Roots Review 34

My last week in Arizona ended on a high note when HoneyBoy Dupree and I joined Paris James, Mikel Lander, Jack Straw, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Hans Olsen and others at the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Benefit Concert at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, hosted by Paris.


A great time was had by all who packed the room on a Sunday night to hear great roots music from some of Arizona's hottest performers and one snowbird.

Earlier in the week - Wednesday, night before Thanksgiving - Dupree and I celebrated American Roots Live 34 with some awesome musicians at hot-spot, Bobby C's Jazz Lounge and Grille downtown in the shadow of the Arizona Diamondback's baseball stadium.

I blew some harp, but man there were some great pro performances by Paris James (pic) playing guitar and singing his heart out, Dupree on bass, Adam Clark; drums, the renowned Raul Yanez on Hammond B3 organ and piano. Raul Yanez has serious chops and his music deep, deep soul. Javier Yanez on bass, Tony Valensuela; congas, Duwall Davis; drums, 18 year old, Ryan Dingess; keys and other players and rooters from all around the country.

Everyone had a great time and left for the their holidays with an Elmore Magazine and the spirit of the music in their hearts. Many thanks to Bobby and Joy Clayton for their interest and genuine hospitality.

Then it was off to Nogales, Mexico Thursday for a Thanksgiving dinner of cheese enchiladas, beans and rice.

But it all started Sunday, the 26th, when HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players walked away with another Arizona Music Award for their knock-out performance at the Rhythm Room. Dupree was a crowd favorite that day and I had a blast joining him on stage to do a little blowin' and shoutin' of my own.

There where many stand-out performances including (now on his way to Memphis) Mikel Lander, a 25 year old, lefty guitarist and singer who does a great, original Robert Johnson thing, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Tommy Dukes, a 13 year old guitar phenom named Kevin KC Blues and many more. KC is sure to carry the roots torch into the future for generations to come. This was the Phoenix Blues Society's biggest day of the year.


Our many thanks to the Rhythm Room's Bob Corritore (pic), harp player, producer, radio show host and blues historian - for his interest, generousity, hospitality and spirit.

Thanks to Rich Brydle, manager of Cold Shot & the Hurricane Horns - another of Zona's hottest acts - for his energy and vision - and special thanks to Paris' manager, Evan "Arizona" Mills for his humor and for spreading the word.

All in all, whether it was sizzlin' on stage or in the 90 degree dessert sun, my time in Arizona was hot, hot, hot!


Now do yourself a favor and get a subscription to Elmore Magazine so you can read about HoneyBoy Dupree in the January issue and Paris James in the March. Go here right now Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music".

A subscription to Elmore Magazine, with their well written, in-depth articles, award winning photography, and cool T shirts will make great Christmas gift packages for those special on your list this year - and while you're at elmoremagazine.com, click into their "links" page.

Hope to see you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned