Jackson Free Press

SAMPLE OF THIS WEEK'S "LIVE" BLUES EVENTS IN THE DELTA (full list at http://www.cathead.biz/livemusic.html )...
Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com
11/8 - BLUES JAM w/Razorblade
11/9 - Big T & the Family
11/10 - Bill Abel Blues Band w/Cadillac John

Reds Lounge, Clarksdale, MS (Sunflower Ave. & MLK Dr.)
11/9 - TBA
11/10 - Louis "GEARSHIFTER" Youngblood

Sarah's Kitchen, Clarksdale, MS (278 Sunflower Ave.)
On music nights, food 6:30pm; music 8:30pm.
Thurs., 11/8 - Ponderosa Blues Allstars

Depot Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS http://www.depotbluesclub.com
Thursdays - Mr. Tater's blues jam
11/9 - Jake & the Pearl Street Stompers

930 Blues Cafe, Jackson, MS http://www.jesdablues.com
Thurs/Fri/Sat - Miss Sweatheart Jackie Bell
Thursdays - Norman Clark and Smoke Stack Lightning
11/9-10 - Stevie J.

Carroll County Market, On The Square in Carrollton, MS http://www.carrollcountymarket.com
Fridays - 5pm Blues Jam
11/10 - Jimbo Mathus

ON SUNDAYS IN THE DELTA REGION:
- Sundays - Club 2000 w/Mr. Tater (Clarksdale, MS)
- Sundays, 7pm - Club Ebony (Indianola, MS) - David Lee Durham
- Many Sundays, 7:30pm - Alvees (Hwy 4 & 309 at Jamison Rd) - Cedric Burnside/Lightnin Malcolm
- Sundays - Wild Bill's juke joint (Memphis, TN) - house band
- Some Sundays - Bettie's Place (near Prairie Point) - Willie King

NOTE THESE UPCOMING BB KING SHOWS (per Resource Entertainment Group):
BB King Live in Concert at BB KING'S BLUES CLUB, Memphis, TN
on November 8 and 9; For tickets call 901-524-5464.

ALSO... KEY FESTIVAL DATES SET IN DELTA REGION FOR 2008...

4/18-20, 2008 - Juke Joint Festival & Related Events, Clarksdale, MS http://www.jukejointfestival.com
5/10, 2008 - Clarksdale Caravan Music Fest, Clarksdale, MS http://www.rockmuseum.biz
8/10-12, 2008 - Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival, Clarksdale, MS http://www.sunflower.org

1. "CAT HEAD" IS RECIPIENT OF BLUES FOUNDATION'S "KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AWARD"...

FROM PRESS RELEASE (See complete press release at bottom of this email.):
"The Keeping the Blues Alive Awards recognize the significant contributions to Blues music made by the people behind the scenes. Each is selected on the basis of merit by a select panel of Blues professionals. KBA Chairman Art Tipaldi notes with respect to this year's recipients, 'The committee is once again impressed with the quality of the selected recipients - the outstanding men, women, and organizations that have evidenced a longstanding commitment to the Blues genre.' In recent years, The Blues Foundation has increasingly recognized the global reach of this indigenous Afro-American art form and the 2008 honorees certainly reflect this awareness, with recipients hailing from Canada, France, and Sweden, in addition to the United States."

RETAIL: Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
There are a few "must visit" places in Clarksdale, including the Delta Blues Museum and Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club, but equally high on that list is Roger Stolle's Cat Head store. After seven years of Delta journeys and a year of intense planning, Roger left St. Louis to start Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art in Clarksdale. Since opening its doors in 2002, it has featured a full selection of Blues CDs, videos, DVDs, books, and folk art. In describing the store's mission, Roger says, "From day one, the 'Cat Head Mission' has been to promote Mississippi and its Blues music from within. We have to sell product to stay alive, but in the end, it's more about promoting the music and the place that made it famous." After thousands of customers, over a dozen mini-Blues festivals, and even a record label featuring Blues Music Award-nominated Big George Brock, Roger continues to look for ways to use the Cat Head name to promote the Delta through its music.

CAT HEAD NOTE OF THANKS:
Thank you to the Blues Foundation (blues.org) and everyone who made this possible. There are thousands of blues fans, musicians and professionals working behind the scenes to keep this music alive, and it's just nice to be counted among them. In the future, expect more of the same from CAT HEAD. The store is the base of operations and is as happy to provide directions to a neighboring juke joint as it is to sell a CD. That may not seem like much of a business plan, but when your business is to give back to something that's given to you (note: I still have to keep up with my biz and personal bills, of course), it can be quite enough. Besides the store, the web site (cathead.biz), the e-newsletter you're reading, the column in Blues Revue magazine, the radio show on WROX (wroxblues.com), the Thursday phone call on XM Radio's Bluesville (xmradio.com), volunteer work on Juke Joint Festival (jukejointfestival.com) and management of blues legend Big George Brock... in the coming year, CAT HEAD plans to team up with Broke & Hungry Records (brokeandhungryrecords.com) and another newly forming indie label to present a blues road trip movie showcasing today's Mississippi Delta. More details to come shortly on that. In the meantime, thanks again to everyone -- especially the fine folks at the Blues Foundation, and please come on down to the store the next time you're in the Delta.

2. DOWNTOWN CLARKSDALE CELEBRATES KICK-OFF TO "HOLLY DAYS" SHOPPING SEASON THIS WEEKEND...

Clarksdale, Mississippi's Downtown Business Association will kick off its annual Holly Days shopping season with a Traditional Open House at participating downtown businesses (primarily on Delta and Yazoo Avenues) this Saturday, November 10th. Some 30 businesses are expected to take part, featuring holiday specials, tasty treats and more. See the ad in this Wednesday's Clarksdale Press Register for a complete listing of participants. And... be sure to come by Cat Head to pick up some CDs, books, shirts, art and more while our holiday selection is at its peak.

