Johnny Drummer Birthday Party

My Buddy L V Banks

(Chicago, Illinois) . This past Monday night I went to a small little club located in the south-side of Chicago. It is called "Artis Lounge''. Monday Nights you can find the real deal blues artists there. When "Billy Branch and the Sons Of the Blues" are in town they spend  Monday nights in this club. They are, believe or not, the house band. Because they play there on an off night it is sort of a meeting place for blues musicians, radio and TV personalities and of course journalists. I guess you could call it a watering hole for the blues scene. I sat at a table with Claudette Miller (listen to "Pillow Full Of Tears") and Blues Photographer Mary Hampton who was also celebrating a birthday. Mary has chronicled the blues scene and has just about 50,000 photos and they can be viewed here
While at her site check out the other venues she has photographed. She is a true artist and historian thanks Mary.

Johnny Drummer trying to get his hat back.

Johnny Drummer is a very versatile performer. He grew up in my favorite city, Alligator Mississippi. He had a very musical family. Johnny moved to Chicago in 1954 and five years later he found himself in the Army. He learned how to play drums while in that service branch. Mr. Drummer has played with a who's who of artists. Junior Wells influenced him to start playing the Mississippi saxophone.

        Nick Charles (SOB) Johnny Drummer, Tyrell drums and                      L V  Banks

Junior Wells influenced a lot of current day harp players including Billy Branch. I myself meet Junior Wells back in 1979 at a small club on the upper west side. I just happened to fill-in on bass for Smilin Bobby when his original bass man showed up to the gig stoned out of his mind. I just went to watch, not play, but play I did. At the time I did not know who he was. Smiling Bobby was opening for Buddy Guy. If you lived in Chicago and played guitar during that time period you would never know who you would run into. Just like at Artis Lounge. Monday night found L V Banks at the bar and sitting right next to him was Ronnie Baker Brooks across the bar was Matthew  Skoller .and at the end of the bar was DJ Tom Marker from WXRT radio. WXRT is one of a few stations that still airs blues music. Thanks Tom.
Club Owner Mike was there along with a host of others. I could not list all the people that show up there on a regular basis. If you are in Chicago you have got to stop in for a drink. Try Monday night.

Blues ME or Lose Me.
Gatorman
Terry Lape

Electro Glide Records is having a mini blues summit/showcase I will be Emceeing the whole show. Go HERE for more info. It will be a real hot spot for the Blues.

Billy Branch Attends L V Banks' College of the Blues by Gatorman

(Chicago, Illinois) Let me say this up front, “Billy Branch is the top Mississippi saxophone player in the world”. Mr. Branch is a three time Grammy nominee and well deserving of such accolades.. I met Billy a number of years ago through a mutual friend John. John is a music rep who owns Jamm Distributing based out of a far south suburb of Chicago.

Billy is a native Chicagoan who was raised in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and holds a degree in political science. His initial goal was to become a lawyer. During those  college years Billy would hang out at one of the most legendary blues clubs that Chicago has ever birthed; Theresa’s Lounge. Sadly the club is no longer with us, but it lives on in blues folklore. Billy served a dream blues apprenticeship under the tutelage of such greats as Carey Bell, Junior Wells, Big Walter Horton, James Cotton and the great Willie Dixon. He replaced Cary Bell in the famous Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All Stars. He now performs with the greatest blues band that has ever graced the blues stage. They are “The Sons of Blues” S.O.B’s for short. The S.O.B.’s are; Nick Charles - Bass - Vocals, Dan Coscarelly - Guitar - Vocals, Ariyo - Piano - Vocals and Mose Rutues - Drums - Vocals. (Happy B-day)

This past Saturday I took my blues buddy the Great L. V. Banks to see Billy Branch and the S.O.B’s at Rosa’s Lounge. Rosas’s is an outstanding blues club that is warm and friendly. Its owners have to be commended for keeping it that way.

