Well, we are off next week onto a boat full of blues people to the carribean. I am quite excited because neither Jimbo nor I have ever been on a cruise before, and certainly never to the virgin islands. The only thing that concerns me some is this whole "charge card" thing on the boat, that everything is overly priced and must be purchased. That pretty much tossed my plan to pack my own mini-bar for the trip, which sucks. But we will try and not rack up too much...yeah right!
I was talking to my friend Necha last night, and she and her husband have been on a few cruises for the Jamband Cruise. She said they had racked up a 500 dollar bar bill on the last one (about a week ago)! Well for a week, I guess that's not too bad...haha! Anyhow, I'm sure well have fun. Now all we have to do is pack!! It's raining in Memphis today.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, December 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jimbo Mathus
Delta Recording Service
662-526-9997
jimbo@jimbomathus.net
PRODUCER, INSTRUMENTALIST AND RECORDING STAR JIMBO MATHUS
RE-OPENS DELTA RECORDING SERVICE IN COMO, MISSISSIPPI
Full-service studio is home to Grammy® and Handy award-award winning artists.
Lobby houses new, unique archive of Mississippi hill country blues artists.
COMO, MISSISSIPPI—Jimbo Mathus, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has re-opened his popular Delta Recording Service in Como, Mississippi.
The studio, previously located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, produced over 70 projects in just over a year, including Grammy and Handy award-winners and nominees Elvis Costello, Big George Brock, and Duwayne Burnside.
The facility brings together top-tier Mississippi and Memphis producers, engineers, writers and session men and women in a dynamic, energetic environment. The result is a recording studio that enables artists to create fully-realized recordings that are affordable and high-quality.
“It’s a one-stop studio for clients,” Mathus says, noting that the facility can supply musicians from genres as varied as “south Memphis rappers to North Mississippi fife and drums to old-school rhythm sections.”
Mathus says that the Delta staff specializes in roots music of all kinds and bring insight and skill to projects.
“When clients walk through the door and need it, we’ve got it,” he said. “And they have a ball working with the staff here, too!”
Established in conjunction with Olga Wilhelmine and 219 Records, Delta Recording Service also offers a full spectrum of services for do-it-yourself artists, including CD art, manufacturing and national distribution via 219 Records.
Unique Mississippi hills country blues archive graces lobby
The facility houses a new exhibition, sponsored by the JMH Foundation, in the lobby area that features an archive of photographs, recordings and memorabilia honoring traditional musician families from Northern Mississippi: Hemphills, McDowells, Burnside, Kimbroughs, Stricklands, Pratchers, Youngs and Turners.
The collection also includes face casts of local musical legend Jessie Mae Hemphill (after whom the JMH Foundation is named), Othar Turner, RL Burnside and T Model Ford.
CDs by local artists are on sale, with proceeds going to the JMH Foundation for the preservation and archiving of the music of North Mississippi. For more information on the JMH Foundation, visit www.jmhemphill.org.
About Delta Recording Service
Delta Recording Service provides a full range of talent and services to musicians seeking to produce cost-effective, high-quality recordings. Located in downtown Como, Mississippi, Delta Recording Service brings a unique, Southern sensibility and creativity to every client’s project. Visit Delta Recording Service on the Web at www.deltarecordingservice.com.
Jimbo Mathus
Delta Recording Service
662-526-9997
jimbo@jimbomathus.net
PRODUCER, INSTRUMENTALIST AND RECORDING STAR JIMBO MATHUS
RE-OPENS DELTA RECORDING SERVICE IN COMO, MISSISSIPPI
Full-service studio is home to Grammy® and Handy award-award winning artists.
Lobby houses new, unique archive of Mississippi hill country blues artists.
COMO, MISSISSIPPI—Jimbo Mathus, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has re-opened his popular Delta Recording Service in Como, Mississippi.
The studio, previously located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, produced over 70 projects in just over a year, including Grammy and Handy award-winners and nominees Elvis Costello, Big George Brock, and Duwayne Burnside.
The facility brings together top-tier Mississippi and Memphis producers, engineers, writers and session men and women in a dynamic, energetic environment. The result is a recording studio that enables artists to create fully-realized recordings that are affordable and high-quality.
“It’s a one-stop studio for clients,” Mathus says, noting that the facility can supply musicians from genres as varied as “south Memphis rappers to North Mississippi fife and drums to old-school rhythm sections.”
Mathus says that the Delta staff specializes in roots music of all kinds and bring insight and skill to projects.
“When clients walk through the door and need it, we’ve got it,” he said. “And they have a ball working with the staff here, too!”
Established in conjunction with Olga Wilhelmine and 219 Records, Delta Recording Service also offers a full spectrum of services for do-it-yourself artists, including CD art, manufacturing and national distribution via 219 Records.
Unique Mississippi hills country blues archive graces lobby
The facility houses a new exhibition, sponsored by the JMH Foundation, in the lobby area that features an archive of photographs, recordings and memorabilia honoring traditional musician families from Northern Mississippi: Hemphills, McDowells, Burnside, Kimbroughs, Stricklands, Pratchers, Youngs and Turners.
