Lurrie Bell is Everywhere!

Lurrie Bell caught my eye again today as Blue Bella Records sent a release announcing that he is appearing in my town on April 21 and bringing his buddies Nick Moss & The Fliptops. It is the best reason to hang out at Best Buy, that I can think of.

Bell's name is popping up everywhere lately. As I checked through several news feeds this weekend, I also saw he is featured on The new release of Chicago Blues: A Living History (Raisin 2009) which lays down 21 tracks of authentic style Chicago Blues.



Lurrie Bell, is a second generation Chicago Blues Artist, his Father Carey Bell, was a well respected Harmonica player. This child of the blues, without a doubt, is one of our greatest guitar players of his generation. If you are in the MidWest, you can see him on Beale Street in May, and at the Chicago Blues Fest in June. He has many credits to his name. Lurrie has made the cover of Living Blues, been nominated for several awards, and they just keep coming, but my favorite memory of him, is playing with Koko Taylor.

Those are all good reasons to be a fan of Lurrie, and even check out his MySpace and peek at www.lurie.com, but beyond the mundane, is a blues artist, who knows what life is in all it's extremes. It has never been better demonstrated than in this current version of Lurrie, that makes me absolutely love him. In his new CD, Let's Talk About Love, you can hear the depth and breath of emotion as played only by a man who has felt it personally. Unfortunately, that emotion came at great cost, losing his beloved partner Susan and his Father within a three and a half month period.

Lurrie's life has not been easy. He has had great loss and sorrow and knows what it is to struggle with Mental Illness. And yet, he serves as a source of great inspiration and even courage to many, who take the time to learn his story.

His official biography, contains the following: "Music has the power to heal, to restore and empower, not only the artist but the listener as well." All I can say to that, is Amen.

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!