RECORD COMPANY NEWS: Alligator Records has just signed its first non-American musician. His name is Peter Hole, a slide guitar player from Australia, who, according to the folks at Alligator, sounds like Elmore James, Blind Willie Johnson and Johnny Winter—all rolled into one! Look for his debut sometime in the spring. In the meantime, check out the new Tinsley Ellis and William Clarke releases.
Stan Lewis, the legendary “Stan the Man” and owner of Jewel/Paula/Ronn Records in Shreveport, announced a new deal with Jay Miller of Master-Trak Enterprises to lease a number of masters by zydeco and blues greats like Clifton Chenier, Lazy Lester, Wayne Toups, Buckwheat Zydeco, Katie Webster, Slim Harpo and Lightning Slim, among others. Lewis plans to release the titles under the newly-formed Chris Records.
Look for Pointblank Records’ debut from the legendary John Hammond. The new recording was produced by J.J. Cale and features special guests John Lee Hooker, Li’l Charlie and the Nightcats and Cale himself. Tom Waits even joins in—penning a special tune for Hammond. This disc, marking the first major label release for John Hammond in 15 years, will be out this spring, followed by an extensive tour.
Antone’s Records’ guitarist Ronnie Earl, enjoying considerable success with his new release Surrounded By Love, has also taken a little journey down south. On the soundtrack for the smash hit movie Fried Green Tomatoes, Ronnie joins fellow New Englander Peter Wolf on the rockin’ “Rooster Blues.” Yes, in the middle of the track, Wolf can be heard shouting out “Mr. Ronnie Earl, let me hear you play some GITAR”—and play he does! Check it out.
A little closer to home—Patty Harrison from Blue Sister (always wondered what happened to her after the Clapton breakup) called to let us know the all-female band is heading to Europe February 25 through March 22 for an extensive tour backing Lazy Lester. The band has also cut a CD in New Orleans for the German-based Shubert Records label; the CD should be available soon. Good luck in Europe, ladies—looking forward to hearing your new CD.
Bluesman John Mooney and local songwriter Rusty Kershaw both have new albums due in mid-April on the newly-formed Domino record label, headed up by producer Rob Fraboni.
IN MEMORIAM: If you’re heading to Texas this fall, the Stevie Ray Vaughan memorial is set to open October 3 in Austin. The park will feature a nine-foot bronze statue by sculptor Ralph Hemlick, honoring one of the city’s most well-known musicians. Also, Fender Guitars announced the go-ahead for its Signature Series’ Stevie Ray Vaughan model. The specs for the axe, designed by SRV, were shelved after his death in 1990, but with permission from his family, Fender is proceeding—with four months of initial production orders already.
The Gary M. Reynolds Association in Wisconsin has announced the new 1992 lineup for the Miller Genuine Draft Network. Included are newcomers Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band in Lafayette, along with returnees Dash Rip Rock, Terrance Simien and the Mallet Playboys, Marcia Ball and Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets featuring Sam Meyers.
The Miller Genuine Draft Network was created in 1981 to give tour support and promotional assistance to some of this country’s hardest-working touring musicians. The company helped a number of bands perform in front of new audiences across the country.
BIG NEWS FROM MEMPHIS: This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew Love on saxophone), who have recorded with a virtual who’s who in the music industry. The two have recorded on more than 300 gold albums with such luminaries as Elvis Presley, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Robert Cray. They have also performed with many of the aforementioned artists, in addition to Keith Richards, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, the Doobie Brothers, Peter Gabriel, U2, James Taylor, and many others.
To honor the Memphis Horns, an all-star lineup will gather on March 21 at the new Pyramid Arena, with the Robert Cray Band, original members of the Doobie Brothers plus Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others joining the Memphis Horns in a concert celebrating their unique sound. Additional stars will be announced soon.
This musical extravaganza will be presented by the Blues Foundation, with all proceeds going to benefit Blues Foundation’s programs. On Friday, March 20 a Blues Foundation Dinner at the Peabody will host musicians and special guests for a tribute to the Memphis Horns. Limited tickets are available directly through the Blues Foundation. Concert tickets for the March 21 show at the Pyramid are available from Ticket Master. Tickets are $20, $15, and $10. For additional information, contact David Simmons, Blues Foundation president at (901) 527-1818.
The March issue of Jazz Times is a special blues issue featuring John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray, with profiles on Earl King, T-Bone Walker, Jay McShann, and Jeannie & Jimmy Cheatham. Be sure to pick up a copy.