The collection also includes face casts of local musical legend Jessie Mae Hemphill (after whom the JMH Foundation is named), Othar Turner, RL Burnside and T Model Ford.
CDs by local artists are on sale, with proceeds going to the JMH Foundation for the preservation and archiving of the music of North Mississippi. For more information on the JMH Foundation, visit www.jmhemphill.org.
About Delta Recording Service
Delta Recording Service provides a full range of talent and services to musicians seeking to produce cost-effective, high-quality recordings. Located in downtown Como, Mississippi, Delta Recording Service brings a unique, Southern sensibility and creativity to every client’s project. Visit Delta Recording Service on the Web at www.deltarecordingservice.com.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Coffee Club
As I sit on my bed, slightly hungover (I emphasize slightly because I would never drink too much on a Saturday night, sheesh!) on a Sunday afternoon just poodleing around on my laptop, I had some sudden flashes of a time long ago. LONG ago it seems, all the way back to 1994ish. I was thinking about a job I has, as assistant manager for a coffee house called "Coffee Club". There was actually 5 stores in SF bay area, and this was before Starbucks hit big.
My boss was a man named Jim Chelossi, from San Carlos, CA (which is where I lived and worked at the time). We would have lines out the door for hours with people waiting to get their java fix. I would litterally be headfirst in the espresso machine slinging lattes and whatnot from 6am until noon before there was any real break in customer flow. Naturally, the drinks would be hot and customers would ask to "double cup" their beverage as to not burn their hands. This mean of course, that we would go through twice as many cups as was needed and Jim Chelossi was not too happy about the added expense. So he came up with an idea. He created a "sleeve" for the cups, that was just like having a second cup wrapped around the first, but only a portion of one. This would cut down on waste, storage, and expense of using extra cups. He invented and patened (in 1995) the sleeves used in every Starbucks shop and otherwise out there known to man, who imbibes in hot beverages. So, even though Starbucks basically ran him out of the coffee business by taking all the customers away, I'm sure he is having a laugh on a yacht somehwere in St. Tropez.
Next time you're at Starbucks and they hand you your latte, you'll know that my former boss is the guy who invented that sleeve around your cup!
My boss was a man named Jim Chelossi, from San Carlos, CA (which is where I lived and worked at the time). We would have lines out the door for hours with people waiting to get their java fix. I would litterally be headfirst in the espresso machine slinging lattes and whatnot from 6am until noon before there was any real break in customer flow. Naturally, the drinks would be hot and customers would ask to "double cup" their beverage as to not burn their hands. This mean of course, that we would go through twice as many cups as was needed and Jim Chelossi was not too happy about the added expense. So he came up with an idea. He created a "sleeve" for the cups, that was just like having a second cup wrapped around the first, but only a portion of one. This would cut down on waste, storage, and expense of using extra cups. He invented and patened (in 1995) the sleeves used in every Starbucks shop and otherwise out there known to man, who imbibes in hot beverages. So, even though Starbucks basically ran him out of the coffee business by taking all the customers away, I'm sure he is having a laugh on a yacht somehwere in St. Tropez.
Next time you're at Starbucks and they hand you your latte, you'll know that my former boss is the guy who invented that sleeve around your cup!
Monday, November 27, 2006
String of thoughts and where they go...
Don't know really how this popped up in my mind, but I was just on hold now with my bank, and they were playing a Mozart piece as the hold music. After I hung up, the melody lingered in my mind and I thought "how nice to have that as hold music...much better than being on hold with United Airlines and having that annoyingly redundant UA theme playing." Then I thought "well they use their theme so that they don't have to pay royalties...." THEN I thought, "wait a minute, who pays Mozart HIS royaties? More importantly, where do they go? Who gets it? Does he have any relatives? I mean the guy is 250 years old and died in poverty, buried in an unmarked grave...how DO they track these things down? Is he with ASCAP or BMI? Or is he just a special case? And further, what about Schubert, Brahams, Chopin, Hayden and Beethoven and all the other guys? Do they have living relatives? If so, where are they and do they have a myspace page??"
Anyhow, a rather long string of thoughts that I have no answer for, only speculations and provocations for further inquiries this early morning...
Anyhow, a rather long string of thoughts that I have no answer for, only speculations and provocations for further inquiries this early morning...
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Studio News, JMH Foundation
The studio is open and already recorded two bands: Bakealite 78's and now Sugarfarm last week. We still have finishing touches to do, namely the lobby, office and breakroom. I feel really blessed, as the Alan Lomax archive granted the JMH Foundation rights to use photos in their archive, which will be hung in the studio lobby. The photos can also be used to promote the JMH Foundation. In addition, we discussed using some of the field recordings to make a new compilation CD to benefit the foundation. I consider this one of the highest honors, and thank Anna Lomax Wood and archive director Don Fleming for their graciousness and support.
In addition to lomax photos, we will have some incredible artwork from an artist from Sante Fe, Sharon McConnell (www.sharonmcconnell.net) who is giving on permanent loan to the foundation, several of her face masks, which include Jessie Mae Hemphill, RL Burnside, Othar Turner and T Model Ford. Sharon is also a dear firend of mine. She loved Como so much that she is moving from Sante Fe to be part of the north MS experience, and I am seriously happy to hear about it!
