Topic: YouTube.com - Interesting Country Blues related video clips

[Parlor Picker]

It works, John - on every level!

[uncle bud]

One of the things that kills me about RL is how he plays with such economy and relaxation as he creates an entire rhythm section that's just dripping with groove. Another thing is his voice.

[lindy]

One of the things that kills me about RL is how he plays with such economy and relaxation as he creates an entire rhythm section that's just dripping with groove. Another thing is his voice.

Two more examples, both of "Jumper on the Line," to confirm what you're saying . . .





My understanding is the RL was at the first Port Townsend workshop, anyone got memories to share?

Lindy

[Johnm]

Hi Lindy,
I was at PT that first year, and I'm sorry to say, as often seems to be the case the first year I'm at an event where I'm teaching with a great musician whom I've not met before (Robert Belfour was another), I pretty much missed out on R.L.  I recall him not having a lot to say, but being friendly none the less, and with that great smile.  The late Dave Conant, a fine Seattle Rock, Blues and R & B guitarist, hung out with him a lot, as I recall.  I remember RL doing a spectacular "Pony Blues" in his Saturday concert set.  He never returned after that first year there, more's the pity.
All best,
Johnm

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Here's an example of what goes on at Port Townsend (if you're lucky).  Robert Belfour doing his own version of "Black Mattie", sans singing, for a long time.  Look hard and you'll see Lindy.




All best,
Johnm

[uncle bud]

Alvin Youngblood Hart, still having fun with Pony Blues.

[David Kaatz]

Hi Lindy,
I was at PT that first year, and I'm sorry to say, as often seems to be the case the first year I'm at an event where I'm teaching with a great musician whom I've not met before (Robert Belfour was another), I pretty much missed out on R.L.  I recall him not having a lot to say, but being friendly none the less, and with that great smile.  The late Dave Conant, a fine Seattle Rock, Blues and R & B guitarist, hung out with him a lot, as I recall.  I remember RL doing a spectacular "Pony Blues" in his Saturday concert set.  He never returned after that first year there, more's the pity.
All best,
Johnm

Hey John,
I took the class from RL that first year.  He seemed kind of a cipher to me.  Very shy, first class we kind of had to urge him to go ahead and show us something.  Dave helped with that, and to interpret/articulate what RL was doing.  I think that was Dave's role.  RL did warm up/loosen up as the week went on.  I did learn some cool one chord kind of groove things.  Only one that I halfway remember still.  I don't know if I have cassette tape of that stuff, I should check.  I do remember, outside of class, asking RL who he learned from, who his influences were.   The main one was Fred McDowell.

[lindy]

Churchy!

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I wish we had an actual performance video of this, but it is still pretty darn great.



All best,
Johnm

[sustaireblues]

That is great John!
Some joyful music making there, put a smile on my face, made me wanta' be there!

Joe

[bnemerov]

John, (or anybody who has the LP)
Is this a Harry Oster recording?
I ask because it's one of the best field recordings ever....the foot & guitar & voice, perfectly balanced and clean.
Bruce

[Johnm]

Hi Joe and Bruce,
I'm glad you enjoy "Memphis Mail".  It is a wonderful piece and performance, taken from 1970 recordings done by Parker Dinkins, whom I know nothing about.  The recordings from 1970 were originally issued on the Ahura Mazda label, then licensed to Fat Possum, where they are still currently available, I believe, as "From Lake Mary--Scott Dunbar" Fat Possum Records 80338-2.  It really is beautifully recorded, as you said, Bruce.  If you go to tags ad look under Scott Dunbar, there are some other threads, on one of which the tunings/positions for the album's songs are listed.
All best,
Johnm

[Bunker Hill]

And there's also this http://www.wirz.de/music/dunbafrm.htm

[Slack]

Poor guitar player, sounded like he wanted to cut loose on one and wasn't given a break in 5 minutes of play! 

[Johnm]

Yes, John D., and that was Otis Rush.  He could have smoked one if Roosevelt ever came up for air!
All best,
Johnm