Re: [Harp-L] Bill's Blues Bar-Chicago
- To: "G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>
- Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Bill's Blues Bar-Chicago
- From: "46long Blake" <46long@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:00:40 -0400
- Cc: Jessica <jwinders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Sue Talbott <talbottswv@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, Harp-L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>, JoAnn <joannmik@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Jim Winders <jimwinders@xxxxxxxxxx>, Guy Hunt <guyh@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Jeff Scott <jeffs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "JJsBluesJammers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <JJsBluesJammers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Gary Witte <gary.witte@xxxxxxxxx>, Michele Birrittieri <msbmom24@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Ed <edwinders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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- References: <031220082144.13651.47D84EB2000DCBEE0000355322228869349B0A02D29B9B0EBF0B02079900000A06@att.net> <C4D5DC59-66BC-4BE4-980D-85652DC46F7F@gmail.com> <69da046f0803131140w39e3c25asef16b82fdb93d5d0@mail.gmail.com>
I should also qualify my story with that though Rochester is my hometown, I
haven't lived there in almost 20 years, and nobody at the jam knew me.
- B
On Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 2:40 PM, 46long Blake <46long@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Good story, Jeff!
>
> Has the "old boys network" at blues jams been discussed here much? I had
> a really bad experience with that in my hometown of Rochester, NY a couple
> years ago when I went early to a jam, brought my dad, was the first harp
> player on the list, and one of the first 10 players on the list, and I
> didn't get called up until way late in the evening, long after my dad wanted
> to leave. Your situation turned out way better than mine did......
>
> ....now must go kill other harmonica player named
> "Blake"..............grrrrrrrr..............
>
> - Cincinnati Blake
>
> On Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 10:21 PM, G. E. Popenoe <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> > Damn! I like good story writting like that. I was right there with you!
> >
> > Gary Popenoe
> >
> > On Mar 12, 2008, at 2:44 PM, jeffwind@xxxxxxx wrote:
> >
> > > Just wanted to share a positive open mic experience during a recent
> > > business trip to Chicago. I first learned of Bill's Blues Bar in
> > > Evanston via Harp-L., when Evan Meagher first posted about his
> > > experience. (Evan, if you are out there, this was a last minute
> > > trip for me. I checked all the harp players on the list last night,
> > > but I don't think you were there. I definately owe you a beer after
> > > last night's experience.)
> > >
> > > The Jam starts at 8:30 on Tuesdays and was hosted by the "Two for
> > > Blue" band. A solid Chicago Blues Band, harp player included, by
> > > the name of Blake...a really nice guy. I got there a little
> > > before 8:30 to scope out the scene. The band was still setting up
> > > and doing sound checks, they were acknowleding anyone walking in the
> > > door with a friendly hello. I strolled to the bar, took a stool and
> > > ordered my usual Sam Adams. A few other guys come thru the door
> > > with guitars slung over their shoulders, signed up on the pad at the
> > > corner of the bar and took their customary seats. It's obvious
> > > everyone here are regulars to the jam. The first set starts to take
> > > off with the house band and the night has begun. I find my self
> > > swaying with the music and my feet are tapping...I'm hooked. I
> > > thought, what the hell, no one knows me here...let's sign up.
> > >
> > > As I write down my name and craft, I notice I'm about the 10th guy
> > > on the list and the only harmonica player...cool. I wander back to
> > > my seat with my heart pounding in my chest and wonder, why am I so
> > > nervous, I've done this back home plenty of times.
> > >
> > > Two for Blue finished the warm up set and took 5, while the lead
> > > man, Tom begins to review the sign up list, putting together a make
> > > shift band of blues brothers. Thinking I have to be a part of the
> > > first set I reach into my jacket and pull out the three Oskers I
> > > have with me, C, A and D, but no, wait, was it Josh he just called
> > > up to blow harp? Josh , I saw, wandered into the bar earlier,
> > > nodded to a few around the place, signed the sheet, proceeded to his
> > > usual table and began gussing.
> > >
> > > Oh, I get it. The "Old Boys Club". No worries, I'm settled in for
> > > the night, it's early, I'll get my chance to play, so I order my
> > > second Sam Adams.
> > >
> > > As the second set begins, Tom takes the stool next to me. "Jeff
> > > right? You play harp? Haven't seen you around before. As I tell
> > > him it's my first time, I had about the jam and since I was in town,
> > > thought I would check it out..... I was thinking to myself.... How
> > > the hell does this guy know who I am? In hindsight, it was probably
> > > because I was the only guy not leaning on a guitar.
