Joog: The term juke, as in Juke Joint or Juke Box, is believed to derive from the Gullah word joog, meaning rowdy or disorderly. This is the blog for MyJoog.com - a listing of live music that anyone can update. Here we will focus on artists, venues, and shows that we experience through our travels. Visit MyJoog.com to find live music in your area. You can contact us at info (at) myjoog.com.
During the summer, the traditional music hall, amphitheater, coffee shop are not the sole venues to hear live music. Most towns and cities provide free entertainment outdoors in a central location. But not in Florida; they get to host outdoor concerts all year and one if these is Clematis by Night. And in fact this is their 15th year anniversary holding live concerts on Thursdays in Centennial Square at the end of Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach. The location also means there is plenty of fun for the kids - bring bathing suits and towels because they will want to run and jump through the fountains. The Fountainside Concert Series features a diverse range of mostly area or regional artists: rock, r&b, reggae, blues, soul, swing and Latin music. There is also plenty of local food vendors providing BBQ, African, and Latin cuisine - and beer and wine to wash it down.
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. The first two tracks introduced me to Hest's strong vocals - with a nice balance from the acoustic guitar. But as soon as The Weight played, I was hooked - great rhythm. Then there's Cranberry Lake with half vocals from co-writer Amy Kuney. This is a beautiful song. Ride the Break reminds me of my own travels after college - memories. And the CD ends with Reason to Believe which is typical of this CD and what makes it special - that Hest really puts his heart into the music. Too bad I'll miss his show at Jammin' Java on June 4th.
is her first solo release - although she doesn't play alone. For this effort she has surrounded herself with some talent folks - Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Bryan Sutton, Scott Vestal, Dennis Crouch, and Shawn Lane. Even Tim O’Brien pops in on a few songs. Wow. I'd see any of these on their own and this assembly really makes this CD stand out. The is a band - not a solo singer-songwriter; just listen to Mocking Bird. That could have been Bearfoot or The Greencards - except Struthers unique gives her away. That song along is worth buying the CD. There's also an old time feel to this CD - almost some Celtic folk influences - that it would probably have been as popular fifty years ago as well. She also proves that she is as equally comfortable playing and singing ballads as well as the up tempo dance songs. But throughout the CD its the musicians that balance Struthers' vocals. This is not just a talented artist strumming the guitar and attempting to get by with her lovely voice. Whether its the dobro, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, or bass - there is something besides Struthers voice to grab the listeners attention. Until she starts yodeling - then its all Struthers - a true cowgirl. Yet the CD quickly returns to a band with "Build a House", "One Notch Tighter", and "He's a Free Man" - all with tight harmonies and and a typical Bluegrass-Americana sound. But then again, forget everything I just wrote because the last track, the traditional "Say Darlin' Say", may be the best track. And its basically Struthers and Tim O’Brien on the fiddle. I need to get back home to see her at IOTA on June 29th. Why doesn't any route to south Florida anymore?
Today is International Big Damn Band Day where fans of the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band celebrate the release of The Wages
. Grab a copy of this CD and let us know what you think.
The 2010 Loudoun Summer Music Fest got off with a very chilly start - great music - just strong winds on an unseasonably cold evening. The concert series is held at The Belmont Country Club in Ashburn Virginia and the series started with Delbert McClinton. It was a surprise that McClinton performed since his trumpet player, Quentin Ware, suffered a heart attack two days previous. Fortunately, after quadruple-bypass heart surgery he is expected to fully recover. Even with its problems, our medical system is amazing. So its no wonder that McClinton was a little off his game this evening. Still, he still has that blues-soulful sound and I love his material - particularly those off Room to Breathe
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Little Feat followed shortly afterward and they also have an ailing band member, drummer Richie Hayward. This original member of Little Feat is suffering from severe liver disease, please remember to purchase a Wrist band for Richie at any of their shows. In any case, the band still has it; Bill Payne and Paul Barrere, Fred Tackett, Sam Clayton, and Kenny Gradney. They were joined onstage by local sax man Ron Holloway and at times by John Kadlecik of Dark Star Orchestra. Ironically, they started with Fat Man In The Bathtub; a song I just taught my son and we were singing during the drive over. Soon followed a medley of Willin', Don't Bogart That Joint, and The Weight. I particularly loved the solos, plenty of bass, keyboards, even some Holloway Sax throughout the show. The performance ended with Dixie Chicken and an Oh Atlanta encore. Just like old times.
