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Home - Hoodoo Blues
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Reminiscing - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Family, friends and fans came together to remember Chris Gaffney at the Cellar in Long Beach, Calif., April 30. Upstairs, a display of photos, art and memorabilia celebrated the singer-songwriter’s life. Onstage downstairs, a purple accordion sat on a bar stool, with a display of purple roses underneath and a cap perched on a microphone stand reading: “Gaff: Vaya Con Dios.”
The stories and tears flowed. The whole family was assembled, and Gaffney’s family members shared their memories. Dave Alvin, Gaffney’s best friend and longtime musical collaborator, offered a couple of his favorite Gaffney stories, noting that in life and in his distinctive sense of humor as in music, Gaffney’s “timing and phrasing were perfect,” lending to a lot of nuanced, “skewed and skewering” comments.
Alvin, who often cited Gaffney as his “spiritual advisor,” noted that he “took some comfort and consolation in knowing that now Gaffney knows all the secrets of the universe.”
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Cruisin’ into Spring - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Tickets are available for the first Blues Society of Omaha cruise on the River City Star. The cruise is an afternoon jaunt on Sunday, May 4, and begins boarding at 2:30 p.m. with cruise time set for 3 p.m. Pacific Northwest blues/roots band Too Slim & The Taildraggers perform along with Omaha’s own Lil’ Joe and Big Trouble. Fine local blues-jazz guitarist George Walker and his band also play, with vocalist Erika Hall. Advance tickets are recommended and on sale at McKenna’s, Murphy’s, BarFly and The Lift. |
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R.I.P. Chris Gaffney - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Chris Gaffney is dead. The news came via computer screen. Surely it had to be a mistake. But word traveled like heat lightning from friend to friend. From Austin to Lincoln, from Southern California to Omaha, one email after another said the same thing. Gaffney passed away on the morning of Thursday, April 17, at the age of 57. This was hard news for friends and fans to take. (Disclaimer: I was lucky to consider myself both.) Now benefits for his recovery from liver cancer have become memorials. But if there was ever a life to celebrate, it is Chris Gaffney’s.
Gaffney, diagnosed in February, had recently begun cancer treatments. The official prognosis seemed hopeful. HelpGaff.com received more than $40,000 in donations in three weeks and well-wishes from around the world. Another great national roots/blues singer and friend, Curtis Salgado, was diagnosed with liver cancer and ultimately beat the odds, receiving a life-saving liver transplant in Omaha in 2006. I witnessed so many miracles large and small in Salgado’s journey that I felt very hopeful Gaffney, too, could defeat this disease.
After all, Gaffney was a larger-than-life figure; in his youth he was a winning prizefighter with a 16–1 record. He suffered a partially detached retina in a match that ultimately cut short his fighting career. |
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Irresistible Soul - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Lincoln band Son of 76 & The Watchmen put out an amazing CD in March, Imaginary Man. The disc seems to capture the attention and the dancing feet of everyone who hears it, and it features 10 original tracks written by frontman and vocalist Josh Hoyer, with contributions from his excellent band. The current lineup features ace guitar work by Werner Althaus and Luke Sticka, with powerhouse players Nick Semrad on keys, Justin Jones on drums and Brian Morrow on bass.
Hoyer’s been developing this sound throughout his work with previous bands, The Magnificent 7 and Electric Soul Method. He’s a dynamic and soulful musician who can wail on the saxophone. Son of 76’s sound is a joyride through a sonic landscape that reflects influences from Tom Waits and Van Morrison to vintage soul to those kings of cool, low-fi R&B-rock — the defunct band Morphine. The driving, vibey mix is contemporary, eclectic and unique. Give a listen to last year’s release, Shake & Howl, which is more impressive when listened to in conjunction with the new disc. Imaginary Man was produced by Hoyer and Charlie Johnson of The Mezcal Brothers at Lincoln’s Fuse Studios (formerly the Mogis brothers’ Presto! studios and the home of Saddle Creek Records’ early recordings). Hear cuts at myspace.com/sonof76.