L V and Nick Charles go all the way back to Greenfield Mississippi. Nick credits L V as his blues mentor. L V Banks certainly deserves all the credit he can get. He is a living legend. When Billy Branch performs and L V is in the house he always  acknowledges L V as the senior statesman of the blues. He is correct. There are not many artists like him left. He is old school blues and that is my favorite kind.

Billy called L V up. L V slowly made his way through the crowd to the stage. L V used Dan’s guitar because he left his at home. The first note from that guitar turned all eyes towards the stage. A smile came across Billy Branch's face as the sweet bluesy, soulful sounds of the senior statesman poured into the audience and filled the late night Chicago streets.

Mr. Banks plays one of my favorite style of blues, namely Lumpty Lump. It was like Jimmy Reed and Elmore James were in the house, but make no mistake about the comparison,  L V is the master. People rushed the stage and danced and danced and danced. L V, on that stage, on that night, in that small, maybe 100 person full club made blues magic happen. If there is a blues God he most assuredly was listening . It is a rare occurrence in this age of youtube and blues wannabes to hear and see such a. legendary artist.

I was personally overwhelmed with emotion, because not only was L V on stage, but Billy Branch, Nick Charles, Mose Rutues and Aryio were also. They were backing up L V and for that short 20 minutes L V took them all to school. Somehow I do not think anyone minded. Dan unfortunately had to sit out. I do not think he minded either, because there are just a handful of people that can say "L V Banks once played my Guitar."


Gatorman

L V Banks CD can be purchased here

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Chicago Blues: L V Banks “Ruby” Cd Review

What can I write about L V Banks? L V is a Chicago southeast side blues artist that has no comparision.

He was born just outside Benoit, Mississippi. He moved to Greenville as a teenager. He served for four years in the army During the Korean war. Upon his release from military service he returned to Greenville and stepped off the train right into the hottest blues area of its day. Little Milton, Ike turner and their contemporaries allowed L V an opportunity to polish his craft.

His first band included Nick Charles (Billy Branch S.O.B.),Eddie Shaw on Sax and guitar man L.

B B King heard him and offered this advice “You got the voice that sings and swings so you better squeeze them strings.” L V moved to Chicago in 1965 and has lived in the same apartment since that move. He currently resides right around the corner from the current President’s house.

In 1995 Wolf Records recorded his first CD called “Ruby”.

“Hard to Love a Woman” is a straight forward driving Elmore James style rocking Blues.

The title cut “Ruby” is a nicely written almost funky Sam and Dave type number. It has a wonderful piano solo. One of the lines states “I’ll eat a rainbow” typical L V humor.

“Express Love” is in the style of B B king. It has a great opening lead guitar riff and L V’s solo work is really illustrates the Chicago westside style.

“Lonely Room” is another 1-4-5 that talks about how lonely one can be while waiting on someone who never comes. This cut has that down home style. It is one of my favorites

“Miss You Babe” moves right along and is a dancer that changes from a shuffle to a swing and back again. He writes about going to the corner to get a sweet roll and a cup of coffee. L V is the only blues man that I am aware of that sings about that particular subject. This number really cooks.

“I love My Guitar” is another tune that shows a strong B B influence. The subject matter is about a blues man’s love for his guitar and a love for his woman. Guess who wins? A blues man’s guitar will always win, because it is always true. Oh. and it does what the blues man asks of it.

“I made a Mistake” is very reminiscent of High Heel sneakers. It has the same groove which is a good thing and is very up-tempo with an outstanding guitar line and piano solo. It is quite fitting that it follows "I love my guitar", because L V kicks out his woman and does not want to be bothered with her anymore.

“Pipe Layer”. This song talks about hard times and a man’s quest for work and his landing a job as a layer of pipe. Of course anyone can read between the lines on this one.

“What happened to our Love?” Talks about relationships and love lost.

“Falling to Pieces” is another B B influenced number that drives right along with the guitar hook and lead guitar work.