Long time friends of the hill country, Yancey Allison and Bill Steber will also donate some of their wonderful prints to showcase our local musicmakers and life in and around Como, MS. All in all, this will be an impressive lobby to say the least! I hope and plan to eventually create a musem downtown for the JMHF at some point, to house the archive.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in January, date still to be set. A press release will come out shortly. See you in MS!!
Delta Recording Service
PO Box 12
Como, MS 38619
www.deltarecordingservice.com
Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation
(same address)
www.jmhemphill.org
In addition to lomax photos, we will have some incredible artwork from an artist from Sante Fe, Sharon McConnell (www.sharonmcconnell.net) who is giving on permanent loan to the foundation, several of her face masks, which include Jessie Mae Hemphill, RL Burnside, Othar Turner and T Model Ford. Sharon is also a dear firend of mine. She loved Como so much that she is moving from Sante Fe to be part of the north MS experience, and I am seriously happy to hear about it!
Long time friends of the hill country, Yancey Allison and Bill Steber will also donate some of their wonderful prints to showcase our local musicmakers and life in and around Como, MS. All in all, this will be an impressive lobby to say the least! I hope and plan to eventually create a musem downtown for the JMHF at some point, to house the archive.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in January, date still to be set. A press release will come out shortly. See you in MS!!
Delta Recording Service
PO Box 12
Como, MS 38619
www.deltarecordingservice.com
Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation
(same address)
www.jmhemphill.org
Monday, October 23, 2006
Hammertime
Yes, indeed, we are still hammering, drilling, gluing, moving, painting, flooring, sanding, carpeting, sheetrocking, sweeping, door-ing (is that a real term?) freaking, drinking, praying and then more all over again. Never thought this would take a so long to do, but it has and really, we have been working every day. We will be done with the big stuff soon, but the datils of the studio will take more time. There is still much much to do and we are all beat. This has really been the most challenging and most stressful experience I have ever had, and I think it's been for Jimbo too. We have put much sweat equity and monetary equity into this, and I believe that the outcome will be all that much more sweeter for it. If it was too easy, I don't think we would believe in it as much and enjoy it as much when all the struggles are over.
Jim Dickinson and Mary Lindsey came by last Thursday to check out our operation. Big Jim was quite enthhused and declared he would be bringing in bands to prodcue and record out of our place! There is nothing better than to get the stamp of approval from our local Guru ("World Boogie is Coming!") and yesterday, Jimbo decided we had to find a zebra pattered carpet for the control room for Big Jim...to be sure we " don't think about the zebra", as he says.
Great news too, the major of Como wants to have a ribbon cutting ceremony! So that was some fun news and additional encouragement to keep going, no matter how tired you are, nor how discouraged at times. I have really begun to fully understand the phrase "blood, sweat and tears" because I have experienced all of the above, litterally. But I am really excited about the prosperity it will bring to everyone around it, and that joy is waht both Jimbo and I look forward to. It also gives us something to really believe in and get up every day.
We got most of the website ready, thanks to Little Miss Strange, who has been hosting and building the North MS Allstars fansite as well as Jimbo's site. I also have to send love to Will Dawson, who is/will be the studio manager and has been here every step of the way. We have many people in Como and Senatobia who have really stepped in and been there for us and helped. It is a great feeling to see people brought together, and a beauty all within itself to behold.
www.deltarecordingservice.com
Jim Dickinson and Mary Lindsey came by last Thursday to check out our operation. Big Jim was quite enthhused and declared he would be bringing in bands to prodcue and record out of our place! There is nothing better than to get the stamp of approval from our local Guru ("World Boogie is Coming!") and yesterday, Jimbo decided we had to find a zebra pattered carpet for the control room for Big Jim...to be sure we " don't think about the zebra", as he says.
Great news too, the major of Como wants to have a ribbon cutting ceremony! So that was some fun news and additional encouragement to keep going, no matter how tired you are, nor how discouraged at times. I have really begun to fully understand the phrase "blood, sweat and tears" because I have experienced all of the above, litterally. But I am really excited about the prosperity it will bring to everyone around it, and that joy is waht both Jimbo and I look forward to. It also gives us something to really believe in and get up every day.
We got most of the website ready, thanks to Little Miss Strange, who has been hosting and building the North MS Allstars fansite as well as Jimbo's site. I also have to send love to Will Dawson, who is/will be the studio manager and has been here every step of the way. We have many people in Como and Senatobia who have really stepped in and been there for us and helped. It is a great feeling to see people brought together, and a beauty all within itself to behold.
www.deltarecordingservice.com
Monday, October 02, 2006
Construction Junction
Whoowee, we are heavy in construction for the new studio in Como. But for the first time, it has suddenly become a reality for us and everyone is very excited. Aside from the obvious historical value and draw of Como, we are really liking the people in the community, who all seem very helpful and also excited that something new and different is coming in. The fun part for me is I'll get to decorate (eventually). For now it's mostly painting, runs to Home Depot or Lowes, drinkin beer...oh wait, that's nothing new there...uh, let's see...we got a cool fridge yesterday which is compact and cute! I was very excited about that (cold beer!!)... it's the delight in the little accomplishments that are creating the bigger picture...everything that gets done and installed just brings the dream so much closer to reality.
