May 2021 Blues News
Sad to report another death of MCBS honorary member James Dewayne Trammell (J Wayne) passed away April 30. He was an extremely talented keyboard player who played with many famous musicians. A walking song book, he could play just about any song you could name. He fronted his own R&B band “Seasoned to Please” and was the house keyboard player for several years at the Red Wolf. In 2019 he was made an honorary member of the MCBS. He was inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame. There will be a viewing Saturday May 8 at Mullins Metropolitan Funeral Service (2345 Bush Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208). Repass after at Carmichael’s, Westgate Shopping Center, 1157 Bankhead Hwy, West. (from 59/20 take Arkadelphia heading north and its half a mile or so on left behind BBVA Bank.
Your board is working on bringing some great Blues to town. We are in discussion with:
- Bruce Katz who was Greg Allman’s keyboardist, played with Delbert McClinton, John P Hammond, Butch Trucks and many more).
- Albert White a Musicmaker artist who began playing guitar in the late ‘50s with his legendary uncle, Piano Red, and his group “Dr. Feelgood & the Interns. Since then, Albert has performed with Joe Tex, The Tams, Ray Charles and many such artists during his 50-year tenure as a Blues and R&B musician.
- Sir Rod & the Blues Doctors. Remember Satan & Adam? Maybe you were lucky enough to see them at Gip’s. If not check out the documentary by that name on Netflix. Adam Gussow discovered and toured with the late Satan (Sterling McGee). McGee was Sir Rods uncle. Hope you aren’t confused!
All musicians take note and start planning. Our Battle of the Blues Bands is penciled in at Iron City for September 12. Details to follow soon.
Eric Gales will be at Zydeco Thursday May 6. Buy tickets at zydecobirmingham.com)
As both an African American left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability and an expressive vocalist, it is natural for people to compare Eric to Hendrix. But Eric has developed a unique hybrid blues/rock sound that also draws upon influences as diverse as Albert King and Frank Gambale. A unique amalgam of styles, Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his genre. www.ericgales.com
Friday May 7 @7pm our monthly Blues Jam at Ranelli’s will start back up. There will be social distancing and masks required inside and music can also be heard outside on the deck.
Sunday May 16 @ 5pm Ra'shad the Blues Kid will perform at the Perfect Note. This is an MCBS sponsored event. tickets are $20. Reserved seating. Dinner menu will be available. Purchase tickets through the Perfect note.www.perfectnotelive.com Purchase your tickets NOW as seating is limited due to current capacity restrictions, don’t be disappointed!
Saturday May 22 the MCBS and the Shelby County Arts Council will bring in Big Al & the Heavyweights. “Big Al and the Heavyweights originated when Al Lauro started a group with Warren Haynes, who has played in the Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule. Though Haynes no longer remains in the group, Lauro still does and has formed a solid band around him. The New Orleans-based blues group has played Mardi Gras events including an episode of “Emeril Live” and Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Save the date more information to come.
The Grade A Lounge in Bessemer is having some good music. Every Sunday at 8pm is Blues and Soul with Rob Harris and on Mondays Rob leads the "Broke Monday's" open blues jam. I have been there several times and enjoyed the show and food. Parking is great and they are conveniently located on the Bessemer Super Hwy at 22nd St. N. Grade A Lounge