“Bobby Sock Baby” talks about letting that young love go and it’s a number that cooks right along. This is one of two songs on this Cd that L V did not write

“Love Light” L V has one of the best versions out there with his cover. His vocals are right there and it is of course very well performed. L V ‘s second song that was authored by someone else.

The band includes

Michael Thomas (second guitar)

Allan Batts (keys)

Dave Kay (Bass)

Jerry Price (drums)

This CD “Ruby” showcases a blues man at his best and should be in your collection filed under “Chicago Blues”.

Authors note

I may be a little bit partial to L V Banks; he played this past Saturday in my back yard for my daughter’s engagement/ moving to Dallas party.

You can get L V’s CD “Ruby” on Amazon.com or direct from Wolf Records. Go to Shop and put L V Banks in the search engine.

TERRANCE "GATORMAN" LAPE

People who liked this article also liked: Cyrus and Lady Lee

gatorman

"MARK OF THE GATOR"

CHICAGO: Cool River Thursday Night Jam

The following is a re-post.
Thursday night Jams are still happening.

Thursday Night Jam in the Blues Capitol

Chicago.

Twist & the Groove Machine “House Band”

A new blues club has opened in the southwest suburbs of Chicago called the Cool River Draught House and Eatery. www.myspace.com/coolriv The “Cool Rivers” as it is referred to by the blues artists that frequent its stage is the hippest, coolest blues place ever! Mike Maracich AKA “Wizard” is the proprietor. He has turned an area of suburbia into a Mecca for blues performing artists and fans. Yours truly Included. I first found out about the CR through a listing on Craigslist. I answered an ad for blues bands and within 10 minutes the phone rang. It was the manager. We spoke at length about the club and the various artists I have played with. Two days later I walked in the door and was pleasantly surprised by the friendly ambiance and staff. The walls are covered with photos of the Wizard posing with hundreds of different artists.

The club is large and can hold about 300 people. The stage is very accommodating for most size acts. It may become a little cramped if the act has a full horn section though. CR has full sound and light systems. It even has a bullet microphone for the Mississippi saxophone players. Al Ortega handles the duties of sound engineer and also establishment manager. If you play there and need something ask Al. If he doesn’t have it he’ll get it, including spare batteries for my digital camera. Thanks Al.

The CR has an open jam session every Thursday night. It was intended for all levels of musicianship, but it quickly turned into an almost all pro session. I have been to every jam session except two and I can attest to that. I see semi-pro to professional players there and somehow I don’t think the semi pro player cares about giving their spot to the pros. I do not know of any other venue that has this many pro players hanging out and rubbing elbows with fans and musicians alike.

Last Thursday night, May 14, was no exception. LV banks and I arrive to “Twist and the Groove Machine’s” blues version of “Spooky”. At the risk of them asking the Wizard for a pay raise, I have to give them their kudos. They are an excellent band. We sat at the usual table in front of the sound board. It’s either Trisha or Theresa that brings us cranberry juice. LV has me stuck on that stuff. The band starts pumping out an excellent arrangement of Sweet Home Chicago when through the side door walks Eddie C. Campbell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FDY-7vokPE&feature=related . Twist handles the vocals with ease. Jeff on drums and Doug on bass lay down a strictly down home groove while Al on guitar and Jimmy on keys accent the groove. At the conclusion of Sweet Home Johnny drummer makes his appearance. http://www.johnnydrummermusic.com/ . Johnny sits down at the table with us.

Around 10:30 Billy Branch comes in through the front door. http://billybranch.com/

LV and I are called up and pound out a couple of songs. We had Bobby Baker on bass a recent transplant from the east coast. Frank held the beat on drums. They both are also excellent players. Bobby Baker is also a very accomplished vocalist.

After our session Twist’s band reassembles to back up Eddie. Eddie rips off a version of summertime that was extraordinary. He utilized his incredible vocals and cutting melodic guitar riffs with great ease. Summertime is one of my all-time favorite songs and his version is now in my top ten.