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Jumpin’ with John - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Acclaimed harmonica player and vocalist John Németh has been on the blues scene for years but it’s just this year that he’s snagged a nomination in the Blues Music Awards for “Best New Artist Debut.” The recognition comes on the heels of his first recording for a national label, 2007’s Magic Touch (Blind Pig Records). But astute blues fans might have seen Németh fronting his own band over the last 12 years or so, or caught him guesting with guitar wizard Junior Watson’s band back in the day at Trovato’s.
The buzz behind Magic Touch is significant, with multiple critics commenting that Németh is blending jump-blues and soul in a way that invokes a wide range of blues greats. |
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Strictly Old School - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
An all-star band of regional blues veterans plays Murphy’s and the Zoo bar next week. Old School, the latest band project organized by former Zoo Bar owner Larry Boehmer, gigs at Murphy’s Thursday, April 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Old School includes Lincoln guitarist Sean Benjamin, Lincoln keyboardist James Cidlik, regional guitar star “Baby Jason” Davis and Midwestern harmonica master and super-smooth vocalist R.J. Mischo. Boehmer, who lives in Eureka Springs, Ark., and drummer David Watson hold down the rhythm section. As the name implies, the focus is on old school, traditional blues.
Lincoln fans can catch the band in two big shows at the Zoo bar next Friday. The band will play the Friday Afternoon Club slot from 5-7 p.m. and return with two big sets for the late-night show Friday, April 11. |
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Gathering for Gaffney - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
As this column deadline approached, news about the Hacienda Brothers recent concert date cancellations was released. Chris Gaffney, the Bros. celebrated lead singer, is ill. Although no further details about his condition were available at press time, Americana icon Dave Alvin said in a Yep Roc Records press release: “My best friend Chris Gaffney is seriously ill and requires some costly medical treatments … his family has put together a website where all of his friends and fans around the world can donate to the Gaffney cause. The web page will be up and running in the next week or so … Please check back at my website, davealvin.net, in the next week or so in order to be directed to the family web page.”
In the meantime, Alvin announced his latest digital download, “Those Lonely, Lonely Nights,” is available at yeproc.com with proceeds from going directly into Gaffney’s medical fund. The tune, from a December concert, features Gaffney throwing down a soulful vocal with Alvin on guitar as part of the Gene Taylor Blues Band. The track was recorded as part of a forthcoming CD focused on piano-playing great Gene Taylor, a longtime member of The Blasters and also for many years a featured member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Joining Taylor and Alvin were veteran Blasters John Bazz (bass) and Bill Bateman (drums).
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Hail to the Chief - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater is touring in support of a fine disc on Alligator, West Side Strut. Produced by Ronnie Baker Brooks with Clearwater, the CD is a rollicking tribute to the raw West Side Chicago blues scene. The rave-up collection of tracks includes Brooks, who is also Clearwater’s nephew, on guitar, along with other special guests like Lonnie Brooks, Otis Clay, Billy Branch and Jimmy Johnson. Clearwater and his touring band blow into Murphy’s from the Windy City Thursday, March 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m. |
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Houserockin’ Time - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials is hands down one of the most popular blues bands. Ed and his band received memorable recognition in 2007, taking home the “Blues Band Of The Year” honors at the 2007 Blues Music Awards. In addition, Lil’ Ed Williams was voted 2007 Blues Artist of the Year (Male) in both the Readers’ and Critics’ Polls in Living Blues magazine; and Ed has been featured on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” When the program visited Chicago, Ed was featured in a taped skit where Conan asks Ed to teach him how to play the blues. Check out the clip on YouTube. |
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Saturday Night 411 - |
Saturday offers so many musical choices it’s a bit daunting. Big time, Top-40-charting band The Fabulous Thunderbirds hits the stage at the Horseshoe Casino. Canadian blues star Dawn Tyler Watson brings her “Grandes Dames du Blues” show to the Holland 1200 Club. Josh Hoyer’s band Son of 76 & The Watchmen releases its CD at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar. Look for the profile on p. 36 — the CD is a stand-out piece of work. Atmospheric Americana indie-folk-rock band The Coal Men play at BarFly Saturday night with Sarah Benck and the Robbers. |
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Strong Women Blues - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
One of the first times Sue Foley played Omaha, she was opening for Jeff Healey at the old Peony Park ballroom. Healey was getting radio airplay by then and the hall was packed. I attended the show anxious to check out Healey but instead left knocked-out by the petite, red-headed gal guitar-slinger Foley. |
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Guitar Heroes - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Murphy’s presents an Acoustic Blues Showcase Thursday, Feb. 21. Opening the show at 5 p.m. will be solo sets from local artists Sarah Benck and Matt Cox, both well worth getting there early to hear. |
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Slide Guitar Star - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Jeff Davis’ winter Playing With Fire series at the Holland’s 1200 Club showcases Canadian slide guitarist Ellen McIlwaine Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. Born in Nashville, McIlwaine’s biography includes time spent in Greenwich Village absorbing the 1960s folk-blues revival where she met Dave Van Ronk, Odetta, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. She also befriended a young Jimi Hendrix, giving her roots in both acoustic and electric blues.