SAMPLE OF UPCOMING "HOLLY DAYS" EVENTS DOWNTOWN:
11/10 - Open House at stores/restaurants on Delta/Yazoo Ave.
11/17 - Food Demos at Miss Del's and Bluesberry Bakery.
11/24 - "No Sales Tax Day" (participating businesses pay the tax for you; details in store).
12/1 - Santa in the Park (1pm on Delta; 2:30 pm on Yazoo).
12/8 - Pet Parade (meet by Delta Eye, 10am) and Christmas Storytime (Delta Blues Museum, 2pm).
12/15 - "Special % Off Sale Day" (at participating businesses; details in store).
12/22 - Gift Baskey Drawing (register all during Holly Days at participating stores; details in store).

ALSO... THE CLARKSDALE COAHOMA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE will hold Clarksdale's yearly Holiday Festival Parade downtown at 7pm on Tues., 12/4. Details at 662-627-7337.

3. 79-YEAR-OLD, MISSISSIPPI DELTA BLUESMAN GOING TO INT'L BLUES CHALLENGE...

Born in 1928 in Stringer, Mississippi, Mr. L.C. Ulmer knows the blues, and it shows. On Saturday, he won the solo/duo competition (along with his young student Chase Holifield) at Indianola's annual blues challenge, held at Club Ebony. When I interviewed L.C. awhile back for Blues Revue magazine ( http://www.bluesrevue.com ), here's what he said about the blues guitar today:
"These new guitar pickers can't pick it up 'cause they don't know it. They don't go back far enough. They got beats in music not supposed to be in there. You let me come from the hard core. They got all this foot pedal work. That's not the hard core of playing a guitar. Robert Johnson and them didn't have it. They played from the core. You know what the core is? You see a seed come up. Come out of the ground didn't it? Then, it matures. To me, that's the way music is. It come from the hard core. It didn't have all that other... You know all this hooking up and you put your feet on, changing that to that. Well, that's putting something to your blues that didn't come out with it. Play me a natural guitar. I'm talking picking a guitar. I'm not talking about strumming it. They picked guitars [with their fingers] when I was coming up. Now, you hear folks talking about picking a guitar? They picked it in them days. They didn't do like them folks doing now. You want me to give it to you straight? Muddy Waters. John Lee Hooker. And before B.B. King got that style he has, he was playing it. 'Cause he used to come to town all ragged and dirty with his knees out, out of that cotton field. He was playing all the strings then."
Congratulations to a true blues veteran, and best wishes on a good showing up in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge (IBC), Jan. 31- Feb. 2, 2008 ( http://www.blues.org ) For more on L.C., go to http://www.myspace.com/lculmer . ALSO, congrats to Mickey Rodgers and Barbara Looney who won the band category. They're regulars at Ground Zero Blues Club and should compete well in Memphis. Best of luck.

Official info from event organizer Janet Webb http://www.indianolablues.org ...

WINNERS of 4th Annual Mississippi Delta Regional Blues Challenge:
- L.C. Ulmer and Chase Holifield – Solo/Duo Winner (Note: Pat Thomas – 2nd Place).
- Mickey Rogers and the Soul Master Band featuring Barbara Looney – Band Winner (Issippi – 2nd Place).

4. GENERAL BLUES, ART & TOURISM NEWS (MOSTLY MISSISSIPPI)...

- MR. TATER THE MUSIC MAKER VIDEO IS ON-LINE (thx Chandler): View the Barefoot Workshops' Tater documentary at http://www.barefootworkshops.org/alumni_gallery/MS101(2007)/MS101(2007)_musicmaker.html ... and then consider taking part in the 2008 workshop (details in point number 4 below).

- "BLUES IN LONDON" WEB SITE FEATURES BLUESMAN ROBERT BELFOUR: http://www.bluesinlondon.com/interviews/robert_belfour_2007.html .

- MISSISSIPPI'S BOBBY RUSH TO PERFORM free ACOUSTIC BLUES SHOW IN MEMPHIS (thx Betsie): Bobby Rush ~ Acoustic Performance in Memphis. Date: Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Venue: Huey's Midtown, 1927 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, 901-726-4372. Cover: None. Bobby will be playing tunes from his latest album, RAW (2007 Deep Rush Records). http://www.bobbyrush.net . Images at http://www.crowsfeet.biz/Artist_Images_BRush.asp . "Soul-blues superstar Bobby Rush built his reputation via elaborate and sexy stage shows, but on his new CD, Raw, he returns to his roots. The 13 tracks find Rush mostly alone with his guitar and harmonica on a set largely consisting of originals. Rush plays off of themes originated by Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson II, but most of the songs here are his own compositions. 'A lot of people don't know this side of me,' says Rush." More info: [e-mail missing]

- ROSETTA PATTON IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE (From Southern Crossroads radio http://mississippicrossroads.com ): "The daughter of Charly Patton, Rosetta Patton Brown celebrated her 90th birthday on August 10th. Rosetta is in great need of finiancial assistance. Please do your part in making a contribution by sending a check or money order to Rosetta Patton Brown Fund, Bank of Bolivar County, 400 Second Avenue, Shelby, MS 38774."h

- BIG GEORGE LIVE AT GZBC ON YOUTUBE (thx Bill): Can only really hear Bill Abel but still fun... and nice audience shot at end. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF8Yutmuzu8

- NEWS ON JACKSON, MS' DOROTHY MORE (thx Marcia Weaver): "Dorothy Moore, the Misty Blue Lady, comes to NOLA November 23 and 24 to help shed Katrina blues. On Friday, 2 pm, she stops at the Louisiana Music Factory (504-586-1094) to sing a few tunes at the famous New Orleans store. At 9:30 pm, she visits the Old Point Bar in Algiers (504-364-0950). On Saturday night Moore entertains at the Ernie K-Doe shrine, Mother-In-Law Lounge (504-947-1078) in Treme neighborhood, 9:30 pm. "I'll be pleased to sing in the house that Ernie K-Doe built and visit with Antoinette and all the Treme folks" said Moore. Added events on Saturday, Nov. 24, Moore will read from her autobiographical book, Little Dorothy. Moore reads for a special event at Children's Hospital (504-896-9350) at 2 pm. She starts the day reading her children's book, Little Dorothy, at Little Toy Shop (504-523-1770) in the Quarter, 10:30 am. Dorothy Moore, multi-Grammy nominee, is best known for her hit Misty Blue. Click on http://www.farishstreetrecords.com to learn more about Moore.

- RECENT UPDATE FROM BLUES JOURNALIST DON WILCOCK: "Hi, gang, I'm back in the office with batteries recharged. As most of you know, I've been out of town since October 1st doing research on my two books, experiencing the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival and on assignment for BluesWax on the Legendary Rhythm'n Blues Cruise. The last few days I was with my son who lives in the hills of Malibu, so we were in evacuation mode held up in a Holiday Inn on Ventura Boulevard. The whole experience yielded wonderful material, many interviews and experiences of a lifetime. I am truly blessed. I am now email accessible as well as answering my phones. Look forward to hearing from you." -- Don Wilcock, 518-347-1751 (office).

- WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY NEWSLETTER ON-LINE (thx Eric): http://download.yousendit.com/6F64CB0A1496A32D

- MUSIC NEWS FROM MEMPHIS' CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE (from press release): "Beloved New South singer/songwriter Kate Campbell returns to the Center for Southern Folklore on Saturday, November 17. Showtime is 8 p.m. in the Center's Performance Hall, 119 S. Main @ The Peabody Place Trolley Stop in Downtown Memphis. Doors open at 7:00. As the daughter of a Baptist preacher from Sledge, Mississippi, Kate's formative years were spent in the very core of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, and the indelible experiences of those years have shaped her heart, character and convictions ever since. Growing up in a family of musicians left Kate well-versed in a wide variety of folk, blues, country and gospel tunes. This musical foundation serves her lyrics well, rooted as they are in the rich Southern storytelling tradition. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show with special Golden Circle seats (best seats available) for $25. Center chef Ella Kizzie is preparing a special $8.00 Southern Sampler with chicken drummies, meatless greens, hot water cornbread and slaw. Ella's famous peach cobbler, chili and moon pie sundaes are also available. For more information on Kate Campbell, call 901-525-3655 or visit http://www.southernfolklore.com or http://www.memphismusicandheritagefestival.com Tickets are also available at Davis-Kidd Bookstore, 387 Perkins Ext. in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, 901-683-9801."

- THE DADDY MACK BLUES BAND AT THE CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE IN MEMPHIS:
PLACE: Center For Southern Folklore Store, 123 S. Main Street @ Peabody Trolley Stop, Downtown Memphis
DATES: Saturday Nights in November (except Nov. 17)
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
ADMISSION: $5.00

- MEMPHIS ROOTS MUSIC/FOLK ART VENUE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY BOOKINGS: Looking for a unique place for your business to celebrate the holiday season? Look no further than the Folklore Hall at the Center for Southern Folklore in the heart of downtown Memphis. Hand decorated by some of this region's favorite artists, the Folklore Hall is a colorful, festive space with room for up to 300 people. Contact Sochenda at 901-525-3655 or [e-mail missing]

- NEW VIDEO ON-LINE FROM TEXAS BLUES PREACHER KM WILLIAMS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7tTGPvBkLg

- RESOURCE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP OF MEMPHIS NOW BOOKING BB KING BLUES CLUBS (press release): "REG is proud to announce a new relationship with BB King's Blues Clubs of Memphis, Nashville and Orlando. REG is now booking national entertainers at the clubs for a variety of public and private concerts. For more information visit us at www.regmemphis.com Please join us as living blues legend BB King performs this week in Memphis and next month in Orlando...
BB King Live in Concert, Memphis, TN on November 8 and 9; For tickets call 901-524-5464.
Also in Orlando, FL on December 3, 4, 6 and 7; For tickets call 407-370-4550.

5. BAREFOOT WORKSHOPS RETURNS TO CLARKSDALE IN FEBRUARY; BE PART OF THE EXCITEMENT...

2 Week Documentary Workshop in The Mississippi Delta; Start Date: February 17th, 2008

This 2-week DV workshop is designed for photojournalists who are looking to make the move to videojournalism and the web, new documentary filmmakers who want to launch their careers in web and television documentaries and for those with experience in some aspects of filmmaking that are looking to expand their skill, understanding and mastery of the whole process. Producers, cinematographers, editors and writers with narrative experience who are considering working in non-fiction filmmaking are also encouraged to enroll. Students will learn all aspects of the process including the importance of the still image, DV camera, compact lighting methods, field sound, field editing and how to weave the story. To view an extended version of the course description, visit our website at http://www.barefootworkshops.org . Link to last year's videos: http://www.barefootworkshops.org/alumni_gallery/MS101(2007)/MS101(2007).html

This is one of many workshops that Barefoot will be running in 2008. In addition to the Mississippi Delta, check out our website to learn more about our workshops in Africa and how you can participate. Homepage: http://www.barefootworkshops.org . Contact: [e-mail missing] . Tuition: $1,850.00 (includes tuition, housing and food).

Barefoot Workshops is a New York City-based not-for-profit 501(c)3, founded by Chandler Griffin in 2004, that offers short, intensive workshops around the world in narrative and documentary filmmaking. We assist organizations and individuals to use media, music and the arts, to accelerate progress and program goals in areas such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, conflict resolution, resettlement, youth empowerment, civil rights, and democracy building. We have worked with partners as diverse as UNESCO, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, The U.S. State Department and The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), to pioneer new formats and "media templates" that reinforce citizen-led, community-owned solutions to these challenges.

The main goal of Barefoot Workshops is to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to use sophisticated equipment while having a foundation that allows a person to create beautiful images
regardless of the tools. At Barefoot, growing and learning as a filmmaker means growing and learning as an individual.

6. NEWS COURTESY OF CLARKSDALE PRESS REGISTER (sign up for email at http://www.pressregister.com )...

- Artrain arrives with Indian culture, October 29, 2007http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18966605&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617&rfi=8

- Hambone Festival, October 25, 2007
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18957194&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617&rfi=8

7. NEWS COURTESY OF WWW.BLUESWAX.COM (edited for space)....
Join their e-list and check out their web site at http://www.blueswax.com

- Bluesville Picks To Click:
For the week of November 3
Omar Dykes/Jimmie Vaughan On The Jimmy Reed Highway – Ruf Records
The Soul Of John Black The Good Girl Blues – Yellow Dog Records
Z.Z. Hill Jr. Goin' To Mississippi – Delta Roots
Delta Moon Clear Blue Flame – Jumping Jack Records
Lights Out By Nine Make Your Own Luck – River Records
Ellis Hooks Another Saturday Morning – Evidence Records
Debbie Davies Blues Blast – Telarc
O.B. Buchana Goin' Bakc Home – Ecko Records
Charles 'Big Daddy' Stallings Blues Evolution – Taj Jeria Records
Big George Brock Live At Seventy Five – Cathead Records
Above item courtesy of: Bluesville--at Exit 74 on the XM Highway

8. GO TO HTTP://WWW.BLUESSOURCE.COM FOR HAMBONE FESTIVAL RECAP (thx Gary)...

BELOW IS GARY'S REVIEW OF HAMBONE FEST TWO WEEKENDS BACK IN C'DALE... BUT THERE'S EVEN MORE ON THE SITE...

Stan Street's Hambone Festival in Clarksdale, MS
Stan Street, local Blues player & artist, owner of The Hambone Gallery on 2nd Street, and entrepreneur held the first "Hambone Festival" on his birthday weekend in Clarksdale. Starting with a jam at Ground Zero Blues Club, Stan & the Hambone Band held Blues lovers in their grip with some mighty Blues playing. The audience danced and drank in the Blues til late. The weekend events ahead didn't stop anyone from partying hearty. On Friday, Bell Abel presented his Blues to the fans at a Tourism meeting. Later that night, Johnny Rawls played at Ground Zero and T-Model ford jammed at Red's Lounge. Fans went to both places, as they always do in Clarksdale. Two Jukes are better than one. Saturday started out with a Street Party at Hambone Art Gallery on 2nd St. Some players were Hambone (from Louisville), Big T, Mr. Tater, and Terry "Harmonica" Bean. Fans hung out all day to listen & eat Soul food. The wine flowed and the music flowed. Everyone enjoyed Stan's art gallery and were ready to go to the big jam at Ground Zero that evening. The giant jam and Birthday party for Stan started off with Stan Street & the Hambone band, and special guests, Hambone from Louisville, followed by the full band. Special guests Chuck Jackson, Donnie "Mr. Downchild" Walsh & Pat Carey from the Downchild Blues Band showed up all the way from Canada (with over 30 Canadian Blues fans in tow). Added to the mix was Canada's Johnny Max, dj & dynamite vocalist, and the great Johnny Pennino (New Orleans Tenor Sax King". What a Jam! Jamming all together with Stan, La La on piano, Heather Crosse on bass,and ace drummer Lee Williams, this thundering herd was probably one of the very best we've heard at Ground Zero. Fans danced the night, most of them in Holloween costumes. It just doesn't get any better than this! Thanks to Stan Street & all the artists for putting in the time, talent & travel to make this event a success. We can't wait until the next Hambone Festival. Put this one on your list of "Must Sees". -- by Gary W. Miller - Editor

9. INFO ON "VINCENT PRODUCTIONS" CLARKSDALE MUSIC VIDEOS (thx Gary)...

CAT HEAD NOTE:
I've had some inquiries lately regarding the forthcoming DVDs below, so I check with Gary Vincent. You can now buy merchandise and see preview trailers at http://www.groundzerobluesclubmusic.com . The George Thorogood DVD is available now with more planned for release in spring/summer '08. The film/production quality is very high end with great lighting, multiple filming angles, etc.

FROM THE VINCENT PRODUCTIONS WEB SITE:
DVD/video production company, Vincent Productions, is proud to announce the creation of a series of high quality performance DVD's filmed live in HD from the world renown Ground Zero Blues Club located in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The club, which is owned by Academy Award Winning actor, Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett and Howard Stovall, derives its name from the rich local musical heritage described by many as "Ground Zero" for the blues aficionados from around the globe. Goal/Mission Statement: To capture, live performances of music artists for release worldwide. High-profile recording artists, from all genres of music, will be encouraged to select a legendary and/or up-and- coming blues performer to share the spotlight. The programs honor the artists that have laid the musical foundation that has shaped today's music, and will change the direction of music in the future. Each "produced for television" program contains 44-minutes of live music and candid conversations with the featured artists, all recorded from the celebrated Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the "Crossroads" of Blues Music. The DVD's also include an additional 22-minutes of behind the scenes, show and artist background footage.