My friend Sherman Cooper was by all afternoon yesterday. He cooked us greens and cornbread, which was absolutely delightful. The weather has turned strangely warm again, as if the fall is trying to squueze out the last bit of summer weather it can before it freezes us to death (and it does get quite cold down here, you wouldn't believe it). Sherman showed me some back roads (to the beer stores) and we discussed ideas for the back patio area, which will really be cool. Shame the winter is coming, so we won't be able to really finish and use it... it will be a process anyway, but by the spring it will be a project to play with.
As for indoors, well, pearlings, blackboard, 2x10s, 2x4s, SDS drills, self drilling hex screws, roofing nails, shop vac...I don't know much about this stuff, but I am learning. Maybe I can ad carpentry to my list of skills someday...
...but things are moving along and bringing about curious vistors and oddities....ha!
(visit www.deltarecordingservice.com for more studio info)
My friend Sherman Cooper was by all afternoon yesterday. He cooked us greens and cornbread, which was absolutely delightful. The weather has turned strangely warm again, as if the fall is trying to squueze out the last bit of summer weather it can before it freezes us to death (and it does get quite cold down here, you wouldn't believe it). Sherman showed me some back roads (to the beer stores) and we discussed ideas for the back patio area, which will really be cool. Shame the winter is coming, so we won't be able to really finish and use it... it will be a process anyway, but by the spring it will be a project to play with.
As for indoors, well, pearlings, blackboard, 2x10s, 2x4s, SDS drills, self drilling hex screws, roofing nails, shop vac...I don't know much about this stuff, but I am learning. Maybe I can ad carpentry to my list of skills someday...
...but things are moving along and bringing about curious vistors and oddities....ha!
(visit www.deltarecordingservice.com for more studio info)
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Telluride Blues & Brews, OnlineRock.com
What a week! Maybe I should have read my horoscope or something, as things have really been looking up for me, musically speaking...
First, the Chris Isaak show was kick ass! Sold out at the House of Blues and the crowd was digging my music. I played by myself and amazingly, I was not really nervous at all. It was strange! I get more nervous thinking back about now than I did the moment of. Anyhow, Chris and his band really loved the show. He said I better return the favor to him and let him open for me, which I laughed at and he was like, "no, I'm serious!". Anyhow, his show was fabulous. I have always been a big fan of his music (which I had on cassettes mind you) so I need to get some itunes stuff now on him. With any luck, we'll pair up again sometime. In the meantime, everyone got Olga lipbalm (always a hit) for the road.
Found out the same day of the show, that I was selected as 1 of 6 finalists for the Telluride Blues & Brews Blues Competition, which means I get to go to Telluride next week! Never thought that would happen, but it did. Lucky for me, my man will be out there too, as he's playing the actual festival. And, I am psyched to see Bruce Hornsby who I have not seen in about 6 years. I met him a long time ago in SF and always enjoyed hearing him play, especially solo. He's truly anointed with musical abilities.
And this monring, I find out that I am a featured artist this month on www.OnlineRock.com Take a moment to check it out!
First, the Chris Isaak show was kick ass! Sold out at the House of Blues and the crowd was digging my music. I played by myself and amazingly, I was not really nervous at all. It was strange! I get more nervous thinking back about now than I did the moment of. Anyhow, Chris and his band really loved the show. He said I better return the favor to him and let him open for me, which I laughed at and he was like, "no, I'm serious!". Anyhow, his show was fabulous. I have always been a big fan of his music (which I had on cassettes mind you) so I need to get some itunes stuff now on him. With any luck, we'll pair up again sometime. In the meantime, everyone got Olga lipbalm (always a hit) for the road.
Found out the same day of the show, that I was selected as 1 of 6 finalists for the Telluride Blues & Brews Blues Competition, which means I get to go to Telluride next week! Never thought that would happen, but it did. Lucky for me, my man will be out there too, as he's playing the actual festival. And, I am psyched to see Bruce Hornsby who I have not seen in about 6 years. I met him a long time ago in SF and always enjoyed hearing him play, especially solo. He's truly anointed with musical abilities.
And this monring, I find out that I am a featured artist this month on www.OnlineRock.com Take a moment to check it out!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Opening for Chris Isaak!
Got a call today to come open Chris Isaak's show at the House of Blues in NOLA in September...sheesh, I loooove him!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Olga's Music Video Here At Last
Here is is! The music video for the song "Now Is The Time" drirected by J. Michael McCarthy
Monday, August 07, 2006
Saying Goodbye
These past two weeks have been the most difficult for me, I think in my life. Someone close to me passed, and I had helped organize the funeral with the family...which I was glad to be part of, honored really, that her relatives asked me to do that... Only later, have I been able to grieve. My sadness is great... I miss her so much...
