Archived :: December 24, 2002
Happy Holidays!
I remember a very, very long time ago when I first learned, no when it finally sunk in, that there wasn't really a Santa. I felt very embarrassed and betrayed. I felt embarrassment at the thought of having been stupid enough to believe such a thing... a fat guy riding in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.Give me a break! I felt betrayed by adults for leading me on so. I wanted people think that I had never really believed, I just pretended to believe so I wouldn't hurt my parents feelings, they were so into the Santa thing....I did it for them. It's funny thinking back like that because, I must admit, as I got older, much older, I found that image of man in a red and white suit, with a bag of toys, sliding down the chimney, to be rather erotic. Even today, the thought of someone stuffing things into, and playing with my stocking makes me feel like I can fly over rooftops with, or without a sleigh and reindeer......
Anthony Gomes (still rhymes with homes) will be playing a private function this NYE. He's been touring like a madman in support of his 33rd St. Records' release UNITY. Anthony is at Famous Dave's in Minneapolis, this Sat 12/28. For his complete schedule, go to his website. http://www.anthonygomes.com
Speaking of 33rd St Records...they will be releasing Lee Rocker's, BULLETPROOF 2/4/03! It's a great CD, and guess who's working it? ME! Catch Lee Rocker NYE at the Hilton/Reno, NV, in the hotel's "roots music" venue, The Garage. In Addition to Lee, the Lee Rocker Band consists of Brophy Dale, guitar; Tara Novick, guitar; and Jimmy Sage, drums. For Lee's complete itinerary go to his site http://www.LeeRocker.com
For those of you who entered Tommy Castro's "Name the New CD", contest, never fear. A winner has been chosen (Tommy won't let me blab the news), and will be announced soon. The winner will receive a new Fender guitar! Not too bad. I heard a rough mix of the new CD and it's fantastic! NYE Tommy will be at The Belly Up, in Solano Beach, CA. The new CD will be released on Heart & Soul Records, in early 2003. http://www.tommycastro.com
The Genie is out of the Bottle. Junior Watson's IF I HAD A GENIE on Heart & Soul Records, makes all your blues wishes come true. NYE, Junior Watson will be at: Jr's, Colorado Springs, CO. Miki Nord of Under The Radar Music Group, and Heart & Soul Records, told me, "Junior Watson is a great stocking stuffer". Hmmmmm, I wonder how she knows that. Oh well, far be it from me to start spreading rumors. I'm sure she meant Junior Watson's CD, IF I HAD A GENIE is a great stocking stuffer. Learn more about Junior at the Under The Radar Music Group website http://www.utrmusicgroup.com
Anthony Paule is one of the artists featured on Raw Records' latest compilation SAN FRANCISCO BAY'S BEST BLUES. In addition to his own track," Goin' Home", Anthony makes a guest appearance on" Blues Hotel", by Rhythmtown Jive. NYE Anthony will be in Orvieto, Italy with the Johnny Nocturne Band.
Get yourself a heaping helping of Hash Brown, while he's hot! HAVE SOME FUN is Hash Brown's latest.release on BrownTone Records. On NYE you can find Hash Brown at After Dark, Dallas, TX.
go to his site for up to date info: http://www.hashbrownblues.com
TALKIN' & GAWKIN'
Congratulations!
To Bob Putignano, WFDU, Teaneck, NJ. Bob is getting a "KBA" for Keeping the Blues Alive on his program "Across The Tracks".
Mo'Congratulations!
To Jim English, Intrepid Artists. It's a boy! James Weber English , was born 12/3/02, in Charlotte, NC.
Good Luck!
The future of Living Blues Magazine is a concern of many, these days. I asked editor, Scott Barretta what his plans are, "I'm leaving Living Blues in the near future and hoping to return to teaching and finish my dissertation on the blues revival."
Take A Walk On The Wild Side
ON THE WILD SIDE is the title of Randy McDonald's upcoming release on Heart & Soul Records. I heard it and it's a winner! Look for ON THE WILD SIDE to be on store shelves in early 2003
Da Goods!
Watch for the U.S release of ONE MORE THING by front runners of contemporary Blue Grass, The Good Brothers.
HOLIDAY WISHES
Here are holiday wishes from some of the fine folks I work with:
"I want all of you to have a Happy Holiday, and a rockin' New Year!!!
don't forget, have no regrets." - Lee Rocker
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"The holiday season can bring out the best in everyone (except for trying to
find a parking space at the mall) and many become inspired with the
potential of kindness and humanity. We can make the world a better place.
In light of this, I have a simple wish for everyone... happiness.
Everything else will fall into place." - Anthony Gomes
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"The Groove Hogs would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season spent
with family and friends, and a safe and prosperous New Year. Merry
Christmas from the Hogs!"
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"Wishing everyone a soulful Chrismas!" - Tommy Castro.
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"I wish you all a very spirited holiday season, and I wish for peace on earth."
- Anthony Paule
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"I would like to wish everyone a very happy and loving holiday season,
and thanks to everyone for all the love and support of my music and the blues!
thanks. " - Hash Brown
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"We wish everyone a Happy New Year from our New Year's Eve gig at the Umbria
Jazzfest in Orvieto Italy and have our fingers crossed that George Bush puts
off plans to start up with his hobby of bombing Iraq."
- JohnFirmin aka Johnny Nocturne
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"Wishing all of you a safe and Happy New Year and Xmas." - Jimmy Mulleniux
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"Heart & Soul Records and Under The Radar Music Grooup wish all of you much fun and happiness this holiday season and always." - Miki Nord
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"Let there be Peace for all creatures big and small, Let there be Love for us all from now on, Let there be Angels hovering over us protecting us all, and let there be Sweet Soul Music to sooth us and serenade us when we're feeling down." - Susan Angeletti
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Yesterday I was in Walgreen's, waiting, waiting, waiting in line to pay for the Clapper and Chia Pet I was buying. I really don't like waiting in line. I found myself staring at the cashier. I think he wanted me to stare at him. I think he wanted everyone to stare at him. He was quite a festive fellow, about 25 years old with bright green hair. The bridge of his nose was pierced and adorned with one of those barbell style studs, you know the kind I mean. On the ends of the bar that went through his nose were lights, red lights....twinkling o so brightly........
I'm off to Italy!
Tante Aguri, Buon Natale, e Buon'anno a Tutti.
Ciao For Now,
Christine