The first DVD features George Thorogood and the Destroyers ("Bad To The Bone") with Eddie Shaw (sax player and arranger for legendary Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf).
Four additional shows (note: these have been filmed but not yet released) feature:
- Delaney Bramlett (Bonnie & Delaney, "Let It Rain", and "Superstar")
- Elvin Bishop ("Fooled Around and Fell in Love") with Pine Top Perkins and Little Smokey Smothers
- Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers (a founding member of the well-known Nighthawks)
- The Cate Brothers (played with Bob Dylan, and The Band)

10. CAT HEAD Presents... REVIEWS FOR BIG GEORGE BROCK'S NEW "Live At Seventy Five" CD...
HEAR/BUY new "Live At Seventy Five" Big George CD today at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biggeorge3

- BLUES & RHYTHM in UK has proclaimed it their coveted "CD O' The Month" in issue #224, saying, "With all the musical crap that is shoveled our way in the 21st century, thank god we still have guys like Big George Brock to carry on the tradition. Get this CD, even if you have to sell your car to do so." -- reviewer Phil Wight.

- BLUES IN BRITAIN'S upcoming issue will report, "Another cracking good album from Big George and as I've said before this is rough and raw real deal Blues and I love this stuff! A 'Recommended' sticker goes to this CD and it should be on your 'Must Have' list! Rating : 9 [out of 10]." -- reviewer Jim Greaves.

- BLUES BYTES'S upcoming review page (at http://www.bluesbytes.net ) will declare, "If you like your blues rough and ragged, and like they used to play them forty or fifty years ago, Big George Brock is your man. Like Payne declared in his introduction, there aren't very many 'left from the old school,' so it's wonderful that Brock is getting this opportunity to be heard." -- reviewer Graham Clarke.

- ROOTS TIME (loosely translated from overseas) notes the CD is perfect for "die-hards of raw blues in the style of Paul 'Wine' Jones or Big Jack Johnson, the real blues sound from thirty, forty years ago."

- XM RADIO BLUESVILLE "PICKS TO CLICK" for the week of November 3: #10 - Big George Brock Live At Seventy Five – Cathead Records. REQUEST Big George AIRPLAY on XM Radio at http://www.xmfan.com/guidenumeric.php?q=Big%20George%20Brock&mode=artist

- OTHER REACTIONS/REVIEWS... The CD has made many "Top" radio airplay lists including #1 on Al Kirkcaldy's (Canada) "Living Blues Magazine" list for Sept. Other deejay comments include, "It's a real humdinger!" (Jonathan Michael, WESU) and "Big George is on top of his game with 'Live At Seventy Five'! (Przemek Draheim, Radio Sfera). ALSO, one-stop distributor Alliance Entertainment's "Top 25 Blues" charts... #22 Big George Brock "Live At Seventy Five" (right after Maria Muldaur and before Nappy Brown). AND fans from the U.S., Canada, England, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, Finland, Australia and more have ordered the new CD so far.

- UPCOMING DATES FOR BIG GEORGE BROCK INCLUDE:
- Sun., 12/23, 2007 - BB's Jazz Blues & Soups, St. Louis, MO: Big George Brock.
- Mon., 12/31, 2007 - Hwy 61 Roadhouse, St. Louis, MO: NEW YEAR'S EVE HOUSEPARTY starring Big George Brock & the Houserockers!

11. CAT HEAD STORE & related news from 252 DELTA AVENUE IN CLARKSDALE...
http://www.cathead.biz

- The CAT HEAD store is listed in the brand new edition (which we have available in store, $19.95) of "1,000 Places to See Before You Die." If you've already visited our store, then you still have 999 more places to go... so get a move on! Seriously, that's pretty cool, I think. We must be doing something right.

- This Saturday night from 6pm-7pm on the CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES HOUR -- sponsored by First National Bank and Fiser Insurance -- on WROX 1450AM http://www.wroxradio.com , Cat Head will be featuring new music by Josh "Razorblade" Stewart, Cedric Burnside/Lightnin' Malcolm, Guitar Mikey and Carey/Lurrie Bell; PLUS music by acts performing Saturday night in Clarksdale (Gearshifter, Bill Abel, Cadillac John). ALSO, tune in around 8:10am on Thursday for CAT HEAD'S WEEKEND UPDATE.

- Remember CAT HEAD FOR THE HOLIDAYS. New blues CDs from Big George Brock, Super Chikan, Lightnin' Malcolm/Cedric Burnside, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and others make great, hard-to-find gifts. Plus, our Cat Head tees and caps are always appreciated.

12. STATE BLUES TRAIL MARKER DEDICATION UPDATES...

These are very worthwhile events that feature amazing markers and free local blues performances. More information on this wonderful, on-going program at http://www.msbluestrail.org . For maps to the dedications, email Alex Thomas at [e-mail missing] .

PHOTOS FROM RECENT DEDICATION (thx Alex):
- Bo Diddley... http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=756k8lx.9l0693uh&Uy=-ihu5st&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=545602932856_555593408505
- American Blues Network... http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=756k8lx.2ggp2fqx&Uy=-imkh5x&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0

UPCOMING MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL MARKER DEDICATIONS:
Upcoming Mississippi State Blues Trail marker unveilings with live blues:
- Sat., 11/17, 10am - Jackson, MS - Trumpet Records.
- Thurs., 12/6 - Philadelphia, MS - Otis Rush.

