Muddy Waters & Rolling Stones – “Champagne And Reefer”

I got an email from a college buddy telling me about a great Blues song he just heard, “Champagne and Reefer.” I couldn’t believe that in 60+ years, he’d never heard that Muddy Waters classic! I passed 3 states’ bar exams and after every one my friends and I celebrated with champagne and reefer – except the time we had hash. This is Muddy Waters with the Rolling Stones doing “Champagne and Reefer” from that famous night at the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago in 1981. I’m not going to tell you I was there but I was living in Chicago and out that night and drove past the Checkerboard Lounge. Believe me, I was pissed the next day when I found out what I missed!

 

 

Dirty Heads – “My Sweet Summer”

The Dirty Heads played last Saturday night at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI for a sold out show. I hadn’t checked out their music before the show so I didn’t know what to expect. These guys are super-popular and draw a 20-something crowd with plenty of women in short skirts! Plus, they drank heavy and not beer – booze – and keep the doubles coming! Fun crowd, late night and thanks for tipping your bartenders! This is the video for “My Sweet Summer” from the Dirty Heads latest album, “Sound of Change.”

 

Widespread Panic – Live!

Widespread Panic was in Milwaukee WI last weekend for their annual 3 shows at the Riverside Theater. I didn’t go this year but I know plenty of people who were there for all 3 shows. For my friends who never get enough here’s a Widespread Panic set from last month.

Chris Aaron (1970 – 2014)

Last week, we lost a good friend, an awesome musician and a better guy when Chris Aaron died suddenly of a heart attack at age 44. He was in his studio talking on the phone with his son. Only fitting as Chris’s 2 passions were his family and his music. The memorial service last weekend in Sturgeon Bay WI was attended by hundreds. We also had a memorial in Madison WI for Chris’s many friends here. Click here to read Andy Moore’s tribute to Chris. Today’s video is a new song that the Chris Aaron Band performed at a recent show in Green Bay WI. Chris gave me the Harley-Davidson hat that he’s wearing in this video. I’ll wear it proudly for my friend. We’ll miss you, Bruder!

 

 

Luther Dickinson – “Blood ‘N Guts”

You never know who’s going to come through Madison WI on a Monday night. Luther Dickinson played with his trio last night at the High Noon Saloon. Luther Dickinson was a guitarist for the Black Crowes from 2007 – 2013 as well as lead vocalist and guitar for the North Mississippi All-Stars. “Blood ‘n Guts” is from his latest album, “Rock ‘n Roll Blues.” Gibson guitars has also named a guitar after him. I guess it’s been a good year for Luther Dickinson!

 

BoDeans – “She’s A Runaway”

The BoDeans played last weekend at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI. I’ve seen the BoDeans several times as they are origionally from nearby Waukesha WI and very popular locally. This blog has followers all over the USA, UK and South America and I like to turn folks on to good music that they might not know about. “She’s A Runaway” is my favorite BoDeans song and the topic is certainly timely. If you like this one, check out one of the BoDeans most popular songs, “Fadeaway.”

Delta Spirit – “From Now On”

Delta Spirit played last Saturday night at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI. Delta Spirit is a band from Brooklyn NY. Their new release, “Into The Wide” came out in September. “From Now On” is a cut from the new album that they performed recently on the Letterman show. Personally, I’m not in love with Delta Spirit but you can make your own decision.

Here Come The Mummies!

Here Come The Mummies played on Saturday night at the Majestic Theatre in Madison WI. Here Come The Mummies are based in Nashville TN. They perform “under wraps” as band members are believed to be under contract with various record labels and want to avoid contract disputes. Let me tell you – these guys bring the Funk!! Everybody dances and the women go crazy! If your date doesn’t go home with one of the band members, she will be ready to rock your world, believe me!

Robin Trower – “Bridge Of Sighs”

In my last post, I mentioned that James Lee Stanley opened Wednesday night at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI for a certain rock icon. That rock icon was none other than Robin Trower! Not many people know that Robin Trower was a member of Procol Harum until 1971 and appeared on their first 5 albums. Of course, he’s best known for his 1974 album, “Bridge of Sighs.” There were a lot of old rockers at this show – I thought the line in front looked like it was for the 4:30 senior dinner special at some restaurant in Florida! Anyway, here’s Robin Trower on “Bridge of Sighs” sounding as good as ever!

James Lee Stanley – “Goin’ Back To Memphis”

James Lee Stanley played a very well received set last night at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI opening for a certain rock icon whom I’ll be featuring tomorrow. He’s a guy who likes to talk and joke with the crowd and he made a lot of fans last night. I should know – I was mistaken for James Lee Stanley a couple times and was told how awesome my set was! “Goin’ Back To Memphis” is a song he wrote thinking about one of the best barbeque places in America, The Rendezvous in Memphis TN. If you haven’t been there, go there!