The service was beautiful, on a hot sunny day... Jessie was wearing her white mink fur coat...we laughed at the thought of how hot it was...and that she would be ready for the winter with her coat on. She looked good...I know she would be pleased. She had many flowers. I had suggested we use all colors, every hue possible, because Jessie was a colorful woman. She liked to paint, and her paintings reflected the rainbows in her heart. She had painted a chirstmans tree once, and gave it to me for christmas. It has all kinds of shapes and colors...I can look at it for a long time, and find monkeys and birds, trees and of course, flowers lurking somewhere in there...I told her, I could see them, and she laughed and said, "yeah, yeah theys in there".
B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt were among the ones who had sent flowers. The Rising Star Fife & Drum Corp. played as she was carried to her final resting place... "Glory glory, Hallelujah...since I lay my burden down..." ...and we laid our final flowers on Jessie and said goodbye...
I am so happy she is at peace. I know she is happy and free. I am weeping because I miss her and I won't be able to see or talk to her anymore...but when I close my eyes, I can see her laughing that big ole cackle of hers... I know she will always be there.
The service was beautiful, on a hot sunny day... Jessie was wearing her white mink fur coat...we laughed at the thought of how hot it was...and that she would be ready for the winter with her coat on. She looked good...I know she would be pleased. She had many flowers. I had suggested we use all colors, every hue possible, because Jessie was a colorful woman. She liked to paint, and her paintings reflected the rainbows in her heart. She had painted a chirstmans tree once, and gave it to me for christmas. It has all kinds of shapes and colors...I can look at it for a long time, and find monkeys and birds, trees and of course, flowers lurking somewhere in there...I told her, I could see them, and she laughed and said, "yeah, yeah theys in there".
B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt were among the ones who had sent flowers. The Rising Star Fife & Drum Corp. played as she was carried to her final resting place... "Glory glory, Hallelujah...since I lay my burden down..." ...and we laid our final flowers on Jessie and said goodbye...
I am so happy she is at peace. I know she is happy and free. I am weeping because I miss her and I won't be able to see or talk to her anymore...but when I close my eyes, I can see her laughing that big ole cackle of hers... I know she will always be there.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Funeral Arrangements
Hello everyone
We finally have the arrangements for Jessie made, with a viewing and funeral this weekend, July 29th and 30th in Senatobia MS.
Viewing and Reflections 5-8pm
Sat. July 29
Felix Cauthen Funeral Home
13653 Hwy 4 West
Senatobia MS 38668
662 562 4773
Service for Jessie Mae Hemphill at 2pm
Sun. July 30
Church of Christ
401. West Gilmore St.
Senatobia
There is a real need to raise money to pay for the expense of the funeral, burial, and tombstone. We are in the process of setting up a bank account to accept funds and I will send out another email later today with that information. This information will also be available at www.jmhemphill.org
If you can make a contribution, please email me back with the pledge amount so that we can keep track of where we are.
Jessie Mae is truly blessed to have many friends out there who love her and are fans of her music. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and respect for Miss Jessie Mae.
We finally have the arrangements for Jessie made, with a viewing and funeral this weekend, July 29th and 30th in Senatobia MS.
Viewing and Reflections 5-8pm
Sat. July 29
Felix Cauthen Funeral Home
13653 Hwy 4 West
Senatobia MS 38668
662 562 4773
Service for Jessie Mae Hemphill at 2pm
Sun. July 30
Church of Christ
401. West Gilmore St.
Senatobia
There is a real need to raise money to pay for the expense of the funeral, burial, and tombstone. We are in the process of setting up a bank account to accept funds and I will send out another email later today with that information. This information will also be available at www.jmhemphill.org
If you can make a contribution, please email me back with the pledge amount so that we can keep track of where we are.
Jessie Mae is truly blessed to have many friends out there who love her and are fans of her music. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and respect for Miss Jessie Mae.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Passes, July 22
Yesterday, I played at the farmers market in Memphis. When I finished, I noticed I had four missed calls form a strange number. When I tried to return the calls, I got the recording that the number was not a working number. It dawned on me that I need to call the hospital. When I did, they told me Jessie was in critical condition and that I could see her but only for the next 20 minutes. I went to the hospital and sat with her for the remainder of visiting time. She was worse than the day before and I new she would not make it through the night. I prayed with her, sang to her and told her how glad I was to have been able to know her and share many a times with her...how much I would miss her, but that I knew she was looking forward to going home...to being with her family again, who she had been missing terribly for so long.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away yesterday evening, sometime around 7pm. I am so happy that she is at peace now, but so sad cause I will miss her. She knows as do I, that she will always be with me...with us...in our hearts.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away yesterday evening, sometime around 7pm. I am so happy that she is at peace now, but so sad cause I will miss her. She knows as do I, that she will always be with me...with us...in our hearts.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Hospitalized
Jessie Mae was addmited to The Med hospital in Memphis and is in the critical care unit. I went by to see her this morning and she was unconscious and in "guarded" condition. The nurses would not divulge any further information to me about what had happned (as I am not a relative), but, it looked pretty grave to me. I tried to talk to her but she was unrepsonsive. She is hooked up to a bunch of machines and I do fear the worst.
If you are a fan or friend of Jessie Mae, please send her your well wishes and prayers.
The Med Hospital
Critical Care Waiting Room:
Jessie Mae Brooks
877 Jefferson
Memphis, TN 38103
If you are a fan or friend of Jessie Mae, please send her your well wishes and prayers.