"MDA Tourism Heritage Trails Program, the Mississippi Blues Commission and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau will unveil a marker honoring "Trumpet Records" on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 309 North Farish Street at 10:00 AM near downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Trumpet Records was the first record company in Mississippi to achieve national stature through its distribution, sales, radio airplay and promotion. Willard F. and Lillian S. McMurry launched the label from their retail store, the Record Mart, at 309 North Farish Street, in 1950. The first releases by Mississippi blues legends Sonny Boy Williamson No. 2, Elmore James, and Willie Love appeared on Trumpet. Trumpet also recorded gospel and country music. The label used several different studios for recording sessions, including Diamond Recording Studio, housed in the back room of the store. Willard and Lillian McMurry entered the record business by chance, when they acquired a stock of blues and rhythm & blues 78rpm discs as part of an inventory of a hardware store they purchased in 1949. The McMurrys* main trade, before and after their venture into music, was in retail furniture sales. Their State Furniture Company store at 211 S. State St. at one time served as a makeshift recording studio, with mattresses lined on the walls to soundproof the room. In 1949 they established the Record Mart in the former hardware store building as an outlet to service what they had discovered was a ready-made market for blues records, centrally located on Farish Street, which was already home to much of Jackson*s African American music and commerce. The next year, the expanded their musical venture to recording, and brought the St. Andrews Gospelaires into a local radio station (WRBC) for the session. Other sessions at various studios followed as the company added the Southern Sons Quartette, Sonny Boy Williamson, Kay Kellum, Willie Love, Big Joe Williams, Jerry McCain, Jimmy Swan, Luke McDaniel, Arthur Crudup, and many others to the label*s roster of artists. Trumpet*s biggest hit was *Dust My Broom* by Elmore James, recorded in 1951. The operation, which included the Globe publishing company and record label, held its final sessions in 1956. Lillian McMurry, the creative force behind the label, was known for her sense of fairness and her meticulous accounting, which she continued
decades after Trumpet folded, paying artists and songwriters* royalties from reissues and rerecording of the songs they had recorded for Trumpet. (Perhaps the most famous, and most lucrative, reworking of a Trumpet was the version of Williamson*s *Eyesight to the Blind* recorded by the British rock group The Who.) Lillian McMurry was elected to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1998. She died on March 18, 1999. Her husband Willard, who provided the backbone of support for their business ventures, died on June 7, 1966. Their daughter Vitrice and Jackson music enthusiast Woody Sistrunk have arranged for former Trumpet artist Jerry McCain, a blues harmonica player from Alabama, to perform at the marker unveiling on November 17." -- Alex T. Thomas, TMP Heritage Trails Director, Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism; Phone: 601-359-3297; Email: [e-mail missing]

13. BLUES NEWS COMPILED BY "BLUES MATTERS!" CONTRIBUTOR BILLY HUTCHINSON...

- ROADTRIP STORY ON DELTA: http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/travel/view.bg?articleid=1037210

- EDDIE CLEARWATER SIGNS WITH ALLIGATOR RECORDS: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=113935972&blogID=321710048

- A FORMER "CARTER BROTHER" HAS NEW REMIXED BLUES RELEASE: http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/10/emw564115.htm

- NEW JOHN SAYLES MOVIE BASED IN BLUES: http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/003933.html

- "The Vintage Room" by The Blues experience with Cash McCall. Basically it is the voice of Alex Dixon, Willie's Grandson who co-wroter tunes on "Hidden Charms". Very much sticking to what Granddappy did, but still very nice on the ear. the guy has a good Blues Shouter voice. http://www.dixonlandingmusic.com

- CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI'S "GEARSHIFTER" HEADS TO UK (among others): http://www.shakedownblues.co.uk/upcoming.html

- LURRIE BELL CARRIES ON BLUES TRADITION: http://www.dailyherald.com:80/story/?id=67367

- BLUES TRAIL MARKER DEDICATION ARTICLE: http://www.wjtv.com/gulfcoastwest/jtv/news.apx.-content-articles-JTV-2007-11-02-0017.html

14. "BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE" UPDATES...

Sign up for their great weekly e-newsletter at http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com .

15. DOCUMENTARY FILM PROJECT SEEKS ASSISTANCE IN JACKSON...

New Media Institute Documentary Project
Project Title: Diversity In the Delta

Shooting Dates: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at TBD, Wednesday, November 14,2007 at TBD in Jackson, MS

Producers from all over America will be in Jackson with the NBPC's New Media Institute this November.

These producers have teamed up to produce various projects that will be apart of the B.B. King Blues Museum exhibition and opening in Indianola, MS. Currently they are in pre-production and need the
help of Mississippians to make the project a success. Seeking individuals from various ethnic groups in Mississippi for a short documentary project. We are looking for all age groups and/or families that
represent the ethnic diversity which make up the state of Mississippi. Non-paid positions. Each participant will receive a copy of the completed project. **Please submit the following to: [e-mail missing], NO LATER THAN 11/12/07. Photo, email address, home phone, work phone, cell phone. The best time to contact you for follow-up. Please list hours of availability on Nov. 13th & 14th. ** For more information please contact: [e-mail missing]

16. ABBEVILLE, MS' BILL "HOWL-N-MADD" PERRY JOINS CAST OF HOLLYWOOD FILM (press release from Carol Marble)...
http://www.mississippideltabluesinfo.com http://www.YouTube.com/deltabluesmama

Mississippi Blues Musician Bill "Howl-N-Madd Perry" will perform in the action thriller THE WAY OF WAR staring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Source: Mississippi Delta Blues, Inc.
October 31, 2007