> > >
> > > "Listen" he says, we're doing things a little differently than usual
> > > tonight. There is an agent in the crowd tonight, so my band is
> > > going to take the stage on the next set and play a few, then I'll
> > > get you up on the following set."
> > >
> > > "No worries, Thanks"
> > >
> > > Two for Blue take the stage and lay down a cornicopia of blues
> > > styles, fast and rockin, jumpin boogie, slow grooves and a
> > > dedication song to a past band member, who must have passed away.
> > > The band wraps up, they take 5, the sign up sheet is being reviewed
> > > and at this time my heart starts racing, because I know my turn is
> > > coming up.
> > >
> > > No, wait, he just said Paul on harp and vocals! The "Old Boys
> > > Club" is alive and well. I had just noticed Paul walk in to the
> > > bar not 10 minutes ago. You know a harp player can always spot
> > > another harp player.
> > > Oh well, what you're going to do....so I sit back and savor the
> > > music and atmosphere.
> > >
> > > Tom strolls over to my bar stool, "Jeff, look after this set, I'm
> > > going to team you up with an acoustic guitar player."
> > >
> > > "That's cool, no problem." Damnit, I say to myself, all night harp
> > > players have been playing thru green bullets, blues blasters, and
> > > other forms of distortion.....hey I can add some slop and make it
> > > sound like it belongs just as well as the next guy, but no....I'm
> > > now the "Wiggins" of a "Cephas and Wiggins" duo......only one
> > > problem.....I'm certainly no "Wiggins"
> > >
> > > So my partner and I make the journey to the stage, for me a long
> > > journey. As we are setting up, talking about what keys to play in,
> > > I see out of the corner of my eye, other guitar players heading to
> > > the stage, and a drummer! Hey this might not turn out to be as bad
> > > as I thought! The set begins.
> > >
> > > We begin with what I remember, as an Allman Brothers tune.....can't
> > > remember the tunes in between, but know we finished up the set with
> > > Maybelline. As we are wrapping up, Tom grabs his guitar steps up on
> > > stage with us and says there is a local vocal legend in the house
> > > that's coming up to do one song. His first name was Freddy, but
> > > don't recall the last. At this point, I know it's my cue to exit
> > > stage right. I grap my harps and begin to make my way off stage,
> > > when Tom places a hand on my shoulder and says" Man, you ain't going
> > > nowhere, blow some harp and make her wail!" So we start a rip
> > > roaring version of 21 days.
> > >
> > > After my half hour in the limelight, I slowly begin to regain the
> > > confidence I have lost over the last month regarding my harmonica
> > > skills. All the other harmonica players in the house were
> > > complimentary of my playing. However, I think sometimes this is just
> > > professional courtesy. I believe the true test is the guy sitting
> > > on the bar stool, who doesn't play an instrument, just there for the
> > > music, looks at you and says, "Man, you play a mean harp!" Now, that
> > > speaks volumes.
> > >
> > > I suddlenly realize, it wasn't the "Old Boys Club" at work, but Tom
> > > knew how to group his regular players allowing everyone to shine and
> > > have their moment. As I was leaving, he invited me back on my next
> > > time in town. Blake caught me outside, letting me know he also
> > > hosts another jam in North Chicago and invited me to drop in.
> > >
> > > All in All, it was a great open mic experience. The crowd was
> > > supportive, the music was great, the beer
> > > was cold, the jam was very well organized and fair. At the end of
> > > the night, I felt like a part of the "Old Boys Club." My hat is off
> > > to Tom, Blake and the other members of the Two for Blue band and to
> > > Bill's Blues Bar for hosting the jam and giving us blues wanna be's
> > > a place to grow our craft. I highly recommend this joint for anyone
> > > passing thru Chicago.
> > >
> > > Evan, maybe our paths will cross and I can make good on that beer.
> > >
> > > To my friends and fellow harp players back home, in order to prove I
> > > actually played this place, I asked Gus to take a few photos with my
> > > cell...which he did, but neglected to hit the save button....so once
> > > again, you'll have to take my word this night actually happened.
> > >
> > > Jeff
> > > "Harpin Homer"
> > > _______________________________________________
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> >
>
>
>
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