An Interview With Fiona Boyes

Boyes, Blessings and Blues - Topix

The International Blues Challenge is one of my favorite events, as it helps to launch many relatively unknown talents, who have worked hard to be recognized.   I began taking note of Fiona Boyes when she became an IBC winner in 2003.  As a one time listener of ABS internet radio, her upbeat friendly voice could be heard coming to  you from Melbourne, Australia.  Recently, I had the fortune of seeing Fiona on at least three separate occasions.  I also had the unexpected pleasure of  having lunch with the finger picking guitarist extraordinaire,  and her husband, Steve, The Preacherman, who is ordained and has an interesting story to tell as well.  Between the two of them, they make a team that works in the industry.

A Different Kind of Blues Artist - Diane Russell

As I skimmed the Blues newsfeed this morning, I came across a hidden gem, "a show" in the Portland area. Normally I would just keep pressing the down arrow, but I noticed it named one of my favorite bluesmen, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, who once did A Song for Renee. Indulge me, good songs about "Renee" are rare.

When I edit, I often see a story within a story, an alternate focus, or a completely different perspective besides the one presented. It allows me to indulge in tangents of choice, explore and find obscure connections, or other words, justify my writing.

The show featured another artist, one I was not familiar with, Diane Russell. Russell isn't quite on par with Etta, Koko, Shemekia, or Bonnie and you won't see her performing at Buddy Guy's Legends, Rosa's Lounge or any other blues club for that matter. However, Ms. Russell is in a class by herself and can be found at gallery shows.

Capturing The Blues on Canvas

The Blues Foundation used her Pinetop Perkins creation for their 2005 W.C.Handy award poster. The Blues Foundation features it as a poster for sale on their website.

(Click Image)

Reggie Houston's, Katrina Blues, portrait is as emotionally moving as the best played 12 bar blues song. His website talks about what her picture means to him.

While I took one last browse at Russell's website, all I could envision was a Women in Blues series, particularly Koko Taylor. I guess it goes back to that editing style quirk of mine and tangents.

What does an art show in Portland, the W.C. Handy awards, the Legendary Blues Cruise, and Clarence Gatemouth Brown have in common? A different kind of blues artist, Diane Russell. I hope you enjoy discovering this blues artist, as much as I did.

KWS

Yesterday appeared to be KWS day at my house. First, my oldest debates with me during a car ride, that Blue on Black, which was playing on XRT, here in Chicago, was a cover and was really, Nickleback's song. He is 20. He knows everything. Just ask him. Now, Blue on Black is by far not my most favorite Kenny Wayne Shepherd song, but, Nickleback? It was a long drive. (Revised February 21. Much to my chagrin, two of my favorite internet Blues DJ's have now told me Nickleback did indeed do Blue on Black, and one of them rumor has it, even played it. However, I can only say, on the fateful date in question, during the long drive, it was indeed KWS, not Nickleback. Maybe, I should fit a few more parenting classes into my schedule, as wearing headphones and driving doesn't seem like a good behavior to model.)

Then, while waiting around, I began to read the insert of the 12 Day's Out CD, and I knew why I admired this young performer so much. You see, I have seen him live, and I know, what he can do with a guitar. But I had no idea, at the depth of his words as he recounted the making of that release, day by day, adding personal insight. I like seeing the whole picture behind an artist, it helps me appreciate the details. When I listen to 12 Days Out, the songs will be richer, for the stories not told in the lyrics, but behind the scenes.

Also, in cyber snooping, I found this, and couldn't resist sharing it. KWS Band in Moscow.

KWSBand in Moscow


Makes you want to contact the Blues Cruisin' folks and see if they have any cabins available for October, doesn't it?

Cruisin' For Some Bluesin'

What happens when you cross a Chicago Winter with a serious case of wander lust?

You email Leanne at http://www.bluescruise.com/ and ask if there are any last minute cancellations for this weekend. Even the most spontaneous of us, might just need an extra day, or 60 to get a passport. But, it is a darn good cure for the Winter Blues, and as I gazed over the fall cruise, I saw I could spend the week with not only Kenny Wayne Sheppard and those Baker Brooks Fellas, which truly is my idea of heaven, but you also get to see Buckwheat Zydeco, Susan Tedeschi, Elvin Bishop, Tommy Castro, Rod Piazza, Fiona Boyes, and the IBC winner from Memphis the first weekend in February. And, Cabo San Lucas. Did I book it? You will just have to see in October!

Then, I thought anywhere South, and soon would do. Remembering The Blues Foundation and their "Battle of The Blues," or more formally known as, The IBC (International Blues Challenge) was set to occur I had to look them up as I recalled Beale Street, my first bowl of grits, greens, and something with pork innards. Mmm...I love Memphis. This year, there is exciting news! They will also have a youth showcase encouraging and ensuring another generation of Blues Lovers out there! Looking to contribute? Email Joe Whitmer, the Event Producer, for volunteer opportunities. Be sure to include your phone number. joe@blues.org I was all set to email him, and glanced at my wretched calendar. Unfortunately, I am in Wisconsin that weekend, enjoying Celtic Music! Slainte!


I resigned myself to staying local, and glanced over who was playing where and when. I am already yearning for the Chicago Blues Fest experience. I liked the crowd size of the very first one, yes I was there, but you know, they just get better and better. And this year is looking like no exception. And, it is free! To, all my blues loving friends in Second Life, I dare you, bring your non-pixel selves out to the Windy City and catch some authentic Chicago Blues!

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_blues_festival.html


If I am not going to travel, I at least want virtual blues and a CHICAGO BLUES RADIO STATION! I have been a long time Atlanta Blues Society radio listener, and finding replacements is a task. Here are a couple suggestions for those of you who need your blues fix to function.

http://www.theworldofblues.com/

http://www.bluesradio.co.uk

Songs I heard and liked today -

Kenny Neal - "Let Life Flow"

Bryan Lee - "Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You"

Delbert McClinton - "The Part I Like Best"

Tab Benoit - "Don't Make No Sense"

My "New Find of the Day" hails from Finland! No, seriously. Go to their page. Really, I insist. www.myspace.com/blueslovers www.blueslovers.org They made my bookmarks AND friends list.

And on that note, it is a good time, to love the blues. Obama likes his Wang Dang Doodle. My Harmonica playing friend in England has the finest Scratchy collection of anyone I know. I am blown away by the fact Blues truly is an international and inter-generational genre, coming from its roots in Southern Black Slavery. Fortunately, similar to American Politics, both have successfully transcended barriers.

Skin Deep, Blues Lovers!