Cuba Gooding Jr. has signed to star in John Carter's action thriller The Way of War, playing a paramilitary operative who goes on a rampage after discovering a war conspiracy, says The Hollywood Reporter. Richie Salvatore of Two Sticks Productions, Dave Pomier and Scott Schafer will produce from Schafer's script. Nick Thurlow, Jordan Kessler and David Orenstein will executive produce. "With his intensity and ability to take a character to the edge, the part is tailor-made for Cuba, and we're excited to have him aboard," Thurlow said. "John Carter and Scott Schafer have crafted a political thriller with deep resonance for our times." Gooding can be seen in theaters next weekend in Ridley Scott's American Gangster starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Bill Perry will play the character of "The Bluesman" in the action thriller. The Bluesman is the owner of a nightclub frequented by powerful political personalities. Shooting will begin this week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bill "Howl-N-Madd" Perry is from Abbeville, MS. His career spans over 30 years. This past year his CD "Reason I Sing the Blues" was a number one hit on Bluesville at XM Radio. He is a frequent performer in Clarksdale, MS at Ground Zero Blues Club. He will be touring and performing in the summer of 2008 extensively throughout California kicking off his tour at the Hayward Russell City Blues Festival, in Hayward, CA. Bill started the Wednesday night Blues Jam at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi "the world capital of the blues". You can catch him there on many Wednesday nights. Owned by local attorney and businessman, Bill Luckett; Academy Award-winning actor and Mississippi Delta resident, Morgan Freeman; and Clarksdale native and Memphis entertainment executive, Howard Stovall; Ground Zero Blues Club is the place for anyone looking for an authentic Delta Blues experience. Check with the club to see if Bill is playing the night you are in town. Bill is a songwriter, guitarist, and educator. He worked with B.B. King in the B.B. King Music workshop at Mississippi Valley State University and opened at the B.B. King festival in Indianola, MS. His musical career has taken him all over the U.S. and throughout Indonesia. Bill says, "I've been doing this a long time. Hopefully it shows. I'm just playing the blues I love."

17. NEWS FROM THE BLUES FOUNDATION IN MEMPHIS http://www.blues.org ...

- See their web site for news and information... and join 'em if you haven't already.

18. MUSIC NEWS FROM THE BOLIVAR BULLET IN CLEVELAND, MS...

Delta Center at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. to issue heritage calendar... Dr. Luther Brown and the Delta Center for Culture and Learning are preparing to launch a long-term project aimed at raising the consciousness of Mississippi Delta residents about the history of their region. The center plans to have available by December a data-packed 2008 Delta Heritage Calendar that will make an attractive gift item for the upcoming holiday season. The calendar will be spiral-bound with a metal spiral at the top. It will be 10X18 inches in size, and will thus be taller than it is wide. "It is going to be beautifully done," Brown says. "I'm hoping that it will be very popular." He explained that there will be a different Delta Heritage theme for each month, and each theme will be explained in a short essay. The calendar will also feature line-item listings regarding historical events in the Delta, as well as historical events elsewhere that affected the development of the Delta. Brown said the 2008 calendar is intended to be the first of many, with a new Delta calendar being offered each year. The calendar project is an outgrowth of Delta State University's celebration during its 2007-08 academic cycle of the Year of Delta Heritage. Brown noted that the 2008 calendar will have on its back flap a note calling on Delta residents and friends of the region to submit information about events that may have been omitted from the calendar, and about any mistakes that may have been made in the inaugural version. For more information about the calendar and its release date, call the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at 662-846-4311.

19. UK'S BOB LONG RECAPS VISIT TO MISSISSIPPI/ARKANSAS IN OCT (thx Bob)...
More at http://bobalong.co.uk

October in The USA; Posted on Sunday 28 October 2007
"I spent most of October in The USA, attending the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in Helena, the Cat Head Mini Blues Fest in Clarksdale MS, staying with friends in The Delta, then travelling down to Jackson and Crystal Springs MS. The Festival in Helena was as good as ever and I've put some photos on this website; not necessarily the "big names" but people whose performances I particularly enjoyed. And it was good to say hello to my friends at The Delta Cultural Center and see Sonny Payne still going strong with his King Biscuit Time Program on KFFA Radio. In Clarksdale MS I attended The Cat Head Minifest which was as always, an excellent free event outside the store organised by Roger Stolle. I noticed Pinetop Perkins there, not to play, but sitting quietly in a shady spot on the sidewalk on Delta Ave., listening to T-Model Ford and others playing. No doubt he was saving his energy for his own performance later at The Pinetop Perkins Homecoming Party at Hopson's! 'Big Eyes' Willie Smith was playing at Hopsons and when Bob Margolin joined the band, the music was quite exceptionally good. Three days later I was back in Clarksdale. Bill Abel had a lunchtime gig playing for some very glamorous ladies at The Country Club. I enjoyed being Bill's roadie and sitting in for a few songs. Stan Street and his band were playing at The Ground Zero Blues Club that evening and Stan asked me to sing some old country blues while the band had a break. Stan joined me on harmonica and we both enjoyed it. Ground Zero was full of young Italian and Croatian visitors that night and later on, the dancing was lively. Stan's band, comprising Marshall Drew on guitar, Laura Craig on keys, Lee Williams on drums and Daddy Rich on bass, was excellent. There are photos on this site under "Blues In Mississippi" and one of Stan Street with his portrait of Howlin' Wolf which I took at Hambone's Gallery. The following day I made one of my visits to The Delta Blues Museum to see the Blues Education Program in action. I love to see these young people learning to play the blues and keeping it alive! I do what I can to support them. In Jackson MS I played at Hal And Mal's (the Monday evening session of The Central Mississippi Blues Society), at JT Watkins' Blues Jam at Elk Lodge and at Schimmel's while the resident musician, my friend Ben Payton, took his meal break. On Fri 19, The Tommy Johnson Blues Foundation held their annual Reception at the Medical Mall at which I presented a paper on The Crossroads Legend and met many members of the Tommy Johnson family. Photos of this are under 'Tommy Johnson Reception'. On Sat 20 October, the Tommy Johnson Blues Foundation held their annual Blues Festival in Crystal Springs. The weather was kind to us; warm and sunny all day. The show reached a rousing climax with JT Watkins and his band who put on a lively performance just before sunset. Photos of all the performers at the festival are on this site under 'Tommy Johnson Blues Festival 2007'. Just before heading back home to England, I returned to The Delta where the farmers were busy with the harvest and I had great fun riding on a combine, cutting soy beans. I watched my last Delta sunset from the cab as the huge machine roared along the big field. I was sad to leave Mississippi, which now feels like my second home…."

