesmen of their time, such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Howlin; Wolf among dozens of others.

His guitar showmanship and raspy voice sent sparks flying and his influence is evident, and travelled across several plantations in Mississippi and elsewhere spreading this new type of music. He also performed other types of music such ragtime and hillbilly music too.

The box set collection 'Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton'  won three different Grammys s in 2003,  for Best Historical Album, Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package, and Best Album Notes.

Here's one of his late songs called "Stone Pony Blues":

TIME Article on Muddy Waters' Legacy

This month, the blues legend Muddy Waters would have turned 100. This great musician, and I keep saying it, was instrumental in changing Western music forever.

TIME Magazine has written as article about him, which you can read [here].

He also passed away on April 30, 1983. So we honor his legacy two times in one month, so here's a live video of "Hoochie Coochie Man', one of the songs that shaped rock n' roll:

Blues Musical to Kick-Off on May 2

Creative Cauldron will be presenting the blues comedy musical Thunder Knocking on the Door starting May 2 - 26 on their premises in Virginia.

"Thunder Knocking on the Door is an intoxicating musical filled with humor and heart.  Set in Bessmer, Alabama in 1966, the story follows a mysterious, Blues-playing stranger named Marvel Thunder who shows up uninvited at the home of the Dupree family. Thunder is a mythic figure with supernatural powers.   He has come to challenge the son and daughter of Jaguar Dupree, the only man who ever outplayed him on the guitar in a “cutting contest.” Since its 1999 premiere at Arena Stage, Thunder has played to rave reviews and sold out houses in theaters around the country."

 The music is composed by blues musician Keb' Mo'. Looks like a fun show!

The 6 Most Ridiculous Guitar Designs

Over on one of my favorite websites, Cracked.com, Levon Ritter posted a list of the 6 most ridiculous guitar designs, such Pat Metheny's Pikasso Guitar:

So go over [there] and check the wackiness out!

'Blues the Most' - Hampton Hawes

This great little piano/bass piece is from Hampton Hawes 1955 album Trio Vol. 1. Hawes was a reknowed jazz pianist, and was highly influential during the 50's  hard bop movement.