Billy Branch took the stage next and with one stomp of his foot the place exploded. Billy Branch is one of the top five harp players in the world. He coaxes sound out of a harp that I can only wonder how in the world he does it. I know he was educated by the best, Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell, but he takes the Mississippi saxophone to an entirely different level. Big Dog Mercer handled some excellent slide guitar work. Al Spears was graciuos enough to give him his spot for a few tunes.

Some of the other artists in attendance were, Tenry Johns, Billy King, Big Dog Mercer, Marc Flanagan, Mike Gorosh, Clem Bashir, Johnny Isit and many more.

If you ever get a chance to go to the “Cool Rivers” GO!

Cool River Is Located at 12622 west 159th Street Homer Glen, Illinois 60491 708-301-8006

Blues Me Or Lose Me,

Terrance "Gatorman" Lape

http://www.livebluesworld.com/profile/TerranceLape
My Cd "Mark of The Gator" is available for digital download at:
http://mp3.rhapsody.com/terry-lape/feeds.html

CHICAGO: MIni-Blues Fests

In the late afternoon of August 3rd the Chicago Park District recently held a blues summit of sorts in Nichols Park. This is within walking distance of President Obama’s Chicago residence. Two of Chicago’s greatest living blues men met on the south, near west, side of the city, Smilin Bobby and L V Banks. A two hour performance by L V Banks took place with Smilin’ Bobby taking the stage for a couple of numbers.

I sat on one of the numerous park benches surrounded by some very lush foliage meticulously maintained by the park. I’m not much of a plant aficionado, but the area is extremely flush with flowers and shrubbery. Nichols Park is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I might add that the Chicago has numerous parks such as this spread throughout the city. I sat patiently while the band arrived. In typical L V style he told JP and I that the start time was Two. It was not it was actually four.

L V Banks walked to the site briskly as a man of much younger years. He carried his guitar across his back reminiscent of a shot gun shell toting bandito. His Fender amplifier followed briskly behind strapped to a small two wheel cart with multiple bungee cords. He never ceases to amaze me. He is a spry 76 year old that has lived and played in Chicago since 1960. He can squeeze a guitar string until it squeals. His vocals are beyond compare. When he does “Tail Dragger” by Howlin Wolf you would swear that the Wolf was singing. L V‘s guitar lead work is laid back and quite spacious. There is something to be said about playing the spaces kiddies.

Smiling Bobby arrived unencumbered with neither instrument nor amplifier. A recently stolen and held for ransom 1983 Oldsmobile stopped sharply at his designated parking spot. The passenger door slowly opened and out came a black hat firmly affixed to a bobbing head that bore a wide toothed grin. Smilin Bobby had arrived. Bob is another veteran of the Chicago blues scene who has played with a great number of artists. He is a master of his craft and plays about 3-4 nights a week. He will play with just about anybody as long as you pay him his going rate. He came to this park mainly to visit with me, but I coaxed him up to play and man I am glad that I did. There is no mistaking Bob as nothing other than a west side Chicago Blues man.

This was a day of Blues that I will not soon forget, because two of my friends and mentors were meeting for the first time in 20 years. L V and Bob have a history together. The major blues artist’s (300 -400) of Chicago have played together and most of these artist know each other. These artists’s are competing with each other for the 30 or 40 blues gigs daily. In order to establish a name in the network an artist has to play as often as possible and for whatever little pay they can finagle. When two powerhouse old time blues artists get together the behind stage can be a bit tense. My friend JP has stated on numerous occasions that all blues men have issues. How true that statement is.

Every year the Nicholas Park Advisory Committee solicits money for their annual July 4th on 53rd street Parade. They use part of this funding to support Jazz and blues Summer Concerts in the Park. Nichols Park is in Barbara Flynn Curries’ 25th District. Barbara and her Chief of Staff Ted Fetters are to be commended for the wonderful job they are doing. I met Ted for the first time Sunday. He is a very cordial and straight up guy. Ms. Currie is lucky to have him.

Thanks to everyone involved in supporting the blues.