I had the time of my life at last year's Merlefest and could never imagine the festival getting any better. But they succeeded. How, well let's see, my first three hours were spent listening to Cadillac Sky, The Greencards, The Gibson Brothers, and Donna the Buffalo. In fact the herd had more to listen to as a result of John Cowan playing with The Doobie Brothers and Jim Lauderdale having Donna the Buffalo as his backup band. Three sets in two days - sort of alleviates the pain of missing them May 14th at The State Theatre. But with that first four, I could have left happy. But there was much more to see, particularly the acoustic blues artists that I discussed here. Obviously Ben Prestage left his mark, and I've always loved Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins. Add in Harry Manx and blues legend John Hammond and this group easily surpassed last year's group. Thanks Roy Book Binder.
What also made this year so enjoyable that several artists I enjoyed for the first time last year; Missy Raines & The New Hip, The Belleville Outfit, and Bearfoot were back again. Some had slight lineup changes, but they were tight - particularly Missy Raines. They are happening... Last year I only saw one set from Cadillac Sky and was determined to see more. That wasn't too difficult since they were scheduled for six sets over two days. I couldn't help but run into the band. I even overheard a brief practice session inside the college as they prepared for the Midnight Jam. These guys may have a zany stage presence, but they are true professionals. I heard another attendee comment that Cadillac Sky is mimicking The Avett Brothers; and you know there may be some truth to that. All artists absorb some influence from other bands - but I think there is way more originality in their music. They can play true bluegrass, gospel, an Americana flavor and well as straight rock n' roll. Also, loved their a Capella song on the Hillside. Yea, Mayfield is entertaining - but he can play and sing - as do the rest of the band. This is one act on the rise.
One band from last year that I didn't follow as much, because of scheduling conflicts was The Greencards. Last year, I followed them from stage to stage. This year I caught a few songs here and there. But those few songs remind me how talented they are. Whenever I hear Carol sing Patty Griffin's "What you are" it sends shivers down my spine. Every single time; that song was written for her to sing. And Kym and Tyler seem to have quickly acquired chemistry and not to omit Jake who adds a fuller sound with the acoustic guitar. The Greencards are easily one of my favorite bands; I may have taken them for granted this year - but fortunately they are returning to Jammin' Java in July.
Last year Scythian was the band with the buzz - you saw crowds growing each successive set. And these guys are entertaining - even when you've heard the same lead in a dozen times. I was glad they were invited back - and Merlefest can not have a Saturday night dance party without them. But the band with the buzz this year had to be Great Big Sea. I've heard bits and pieces over the year, but nothing comes close to a live performance. I'm talking about charisma, heart pounding percussion, crowd participation. I think this is where Scythian wants to be a decade from now - because Great Big Sea is the best alternative folk act I've seen. Fortunately the band is coming to the Filene Center at Wolf Trap in August. Me and the little boy be on the lawn dancing and clapping away.
