Hi, folks,Check this one out...It's a bit unusual, but sounds like mucho funo.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith passes on
We are sad to report the passing of a true Blues legend, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith this morning in Chicago. Blues Blast Magazine had an interview with MrSmith in its May 26th issue. That issue can be read at:
http://thebluesblast.com/Archive/BluesBlasts/2011/BluesBlast5_26_11.htm
This sad news comes from our good friend Bob Corritore and Bob Kieser of Blues Blast, Bob Corritore has provided the following information:
With great sadness we report the unexpected passing of one the true greats of the blues. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie passed away this morning of a stroke. He was 75 and was musically active until the very end.
A brilliant drummer, harmonica player and vocalist, he represented the true essence of Chicago Blues, and was highly regarded by all as an undisputed master. He was an alumni of the Muddy Waters band and wore those stripes with honor. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1936, and started playing harmonica at age 17, shortly after moving to Chicago. His harmonica first appeared on record in the 1950s gracing recordings by Arthur "Big Boy" Spires, and Bo Diddley (Willie played the harmonica on the Diddley classic "Diddy Wah Diddy").
At some point in the mid to late 1950s he started playing drums and in 1959 began his long association with Muddy Waters. Smith's drumming first appeared on record on Muddy Waters' 1960 album release of Sings Big Bill Broonzy. Smith had a real gift for drumming and his playing would help to define the later Muddy Waters Band sound.
Many of us remember the classic Muddy Waters lineup of Muddy, Willie, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, and Calvin "Fuzz" Jones. In June of 1980 members of Muddy's band struck out on there own, and formed the Legendary Blues Band which eventually found Willie as the lead vocalist, showcasing his stellar, down-home vocals. Willie released his first solo album, Bag Full of Blues in 1995, which firmly established him as an artist in his own right. Willie would revive his first instrument in later years, and in 1996 he would release Way Back, which debuted his new direction, and showed him to be a solid harmonicist. His final recording, Joined At The Hip was a collaboration with the now deceased Pinetop Perkins, and it it earned the two a Grammy in the Traditional Blues category.
We have just touched upon a few of the many recordings of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith who's discography as both a frontman, and a sideman represents the highest of heights in the blues. Willie had a strong work ethic and was a consummate professional, and as a result he worked relentlessly. He won numerous BMAs (Blues Music Awards) as "Best Blues Drummer", and he always carried great bands with him. Of note is the wonderful management of Patricia Morgan, who helped guide the later part of Willie's amazing career, and the impressive booking of Blue Mountain Artists. Also thanks to Willie for bringing out the wonderful talent in his band with Jimmy Mayes, Bob Stroger, "Little" Frank Krakowski, and for his wonderful collaborations with other Muddy alums. Willie leaves his greatest legacy with his son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, who has become one of the world's greatest blues drummers and carries on his father's sound and tradition.
Prayers for all of Willie's family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans as we say goodbye to one of the greatest blessings of the blues. We love you "Big Eyes". To visit Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's website click http://www.williebigeyessmith.com/ ."
A brilliant drummer, harmonica player and vocalist, he represented the true essence of Chicago Blues, and was highly regarded by all as an undisputed master. He was an alumni of the Muddy Waters band and wore those stripes with honor. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1936, and started playing harmonica at age 17, shortly after moving to Chicago. His harmonica first appeared on record in the 1950s gracing recordings by Arthur "Big Boy" Spires, and Bo Diddley (Willie played the harmonica on the Diddley classic "Diddy Wah Diddy").
At some point in the mid to late 1950s he started playing drums and in 1959 began his long association with Muddy Waters. Smith's drumming first appeared on record on Muddy Waters' 1960 album release of Sings Big Bill Broonzy. Smith had a real gift for drumming and his playing would help to define the later Muddy Waters Band sound.
Many of us remember the classic Muddy Waters lineup of Muddy, Willie, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, and Calvin "Fuzz" Jones. In June of 1980 members of Muddy's band struck out on there own, and formed the Legendary Blues Band which eventually found Willie as the lead vocalist, showcasing his stellar, down-home vocals. Willie released his first solo album, Bag Full of Blues in 1995, which firmly established him as an artist in his own right. Willie would revive his first instrument in later years, and in 1996 he would release Way Back, which debuted his new direction, and showed him to be a solid harmonicist. His final recording, Joined At The Hip was a collaboration with the now deceased Pinetop Perkins, and it it earned the two a Grammy in the Traditional Blues category.