Here's the rest of the year Line-up

August 9 Vance Kelly
August 16 Walter Scott
August 23 Super Percy
August 30 Vance Kelly
September 6 Curtis Black Quartet
September 13 Akalasha
September 20 Julia Huff
September 27 TBD

Gatorman

Myspace.com/billyking band

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CHICAGO: L V BANKS

(Re-Broadcast)

Saturday Night in the Blues Capital Chicago

L V BANKS

Saturday, May 9th I spent the later part of the day with LV Banks. LV is a Wolfe recording artist that sounds like BB King. I remarked to LV about the likeness and he said he they grew up together in Mississippi. LV said that they lived within walking distance of each other and showed each other how to play. LV credits BB with teaching him guitar. I personally think it is the other way around. I met LV at a Sunday jam session at the Riverdale Marina. Oddly enough it is located in Riverdale, Illinois. The location is on a section of the Little Calumet River. The river meanders it's way into Lake Michigan. Sitting by the dock in the summertime it almost seems like you are sitting by the inter coastal waterway in Florida. The Marina restaurant served catfish and or perch dinners. Both were great and I might add so were the drinks. Big Al was the proprietor and that man loved the blues. Catfish for a late lunch, listening to the blues and boating. Blues heaven, brothers and sisters, what else can you ask for. Cyrus Hayes and Lady Lee (www.cyrushayesandladylee.com) had the regular gig there. Outside every Sunday, weather permitting, you’d find a lot of top name talent stopping by. I met Johnny Drummer (www.johnnydrummermusic.com) there and I got him to autograph my white Fender, as did a host of others. I’ll tell more about that guitar in a future story.

LV took the stage dressed in a lime green Neru jacket, lime green pants, and topping it off was a black derby. He was dressed to the nines. When he hit that first note I was floored. I hear a lot of blues men, some good, and some not so good. LV is truly one of the greats. My ‘hey let’s go hear some blues’ buddy Jim and I go to a lot of blues clubs together. When he heard LV he dropped the pizza he was eating. Jim and I have always talked about starting a blues record label and we immediately looked at each other and said let’s talk to this guy. I walked up to LV and introduced myself and then Jim. I asked LV if he would be interested in recording with a brand new label we were working on. LV stuck out his hand and said, “Hell yea! Give me five dollars.” I said, “What.” He repeated, “Give me five dollars.”, while putting out both hands with one finger pressing into the other hands open palm. Jim asked, “What for?” LV paused for a moment and said, “If we gotta talk business then you gotta pay me.” Jim reached in his pocket and gave him five bucks.

That was over two years ago. The record label is still in the works, so I keep telling myself. LV and I have become friends. Jim and I still hit the clubs and we both check up on him regularly. I have jammed with him on numerous occasions and we have played a couple of gigs together. He has a one-room apartment in Chicago’s President Obama's area. His place is within walking distance of the President's house. If the president is in the area the traffic is horrendous and LV's place becomes almost inaccessible.

LV and I were talking one day about an incident with his girlfriend. His girl wanted to know where he was going one night and LV told her, “Girl I told you, when I met you, I'm a blues man and I’m gonna be playing around.” Sounds like a line from a blues song. Songwriters don’t even think about it I’m already using it. I can proudly say that LV recently labeled me a blues man. LV is one of the most gracious and nicest persons I have ever met. I am truly honored to have him as a friend and by the way, every time Jim sees LV he asks for his money back!

BLUES ME OR LOSE,

Terrance “Gatorman” Lape

Mark Of The Gator CD available for purchase

americanbluesblog100@gmail.com

http://www.livebluesworld.com/profile/Americanbluesblog

LV gives Joliet blues man "Big Dog Mercer" some tips and advice. http://bigdogmercer.com/

Photos of LV and yours truly here

http://www.hampton-photos.com/gallery2/v/live_performances/cool_river/03-28-09_lv_banks/IMG_2399.jpg.html

Watseka Blues Fest 120 miles south of the Blues Capital Chicago

Watseka, Illinois is a small rural community just about an hour and a half south of Chicago. It has a population of 5,493 and is named after an Indian princess, so they claim. Early in the morning of May 30, 2009 Deb & Chuck Gomez awoke in anticipation of their second annual blues fest held in their theater in Watseka.