20. CALENDAR COURTESY OF DELMA FURNISS HOSPITALITY STATION -- A MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTER (thx Lynda)...

November Area Events
8 - 10 Delta Fall Classic/TN Walking Horse Show, Tunica Arena, 205-886-1309
9 - 12 Lower MS River Naturalist's Retreat, Quapaw Canoe Co. 662-627-4070
10 - Dec 22 Holly Days on the Delta, Downtown Clarksdale, (Open House 11/10)
10 - 11 Fall & Christmas Open House, Olive Branch, 662-893-0888
11 Cleveland Holiday Open House, Downtown Cleveland, 800-295-7473
12 Veteran's Day Program at Veterans Memorial Park, Downtown Tunica, 662-363-6611
16 - 18 Fortune 5Barrel Race, Tunica Arena, 573-734-2766
18 Mainstreet Christmas Open House, Downtown Tunica, 662-363-6611
21 – Jan 16 New Harmonies Exhibit, Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale
22 - Dec 31 Southaven's Southern Lights, 662-393-8770
23 - 24 The 18th Annual Indoor Cart Races, Tunica Arena, 901-367-2007
Sat's & Sun's Grammy's Fun Farm (Corn Maze, etc), Cleveland, 800-295-7473
29 - Dec 1 Fitzgerald Antique Tractor Pull, Tunica Arena, 662-429-6909
30 Lighting the Tunica Town Tree, Rivergate Park, Downtown Tunica
Live Entertainment: CatHead's, Ground Zero Blues Club, Red's Lounge, Sarah's Kitchen, Hopson's Plantation, Club 2000 – Clarksdale; Club Ebony – Indianola, Walnut St. Blues Bar - Greenville; Blue Parrot - Greenwood; Square Books - Oxford; Big Truck Theater – Taylor; Hollywood Café – Tunica Resorts/Robinsonville

21. NEWS FROM MISSISSIPPI TOURISM...

http://www.visitmississippi.org
Wi-Fi Now Available at Selected Mississippi Welcome Centers

When you're on the road, we understand you can't always leave work (or your computer) completely behind. We're pleased to announce that Wi-Fi service is now available at the Mississippi Welcome Centers in Hancock, Lauderdale and DeSoto counties. Now you can catch up on work when you stop at one of these three Welcome Centers. While you're here, you'll also appreciate the neatly manicured grounds featuring picnic tables and grills, telephones, recreational vehicle waste disposal facilities, 24-hour security, restrooms and weather information. Motorcoach parking is available, as well as complimentary refreshments. The Welcome Center staff stands ready to answer any questions you have, and they can even help you make lodging reservations in Mississippi. Regular hours at all Welcome Centers are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

22. CHECK OUT THIS COOL "GEOSPATIAL TAGGING" LIST/MAPS OF DELTA TOUR SITES (from Mark Auslander)...

Friends, I've been playing around a bit with geospatial tagging for our courses, and have made some preliminary tags in support of our Mississippi Delta memory project audio tour (still under development).

1. For all our Delta sites so far, please see:
http://www.tagzania.com/tag/delta_memory

2. For specific sites associated with Clarksdale's New World District, please see:
http://www.tagzania.com/tag/baptist_town

3. For specific sites in Greenwood's Baptist Town, see:
http://www.tagzania.com/tag/baptist_town

4. For specific sites associated with the Emmett Till story, see:
http://www.tagzania.com/tag/emmett_till

5. For specific sites associated with Mound Bayou, see:
http://www.tagzania.com/tag/mound_bayou

Simply click on a tag to bring up some information about the venue. Many of these tags link to relevant websites, including our emerging class website. It is quite easy to add your own tags. One way is to make a free account at http://www.tagzania.com and the add sites and tags.

This is just experimental at this point, but I hope we can collaboratively develop this spatial way of linking our various projects. All corrections, feedback and suggestions would be most appreciated!
all the best,
Mark Auslander
Department of Anthropology, Brandeis University

23. SHAMELESS PROMOTION FOR CAT HEAD PROJECTS...

- Cat Head's "Down in the Delta" column in Blues Revue mag. http://www.bluesrevue.com
- "Cat Head Presents..." Big George Brock CDs. Listen/buy http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biggeorge - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biggeorge2 - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biggeorge3
- Cat Head Presents... "Hard Times" Big George DVD http://www.filmbaby.com (search for "Brock" and see clip).
- Cat Head's Delta blues event report most Thursdays at 4pm (CST) w/Bill Wax on XM Radio http://www.xmradio.com
- Cat Head Delta Blues Hour on WROX blues radio Clarksdale every Sat. 6pm-7pm courtesy Fiser Insurance/1st National Bank http://www.wroxradio.com

24. NEWS FROM QUAPAW CANOE COMPANY IN CLARKSDALE...

Lower Mississippi River Dispatch Vol 3, No. 29, "Voice of the Lower Mississippi"
Quapaw Canoe Company, www.island63.com; Monday, November 4, 2007

Some upcoming events:
(go to http://www.island63.com for more info)

- Nov 16-19th Naturalist's Retreat (see below)
- Dec 4th Clarksdale Christmas Parade Marching Bands & the works! think Mardis Gras in the Delta. Look for the Mighty Quapaws float extravaganza, the only time you'll see us "Floating" on land!

Mississippi River Naturalist's Retreat; Friday – Monday, November 16-19, 2007

"For all hard-working naturalists on the Lower Mississippi River"

We all need a chance to recuperate and unwind. What better way than along the banks of our beloved river? With other people who have committed themselves to the animals & forests, the waters & ways of the Lower Mississippi?