We have just touched upon a few of the many recordings of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith who's discography as both a frontman, and a sideman represents the highest of heights in the blues. Willie had a strong work ethic and was a consummate professional, and as a result he worked relentlessly. He won numerous BMAs (Blues Music Awards) as "Best Blues Drummer", and he always carried great bands with him. Of note is the wonderful management of Patricia Morgan, who helped guide the later part of Willie's amazing career, and the impressive booking of Blue Mountain Artists. Also thanks to Willie for bringing out the wonderful talent in his band with Jimmy Mayes, Bob Stroger, "Little" Frank Krakowski, and for his wonderful collaborations with other Muddy alums. Willie leaves his greatest legacy with his son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, who has become one of the world's greatest blues drummers and carries on his father's sound and tradition.
Prayers for all of Willie's family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans as we say goodbye to one of the greatest blessings of the blues. We love you "Big Eyes". To visit Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's website click http://www.williebigeyessmith.com/ ."
Sunday, 11 September 2011
2011 British Blues Awards: WINNERS
The winners of Awards in the 2011 British Blues Awards were announced on Sunday 11th September 2011 at the the Newark Blues Festival. Winners and runners up are below. Sincere congratulations to all from Blues In The South. Similar thanks and congratulations go to the Nottingham Blues Society who organise and manage the whole thing.
The Blues In The South Male Vocalist: – 1st Ian Siegal, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Marcus Bonfanti
Female Vocal – 1st Joanne Shaw Taylor, 2nd Sandi Thom, 3rd Connie Lush
Band – 1st Oli Brown Band, 2nd Ian Siegal Band, 3rd Matt Schofield Band
Guitar – 1st Matt Schofield, 2nd Robin Trower, 3rd Oli Brown
Harmonica – 1st Paul Jones, 2nd Giles King, 3rd Paul Lamb
Keyboard – 1st Jonny Henderson, 2nd Paddy Milner 3rd Bennett Holland
Bass – 1st Andy Graham, 2nd Fergie Fulton, 3rd Silas Maitland
Drums – 1st Wayne Proctor, 2nd Alan Taylor, 3rd Paul Hamilton
Instrument Other – 1st Son Henry, 2nd Patsy Gamble, 3rd Kyla Brox
Young Artist – 1st Chantel McGregor, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Ben Poole
Blues Festival – 1st Colne, 2nd Blues On The Farm, 3rd Maryport
Overseas Artist – 1st Joe Bonamassa, 2nd Walter Trout, 3rd Buddy Whittington
Album -
1st Heads I Win Tails You Lose - Oli Brown
2nd Merchants and Thieves - Sandi Thom
3rd Porchlight - Todd Sharpville
Kevin Thorpe Songwriter Award –
1st Same As It Never Was - Joanne Shaw Taylor
2nd Lousy Husband - Todd Sharpville
3rd Everything I Want – Ben Poole
The Blues In The South Male Vocalist: – 1st Ian Siegal, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Marcus Bonfanti
Female Vocal – 1st Joanne Shaw Taylor, 2nd Sandi Thom, 3rd Connie Lush
Band – 1st Oli Brown Band, 2nd Ian Siegal Band, 3rd Matt Schofield Band
Guitar – 1st Matt Schofield, 2nd Robin Trower, 3rd Oli Brown
Harmonica – 1st Paul Jones, 2nd Giles King, 3rd Paul Lamb
Keyboard – 1st Jonny Henderson, 2nd Paddy Milner 3rd Bennett Holland
Bass – 1st Andy Graham, 2nd Fergie Fulton, 3rd Silas Maitland
Drums – 1st Wayne Proctor, 2nd Alan Taylor, 3rd Paul Hamilton
Instrument Other – 1st Son Henry, 2nd Patsy Gamble, 3rd Kyla Brox
Young Artist – 1st Chantel McGregor, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Ben Poole
Blues Festival – 1st Colne, 2nd Blues On The Farm, 3rd Maryport
Overseas Artist – 1st Joe Bonamassa, 2nd Walter Trout, 3rd Buddy Whittington
Album -
1st Heads I Win Tails You Lose - Oli Brown
2nd Merchants and Thieves - Sandi Thom
3rd Porchlight - Todd Sharpville
Kevin Thorpe Songwriter Award –
1st Same As It Never Was - Joanne Shaw Taylor
2nd Lousy Husband - Todd Sharpville
3rd Everything I Want – Ben Poole
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