[Harp-L] Carey Bell

[Peter and Connie Ruth <conruth@xxxxxxxxx>]

The first time I saw Carey Bell was in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1975.   
The band I was in at the time, Sky King, was opening act for Willie  
Dixon’s Chicago Blues All Stars and Carey was in the band having  
replaced Walter Horton.  I got to hang out with Carey in the dressing  
room that night.  I remember asking him about how he got a particular  
sound and he wouldn’t tell me, but offered me a swig of whiskey instead.

The last time I saw Carey Bell was in Brazil in November 1998.  We  
were both on a traveling Blues Review for a few days in the Sao Paulo  
area.  One night Carey wanted to buy a bottle of whiskey, and he  
needed a translator,  so he and I slipped out the back door of the  
auditorium and walked down the street to a liquor store.  I was able  
to procure for him a bottle of a Brazilian made whiskey called "Old  
Chicago."  Then we went back stage and he gave me a swig...  Nice  
memory...

I’m glad I got a chance to know him and hear him play.  I loved his  
big sound...

I will miss him...

Peter Madcat Ruth
madcat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.madcatmusic.net