The Med Hospital
Critical Care Waiting Room:
Jessie Mae Brooks
877 Jefferson
Memphis, TN 38103
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
North MS Hillcountry Picnic July 3rd
So, we are STILL rather slow around here, after Monday. What was that all about, you ask? Oh, just a little throwdown Kenny Brown and Miss Sarah organzied in Potts Camp, MS that involved a virtual who's who of north MS music and the little scene we got going on up here. First of all, it was HOT AS HELL LITERALLY LIKE I AM NOT KIDDING HOT swealtering heat, oh Lordy. Mix in beer, water, BBQ and gatorade and it's the makings of something serious. I shot film for the first time in 2 years cause I knew most of the folks there, and knew they would not have a problem with my camera in their face taking pictures. I forgot how much I enjoy that! And I got some great, great pics that will definately go down in history for us (now, I need to save up the moolah to print 'em up! well, 5 rolls of black and white is 'spensive).
But anyhow, here's who played (and I know I'm forgetting...)
John Barnett, Lil Joe Ayers, Rev John Wilkins,Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Bobby Rush, Carey Hudson, Jocco Rushing & the Heatseekers, Robert Belfour, T Model Ford, Burnside Exploration, Cody DIckinson, David Kimbrough, Jimbo Mathus & Knockdown South, Olga, Luther Dickinson,Duwayne Burnside & the Mississippi Mafia Kenny Brown & Hill Country Jam
Fireworks,
Melvin and Cody Burnside provided security, and I learned in the process they were both bounty hunters! Cedric had bought his young kids with him, which was nice to meet them at last. Jim Dees was the emcee for the day/night and Amos and Colter Harvey, Lynn Drury, Necha Dickinson, Amelda Lee, Joey Lauren Adams, John Beifuss, Tom Speed, Bill Steeber and a slew of other characters were in the mix. To tell the truth, this was one of those events where maybe we could've benefitted from "Hello my name is..." tags....NAH!
I ate a bunch of rib tips that were to die for, made by a local father-son team from Bedford, MS. We did miss a few friends who could not attend, but most importantly, the spirit of the late great RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough were definately felt that night. Heck, Mr Belfour hung out till way after late, he was clearly having a ball. Somewhere along the line, I lost the bug spray, so my feet itch from skeet bites...(sigh)...well, the white lightnin' helped make me forget about that, though! Actually, it's probably what made me not feel the bites happening in the first place...
The great thing is, the event will most likely happen again next year. It will most definately be the same line-up with maybe a few additonal MS musicians, but they want it to be a real north MS thing. As Amos said, "Well, it's about time! What took so long??"
But anyhow, here's who played (and I know I'm forgetting...)
John Barnett, Lil Joe Ayers, Rev John Wilkins,Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Bobby Rush, Carey Hudson, Jocco Rushing & the Heatseekers, Robert Belfour, T Model Ford, Burnside Exploration, Cody DIckinson, David Kimbrough, Jimbo Mathus & Knockdown South, Olga, Luther Dickinson,Duwayne Burnside & the Mississippi Mafia Kenny Brown & Hill Country Jam
Fireworks,
Melvin and Cody Burnside provided security, and I learned in the process they were both bounty hunters! Cedric had bought his young kids with him, which was nice to meet them at last. Jim Dees was the emcee for the day/night and Amos and Colter Harvey, Lynn Drury, Necha Dickinson, Amelda Lee, Joey Lauren Adams, John Beifuss, Tom Speed, Bill Steeber and a slew of other characters were in the mix. To tell the truth, this was one of those events where maybe we could've benefitted from "Hello my name is..." tags....NAH!
I ate a bunch of rib tips that were to die for, made by a local father-son team from Bedford, MS. We did miss a few friends who could not attend, but most importantly, the spirit of the late great RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough were definately felt that night. Heck, Mr Belfour hung out till way after late, he was clearly having a ball. Somewhere along the line, I lost the bug spray, so my feet itch from skeet bites...(sigh)...well, the white lightnin' helped make me forget about that, though! Actually, it's probably what made me not feel the bites happening in the first place...
The great thing is, the event will most likely happen again next year. It will most definately be the same line-up with maybe a few additonal MS musicians, but they want it to be a real north MS thing. As Amos said, "Well, it's about time! What took so long??"
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Sleepless Nights
Another sleepless night...I used to have a radio show by that name when I lived in Boulder, CO. It was freeform eclectic and ran from midnight to 3am. That wasn't all that tough, it was the first shift when I first began DJ-ing, from 3-6am, called Restless Mornings, that was the brutal one. You had to either just stay up until 3, or wake up at 2:30am and roll over to the station. I was fotunate enough that I only lived 2 blocks away, so I could litterally roll into the station from bed in my pajamas. I could not drink coffee though, as my stomach just could not take it that early...so I was really half out of it when I'd do these shows.
That's actually not so bad, cause you find yourself in this zone of sorts...kinda like how I get when I play music. I used to tape redcord about every show I did, which was great to listen to after the fact and try to remember what the hell I played and how I got there. Over the years those shows added up and I probablly Dj-ed over 100 of them. You could play whatever you wanted.