The strength of Merlefest is the overall talent of artists that they schedule at the festival. Last year I practically ignored the headliners and searched for the unknown acts - particularly in the Lounge. But this year, the headliners were too much of a draw - and I'm not even including Zac Brown. Actually I was never a big fan of the artist - but was impressed with his performance and demeanor at the Midnight Jam. I think the promoters were real happy that he participated; maybe I should take a look at his earlier work and not the CMT videos. In any case, I couldn't believe the scheduling with the other headliners. Some of the headliners were obvious choices; Sam Bush and Dailey & Vincent come to mind. In fact it was the first time I've been able to see the top ranked bluegrass band in action. They are good. Scheduling Steve Martin playing with the Steep Canyon Rangers was not a risk, but a coup. Perhaps the single msot entertaining set - part comedy, part real bluegrass. And it helps having a phenomenal backup band and a $500 ipad. Only a few songs from the Crow really stuck with me, Daddy Played The Banjo being one of them, so I'm really looking forward to Martin's next tour and collaboration with the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Now, the Merlefest promoters did think outside of the box and scheduled Little Feat and Elvis Costello to headline Friday and Saturday night. Yea, I know Costello performed a few years back, but still - for headliners at Merlefest - not the usual selections. Truth be told, I skipped out of Little Feat, only because I was exhausted after five hours sleep, five hour drive and 12 hours on my feet. Plus I'll see the band on the 9th at The Belmont Country Club when they co-bill with Delbert McClinton for the first show of the Loudoun Summer Music Fest. However, I wasn't going to miss Elvis Costello. I've followed him since high school and "My Aim Is True"; and save for one show at the ACL, I've never seen him live. Then he strolls onstage with an all-star supporting cast lead by Jerry Douglas and Jim Lauderdale. Instant credibility with the audience - this was an alt-country show. He played some new songs - specifically his ode to Doc Watson - but his arrangements for the classics were brilliant.(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Every Day I Write The Book, and Allison stand out. All I know is that I need to pick up Secret, Profane and Sugarcane
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Saturday was easily the best (and longest) day of music I've experienced, and that doesn't even include the Midnight Jam. The event was hosted by Zac Brown and its a time for the artists to unwind and experiment. The The Greencards played some Don Henley, The Duhks played a little boogie, most played together: Cadillac Sky, Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo. The stars however, were Samantha and Zeb of the Snyder Family Band. Not only was their performance astonishing because of their youth (11 and 14 respectively), but there stage presence were as good as any mature band. Closing my eyes I thought I heard Tony Rice on guitar and she was the little conductor - nodding to each guest their turn to take lead. How could anyone follow that performance. That was an eye opener - I needed it after listening to 16 hours of live music. What a day.
One of my favorite aspects of Merlefest is Roy Book Binder's World's Greatest Acoustic Blues. Every year Book Binder brings in some amazing talent to fill this bill - usually a couple headliners balanced with a couple "unknown" artists. On Saturday these artists take over the Austin Stage for the entire and on Sunday a few perform at a Gospel blues session at the Americana stage. At least that was the standard operation. This year the organizers added a new wrinkle and schedule some of the blues artists to play at several stages in between sets on Friday. What a great idea - entertain the crowd during a lineup change. Plus it gave the audience a preview to Saturday. And that's how I first heard two "discovered" artists Ben Prestage and Harry Manx. Both are extremely unique. Manx is referred as a “Mysticssippi” blues man and fuses Indian ragas into his misssissippi blues. In fact his signature instrument is the 20-stringed Mohan Veena and he studied for five years under the tutelage of the instrument's inventor Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Not surprisingly his sound is rather unique - but it has a memorizing affect on the audience.
Ben Prestage is a one man band and blends Memphis blues with Florida swamp blues while playing a drum kit with his feet and picking an electric or cigar box guitar. He actually has two cigar box guitars, with each containing a couple bass strings plugged into a separate amp. But even with the novelty setup, the guy can play and sing the blues. My favorite performer of the weekend. Yet I almost left him off the itinerary. With a festival as talented as Merlefest there are conflicts arising each hour. And it seemed that Prestage was scheduled against someone else I really wanted to see. But after watching the Steep Canyon Rangers at the Creekside stage I noticed Ben picking up a cigar box guitar and thought, let's give this kid a listen. Wow - what a performance - love his act introducing the band - all four or five Ben Prestages. I'm sure glad Mrelefest scheduled the blues acts in between sets. I immediately chanced my entire itinerary in order to see his full set Saturday. Plus I purchased his two CDs available in the record tent. Yea, I'm now a Ben Prestage stalker, but take my word and listen to this guy.
The headliners that I was really looking forward to seeing were Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins performing together and blues legend John Hammond. How did Book Binder get Hammond scheduled. And his 45 minute set was awesome; he played a mixture of originals and covers of the fathers of the blues. Plus he was able to introduce each song and recollect when he first heard or met that particular artist - a semi history lesson. Hammond still has it, he can pick, play the harp, and sing - just as when I first heard him two decades ago.
I was able to catch Harris & Wiggins twice, first on the Cabin Stage Friday, then at the Austin Stage Saturday. The two have nice chemistry with Wiggins on harp and Harris on guitar. I've been following Harris since listening to his Alligator release Fish Ain't Bitin'. And its nice to see that he has found a regular spot in the Americana\Bluegrass markets. Wiggins is a DC native, and is better known as one half of Cephas & Wiggins. Soon Harris & Wiggins may be as popular as that duo.
