Doug Carter

"Living the Low Life:  Fathead w/Jessie O'Brien"

blues resources

John LaRocca, guitarist with the Stingrays, sent me this fabulous radio station from New Orleans that plays all eras of New Orleans rock'n'roll/rhythm & blues...music I grew up with & still love today ... music with that 'second line' beat from Fats Domino through the funky Meters to the latest cuts (like the Funkdawgs;Jeff Chaz and zydeco too! Check it out...this is where it all started and it's still happening today post-Katrina... "http://www.neworleansradio.com/"
...but you'll have to download a 'Winamp' player to hear it if you don't already have it...its free, available on the station's main page. I've recently been in contact with Andy Grigg, again thanks to John, who has this wonderful on-line magazine (www.realbluesmagazine.com).  Andy, who produced King Biscuit Boy's Mouth of Steel, is working on a biography of Richard which I'm looking forward to reading.  "Mouth of Steel" is out of print at the moment but English label 'Sequel' is currently readying it's re-release... check out the 'top 100' blues CDs section of the site... a 'Biscuit' page too! If anyone knows of any other blues / rhythm & blues / black rock 'n roll etc. type radio stations let me know (leave a 'comment') it would be much appreciated. Don't forget to go to http://dougcarter.typepad.com for the latest installment of Blues Rockin' In The Hammer for more 'blues' resources... again any contributions in the way of band names from the 50's, 60's, early 70's would be greatly appreciated as would any photos, posters or other 'documents'...just leave a 'comment' or e-mail me at " longbeachart@gmail.com "

Fathead at Pepper Jacks

Went into the Hammer last weekend to see Fathead, one of my favourite Canadian blues bands. It had been over a year since I'd had an opportunity to see them ... but fortunately I do have their great live CD Livlier Than Ever, Fathead Records 1388, for when I get the urge to hear them. The band features Al Lerman on sax, vocals and great blues harp, and John Mays on lead vocals. I love the understated but right-on-the-money rythmn section of drummer Hayden Vialva and bassist Omar Tunnoch. Their original guitar player, Teddy Leonard, who is a favourite of mine, has left the band after 14 years was replaced by the very capable Daren Poole in the spring of 2006. The band plays mostly original songs — with the occasional cover like Tarheel Slim's Number 9 Train — or as the band puts it on their website, www.fathead.biz, smokin' blues. Local bluesman Alfie Smith opened the night and was a very pleasant surprise with his plugged-in acoustic blues guitar style and his many original tunes. And to top the evening off, the Hammer's Jessie O'Brien joined Fathead for the evening on keyboards filling out Fathead's already jumpin' sound. It was my first visit to the Pepper Jack and it was fun place to see a band like Fathead, up close and personal. I'll try to keep my eye on who is playing there from now on, but I know I missed opportunities to see Watermelon Slim there last year. Last Friday was the first of the bitter cold nights we're having and a decent crowd was on hand but it should of been packed ... the music was bluesy and rockin' . Don't forget to visit my blog, "Blues Rockin' In The Hammer:  the early days" at
dougcarter.typepad.com

If you like what you see and hear there, I'd love to hear from you if you have or know someone who has material, posters, photos, tapes, home movies or even just remember a band name that played around town in the 50s, 60s and early 70s please get in touch.