I rememeber one night, it was in the middle of winter. I was doing the Sleepless Nights show (12-3am) and I had just put on a song by Stevie Wonder. Back then, the front door would automatically stay locked until the morning news crew got there, so when you did a shift change, you'd have to open the door for the next person waiting outside. Tehre were actually two doors, one for the office and one for the door leading into the office building, both locked at night. So, here I was, answering the door, and when I answered, no one was there. I had put a book in the door jam so it would not close on me, and I leaned out to see who was there in the parking lot. Mind you, it was about 11 degrees outside (no kidding) so cold as freaking hell frozen over. The next thing I know, the book had fallen away from the doorjam and the door slammed shut! Great, I thought. Locked out, in the cold, my keys, jacket, etc. were all inside and the next DJ who suddenly appeared right then, was locked out from his show as well.
"Well $%*#!," I said, "this CD should last about 45 minutes, and then, I guess that will conclude our broadcast day untitl 6am."
The fellow DJ said, "$#@*^, well, that's happened to me before too. They'll figure out what happened when 6am arrives". And at that he drove me home in the below freezing weather in my pajamas and I had fortunately, left the door to my house unlocked so I could get in.
So on those nights where I can't sleep, I think back to my radio days of late night DJ-ing and wish I could do it again...I mean, what else is there to do at 3am??
That's actually not so bad, cause you find yourself in this zone of sorts...kinda like how I get when I play music. I used to tape redcord about every show I did, which was great to listen to after the fact and try to remember what the hell I played and how I got there. Over the years those shows added up and I probablly Dj-ed over 100 of them. You could play whatever you wanted.
I rememeber one night, it was in the middle of winter. I was doing the Sleepless Nights show (12-3am) and I had just put on a song by Stevie Wonder. Back then, the front door would automatically stay locked until the morning news crew got there, so when you did a shift change, you'd have to open the door for the next person waiting outside. Tehre were actually two doors, one for the office and one for the door leading into the office building, both locked at night. So, here I was, answering the door, and when I answered, no one was there. I had put a book in the door jam so it would not close on me, and I leaned out to see who was there in the parking lot. Mind you, it was about 11 degrees outside (no kidding) so cold as freaking hell frozen over. The next thing I know, the book had fallen away from the doorjam and the door slammed shut! Great, I thought. Locked out, in the cold, my keys, jacket, etc. were all inside and the next DJ who suddenly appeared right then, was locked out from his show as well.
"Well $%*#!," I said, "this CD should last about 45 minutes, and then, I guess that will conclude our broadcast day untitl 6am."
The fellow DJ said, "$#@*^, well, that's happened to me before too. They'll figure out what happened when 6am arrives". And at that he drove me home in the below freezing weather in my pajamas and I had fortunately, left the door to my house unlocked so I could get in.
So on those nights where I can't sleep, I think back to my radio days of late night DJ-ing and wish I could do it again...I mean, what else is there to do at 3am??
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Los Lobos, DJ Logic, Jurassic 5 at Jazzfest show
ahhh...meant to blog a few days again, but I had to get back on track after all those late nights in N.O.
So Friday I was at the fabulous Los Lobos show at H.O.B. If anyone of you has NOT seen them, you are really really missing out on an american institution of music. Vince (David's son) and Jason (Conrad's son) is on the road with them now as techs. It was great to see them cause the last time I saw any of the kids was, sheesh...at least 7 years ago, at least. Everyone is grown up. It's crazy how fast the time went by. It has now been 12 years since I've know Lobos and, wow, still felt like old times though...
...and I got a shout out and a dedicated song..."Not Fade Away" into "Bertha", cause well, I'm married now! A lot's changed in my life since we last caight up in N.O.
During the last tune there were a bunch of folks on stage. I played moraccas and sang some harmonies with Cesar for "Cumbia Raza", in spanish no less! My friend Ashley was with me, and she said she had a blast, especially being on stage and dancing at the end. SO again, I remind everyone to go see that band.
...there is a new album out in September I'm told, and I hear Tchad Blake has been mixing it. Also hear that is has a "Kiko" vibe to it, most likely cause Tchad's at the board. I don't think Tchad's on myspace, but Mitchell Froom is and so is Lobos, so go check out their pages. In he meantime, I think I'll have to scoot of to Dallas in July and see them again for another charge. YAY!
Somthing else that was really of the hook was the J5 show late night (3am). DJ Logic spun a set before hand and it was great catching up with that crew again after so long. And FYI, Logic did a special mix for Jessie Mae Hemphill, called "Porch Logic". He did it a few years back and it's really damn good. He was involved in that recording project we did with her, "Jessie Mae Hemphill & Friends" and told me Saturday, it was one of the best experiences in his life, and how much he appreciated me turning him onto the blues. You may want to check out the song on itunes. otherwise, the album is for sale at www.219records.com and other lil CD places on the internet.
Well, that's all for now. I have to mail 475 packages with Jimbo's new CD in it.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thacker Mountain
Hey y'all
Yesterday, I was in Oxford to play their Thacker Mountain radio show. It is recorded in the Off Square Books, which is, off the square, but not by much! Thacker Mountain had litereary readings form authors and musical guests in between, I was excited to be back on the show, which I have been lucky enough to do every season.
Strangley, and I don't know why, but when ever a tape recorder is involved I get butterflies and worms. You know, live is one thing, casue once it's out there and out of your mouth... it just flies away and dissipates like a bubble once it pops. But when you got a tape recorder rolling...well...it's on tape!! So then you go back and listen to all the warts of the performance and that, my friends, is where my hangup is. Jim Dees ( the host) said that we're always our worst critic and that it's terribly difficlut to go back. Frankly, I probably won't for my own sanity. I know it sounded great as many people told me so, so thank God for that!! But still, as I stood up there singing and playing a couple songs by myself to a quiet room, I had to use every Jedi mind trick in the book that I knew to calm my nerves down. "You were nervous?" Jim said incredulously. "You do this all the time! Well, I couldn't tell a thing!" So I guess, my Jedi mind tricks worked yet again! (these are not the nerves you're looking for...)
Yesterday, I was in Oxford to play their Thacker Mountain radio show. It is recorded in the Off Square Books, which is, off the square, but not by much! Thacker Mountain had litereary readings form authors and musical guests in between, I was excited to be back on the show, which I have been lucky enough to do every season.
Strangley, and I don't know why, but when ever a tape recorder is involved I get butterflies and worms. You know, live is one thing, casue once it's out there and out of your mouth... it just flies away and dissipates like a bubble once it pops. But when you got a tape recorder rolling...well...it's on tape!! So then you go back and listen to all the warts of the performance and that, my friends, is where my hangup is. Jim Dees ( the host) said that we're always our worst critic and that it's terribly difficlut to go back. Frankly, I probably won't for my own sanity. I know it sounded great as many people told me so, so thank God for that!! But still, as I stood up there singing and playing a couple songs by myself to a quiet room, I had to use every Jedi mind trick in the book that I knew to calm my nerves down. "You were nervous?" Jim said incredulously. "You do this all the time! Well, I couldn't tell a thing!" So I guess, my Jedi mind tricks worked yet again! (these are not the nerves you're looking for...)
Anyhow, the highlight for sure was our rockin' rendition of Memphis Minnie's "What's the Matter with the Mill" which I dueted with Duff Dourrogh. Jim Dickinson also got on the piano and yelled "done broke down" in between verses and I could tell the audience was lovin' it. Nothing like a dirty blues song to get blood flow up! uh, no pun intended there.
for your reading pleasure I am going to post the lyrics, This is the version we did on my record:
WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH THE MILL?
by Memphis Minnie
J: Say Miss O
O: What you say Jimbo?
J: Where are you going?
O: I’m going to the mill to have my corn ground
J: Aww, that mill’s broke down
O: How do you know?
J: I went to get my corn ground
O: What’s the matter with the mill?
J: It done broke down
O : Can’t get no grinding, tell me what’s the matter with the mill
Well, I had a little corn, I put it in a sack
Brought it to the mill and come right back
What's the matter with the mill? (It done broke down)
What's the matter with the mill? (It done broke down)
I can't get no grinding
Tell me what's the matter with the mill
Well, people keep a talking all over town
Tell me that the mill had done broke down
What’s the matter with the mill…
(spoken: Ahw, grind it)
Now listen here folks, I don't want no stuff
You can't bring me my meal, bring me the husks1
What's the matter with the mill…
Well, my papa sat and cried, my brother did, too
They both been to the mill, they can't get nothing to do
What's the matter with the mill…
Now listen here folks, I want you to bear this in mind
If you're going to the mill, you're just losing time
What's the matter with the mill…
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Today's the day
I just don't know where the time goes...been trying to figure that out now for the last few years! I guess it's the never ending answer I shall seek for the rest of my days...hmmm...
Anyhow, today is the day my new CD "Now is the Time" is released in and stores near you! Here's a blurb from teh "one-sheet":
Produced by Olga and Jimbo Mathus. Recorded at Delta Recording Service, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Olga’s third album, “Now is the Time”, features performances by Memphis and Oxford, Mississippi’s hot new generation of roots and blues players. The album includes, Jimbo Mathus, Paul Taylor, Jack Yarber, Steve Malcolm, T. Bryan Ledford, Max Williams, Darren Dortin, Will Dawson, Brandon Hughes, and Justin Showah.
We got a lot more news in development, which I will drop a line on soon...in the meantime, find an A/c quick cause we're cooking' down here!!
Anyhow, today is the day my new CD "Now is the Time" is released in and stores near you! Here's a blurb from teh "one-sheet":
Produced by Olga and Jimbo Mathus. Recorded at Delta Recording Service, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Olga’s third album, “Now is the Time”, features performances by Memphis and Oxford, Mississippi’s hot new generation of roots and blues players. The album includes, Jimbo Mathus, Paul Taylor, Jack Yarber, Steve Malcolm, T. Bryan Ledford, Max Williams, Darren Dortin, Will Dawson, Brandon Hughes, and Justin Showah.
We got a lot more news in development, which I will drop a line on soon...in the meantime, find an A/c quick cause we're cooking' down here!!
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