Dear Friends,
I’m writing this a few days before the much-heralded series of Martin Scorcese-produced films simply entitled The Blues airs on public television across the USA. The debut of Ben Manilla’s 13-part history of the blues airs on many public radio stations around the same time. These are of course the climaxes of the (fairly) well-publicized “Year Of The Blues.” All of us in the blues world are hoping that these programs will be crucial in turning on thousands of new fans to the joy of the blues. At this time I’ve only seen one of the films, Mark Levin’s “Godfathers And Sons” and heard one episode of the radio series. I’m quite concerned that the television audience may be confused by the fact that the films are not a chronological ‘blues story’ but rather seven very individual film makers’ personal interpretations of their favorite pieces of the blues tradition. But I have great hopes for the radio series, which is presented with a straighforward, historical approach and charmingly and knowledgably hosted by Keb’ Mo’. Public radio has a growing listenership and it is anticipated that over half a million Americans will hear each episode.
All of us in the blues business certainly need a boost right now.Over 1000 record stores have closed in the U.S. in the last year, and a third of the CDs sold here are sold at Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target (and you know how blues-friendly they are). Meanwhile, the list of clubs that regularly book touring blues bands is shrinking as the existing blues audience ages and the economy worsens. It’s a tough time for both the record companies and the touring artists; we need some new (and younger) fans. Hopefully these films and radio shows will provide some much-needed help.
If you haven’t already bought a dozen copies of Alligator’s Genuine Houserockin’ Christmas for your closest friends, there’s still time. Of course it’s the perfect holiday gift for any blues fan (or just give yourself a present). And if Christmas has passed by the time you read this, it will be time to check out The Holmes Brothers soul-stirring January, 2004 release, Simple Truths. Also, for our American and Canadian blues fans, our other January release is an intimate, acoustic duet album by Kenny Neal and Billy Branch that was recorded in France and released in Europe on Isabel Records. Over there it’s called Easy Meeting but the Alligator version will be known as Double Take. It was cut during a European tour after a long series of gigs, so Kenny and Billy play with almost telepathic communication. If you like your blues with that back porch atmosphere, you’ll love Double Take.
I was reminiscing last time about my first encounter with Roy Buchanan, at Albert’s Hall in Toronto. As I told you, I was sleeping off a very alcoholic celebration in the club booker Derek Andrews’ backstage office when Derek came to shake me awake and drag me downstairs to hear Roy. I managed to prop myself against the wall for the last few songs of the set. Then Derek pulled Roy over to meet me. Anyone who knows about Roy will know that he went through various bouts with alcohol (among other substances), but at that time Roy was completely dry and proud of it. So, here was the supposedly businesslike and serious label owner/producer (me) barely able to stand and slur out a complete sentence, and the supposedly hard-living guitarist cold sober and trying to act gracious. I can’t remember much of anything that I said, but I remember Roy saying something like “all I ever wanted to do was be a blues musician.” And I managed to give him my business card.
Much to my amazement, a few weeks later Roy called me, and we had a nice chat. He was between contracts, and looking for management as well as a possible record deal, if it offered him the artistic freedom he was longing for.
More next time,
Bruce Iglauer