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From the Heart - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Taking the spotlight at Murphy’s Thursday, Feb. 14, is the soulful and sultry Janiva Magness. Magness took home the Blues Music Award (formerly known as the W.C. Handy Award) for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year in 2006 and 2007. This year, Magness is nominated for one of the most prestigious of the Blues Music Awards, the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, alongside fellow nominees Bobby Rush, Tommy Castro, Watermelon Slim and Bettye LaVette. |
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Guitar Grit & Glory - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Jim Suhler and his band Monkey Beat have got it going on strong: “it” is that rare blend of talent, taste, passion and intuition. Dallas-based Suhler has the ability to flat-out play in the big, bold, furious style that guitar fans crave, with just the right edge of mesmerizing bad-boy menace. But he also has the ability to drop back, play with taste and thought, and make choices that surprise and charm serious music fans. Watch out when he brings out his 1931 National Steel Resonator guitar. It likely means his unique interpretation of a Hendrix tune is on the way.
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Hot, Steamy Sax - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
The band nearly blew the roof off the joint when Jeff Davis’ Playing With Fire series kicked off at the Holland’s 1200 Club Saturday, Jan. 19. Aiding and abetting Toni Lynn Washington and her dangerous band was Washington’s secret weapon: sax player “Sax Gordon” Beadle, who is a master of old-school rhythm ‘n’ blues horn blowing.
Beadle’s onstage showmanship, charisma and dynamic soloing hark back to the days when the sax man’s role in bands was what the blues guitar has become so often today: the driving instrument. |
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Diva Royale - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Boston’s “Queen of the Blues” Toni Lynn Washington opens the Playing With Fire winter concert series at the Holland’s 1200 Club Saturday night. Playing With Fire summer series organizer Jeff Davis is programming part of the 1200 Club series, booking five concerts that bring internationally applauded blues women to Omaha in the coming months.
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So Much Music - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
If you are reading this on Thursday, Jan. 10, two big shows to remember: Chicago’s Nick Moss & The Flip Tops at Murphy’s, 5:30-8:30 p.m. and a collaborative “Songwriters in the Round” show at Mick’s after 9 p.m.
Nick Moss has roots in old-school Chicago blues and jump-blues and his guitar fireworks will impress.
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Get Out - |
by B.J. Huchtemann
Mick’s Music & Bar in Benson continues to be one of my favorite local clubs, with a warm, hip decor, friendly staff and bookings that mix various styles of original acoustic music. Owner Michael Campbell made the venue non-smoking when he didn’t have to, so for those of you clamoring for a non-smoking environment, Mick’s joins the Zoo Bar and McKenna’s as local joints where you can enjoy excellent live music within a smoke-free club.
My New Year’s wish for Mick’s, along with better crowds to support the high-quality bookings, is a crowd that can hold its chatter for the breaks, especially when the great Adrian Legg takes the stage Friday, Jan. 25. Mark your calendars now for this rare local club performance by an artist that Guitar Player Magazine named Acoustic Guitarist of the Decade. Guitar star Joe Satriani called Legg “simply the best acoustic guitar player I’ve ever heard.”
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Hoodoo Blues - |
Holiday Blues
by B.J. Huchtemann
Out with the old year, in with the new. I drove home on another bitter cold night, pondering our editorial assignment to come up with a “Year in Review” piece. |
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