Deb and Chuck recently completed a major renovation of the Watseka Theater. It was in such sad shape when this writer saw it that I thought Deb & Chuck were crazy. Any sane person would have walked away from it. There is one thing I have learned about Chuck and Deb during the past three years is that when they say they are going to do something they do it. Chuck and Deb went for it and we are glad they did and the City of Watseka should be also. The second annual Watseka Blues Fest was held last Saturday.

THE DAYS MUSICAL LINE-UP included:

The Watseka Wonder Blues Band with Jeff Mcord, SGT. Kaper's Lonely Hearts Club

Blues Band Featuring Jim Marshino & The Cherry Pickers, Hounds Tooth, Little Johnny, Curtis and the Mayfields, After Midnight Blues Band, Queenie and the Blue Cats, Doug McDonald & the Blue Mirror Band

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There were only two goups that I had time to listen to. The first was Hounds Tooth. They are based out of Milwaukee. They have a female vocalist that was outstanding; unfortunately the band was not as good. They handled the job adequately, but Jamie Brace is an outstanding vocalist that could really move forward in this business if she had a more experienced “kick-but” band. I would like to hear her backed up by a band on the caliber of Magic Slims. I hope the guys in the band realize that without Jamie they are just another bar band, nothing special. At one point the Lead guitar player took the vocals job. Mistake! I did not see or hear Jamie playing lead guitar. Band members please do not take this the wrong way Hounds Tooth is an OK group. I will go see them again if I get the chance, but right now I’d have to say the only reason would be to see Jamie. She has outstanding stage presence and a great voice. I did not hear Jamie call off any original tunes however and that was a mistake. If I had known the song titles I would have mentioned them here.

The next act I heard was Little Johnny. Johnny got his stage name because he is a big man. He told me he wears the smallest size shirt in xxx large section. Johnny has played with a lot of Blues artist’s in the Indiana and Illinois area. He is constantly working almost anywhere, almost any price and almost any time. Johnny is a great front man who handles guitar and harp extremely well. He lays down a great bluesman groove. I enjoy hearing and seeing Johnny. I have played with him off and on for a couple of years. He used the following players at the Watseka Fest; George Shapley played Guitar (A recent import to the area from, I think, Georgia), Mike “Doc” Hainey on saxophone, Kevin” Non-walking” Long fretting the electric bass, and Larry Stolite on drums. The band was popping and everyone enjoyed their set. Doc did a special tribute to his son and the rest of the troops by blowing a solo performance of our National Anthem. A couple of us stood for this tear jerker. When the National Anthem plays it is a sign of respect to stand. SO STAND UP. That is the least we can do.

I know that this is the second blues fest and there still are kinks to be worked out, but I know the coming years will see some more improvements. Put it on your calendar for next year.

One extra note “The Blues Fest” happened because of Chuck & Deb’s efforts and money. They were not allowed to use the outside, back parking lot for an outside stage area. The excuse given was the serving of alcohol. The city of Watsekas Government made a dumb and idiotic decision not to allow it. Why couldn’t the city allow the FEST to have a special one day permit? Come on Council people, you have something else in the works to put Watseka on the map. At very least the city could provide the extra police to control any problems that would possibly arise. The city should be funding the entertainment for this Fest. Name talent is not cheap, but the name talent brings the crowds and the crowds bring the money and the sponsors follow. Chuck and Deb Gomez are doing a good thing for Watseka whether the city council likes it or not. CITY COUNCIL help them with financial support for next year. The blues public spends money at these things. Big money!!!!!

SITE OF THE WEEK.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK.

SONG OF THE WEEK

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Terry "Gatorman" Lape

CHICAGO BLUES MUSIC SOCIETY