June 2010

T-Bone Walker (1910 – 1975) would have been 100 years old this month. Arguably the first bluesman to plug his guitar into an amp, and mentored by the great Blind Lemon Jefferson, his influence has rolled down the years to inspire BB King, Hendrix, Clapton, Bonamassa, and the like.




In the news Sir Paul McCartney got himself into trouble when his tour bus was attacked in Mexico City. Well Paul perhaps you should sack your security advisor for allowing your bus to be taken into a so called ‘no go’ area.

Another Sir, that of Mick Jagger, has put his lips in it by stating that he thinks the Isle of Man should legalise drugs. Off of his cloud again?

Moving on I had two opportunities this month to listen to some good live blues music in this sleepy part of the South of France. Uncl STF played, last Friday, at the Café du Pont, Esperaza (11) giving an appreciative audience three hours of continuous blues songs from Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, and (after my recommendation) Mean Red Spiders.



Interchanging his guitars, from steel, acoustic, and electric, to suit the music style, Uncl STF gave us his version of; Driftin, Walking Blues, I Can’t Be Satisfied, Hoochie Coochie Man, Call Me Long Distance, and St. James’s Infirmary – and much more – despite the occasional technical problem with plugs and connectors.

Being a local chap STF often plays in the area or you can supply your own beer and listen to him on www.myspace.com/unclstf




This was followed, on Saturday evening, by an invite to a practice session with John Lansley’s “The Jam Tarts”. A relatively new band formed to play blues and blues-rock.

After a feast of BBQ duck, chicken, sausages, etc., the band set about tuning up – with greasy fingers – and then set the pace with Crossroads.

Inevitably things turned into a jam with several bluesmen turning up. A really great sax player (I’m kicking myself for not getting his details), Serge on his piano, Tony on his steel guitar, even a little black dog gave an occasional woof when he felt it appropriate. A very informal, and pleasant evening, and I hope I will be reporting on “The Jam Tarts” in future additions of South Of France Blues.




BLUES IN BURGUNDY - BLUES EN BOURGOGNE 24 – 27 June

In the village centre of Le Creusot (71)

By car or train the village is easy to get to. Just 1h20 from Paris or 40 mins from Lyon. There is plenty of local accommodation or there is a free camping aire (for motorhomes) with good facilities.

The four night line-up consists of:

Thursday 24 June
Soulville with Fabienne DELLA-MONICA. Fabienne is a Gabonese gospel soul singer who, apparently, also performs a Pink Floyd tribute ! Interesting.

Elliott Murphy. New York born, now living in Paris, Elliott certainly gets around with more than 20 concerts in Europe this year. He is not shy of the recording studio either and currently has cut 30 discs since 1973 with his latest being “Notes From The Underground”. His debut album “Aquashow” has been rated a classic album by Uncut magazine.

Friday 25 June

Bjorn Berge. Expect to be blown away by this Norwegian guitarist! He will present his tenth album "Fretwork". Alone on stage, Bjørn is universally recognized by the specialized press. Although his main influences are Robert Johnson and Elmore James, he does not hesitate to incorporate sounds from funk and Hip Hop music after the traditional blues.

He also admits his passion for artists like Beck and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This eclectic music may indeed shine in his "Live in Europe" where he took the famous' Ace of Spades "by Motorhead.

Joe Louis Walker. BMA album of the year award winner with “Between A Rock And The Blues” Joe Louis brings his San Francisco blues to France. An accomplished blues guitarist and a lively singer Mr Walker is bound to give a superb performance. 1 year ago If this don't make you stand on the tables and dance then I don't know what??????

Saturday 26 June
Taste. In the true spirit of the Rory Gallagher band this tribute is sure to bring back memories of the legendary Isle Of Weight festivals of the 70’s.

Eric Bell Trio. A long history with bands; Them, The Bluebeats, The Jaguars, Shades, The Dreams, and then Thin Lizzy (and maybe more). Eric now heads up his trio with Brian Bethell on bass and Romek Parol on drums. This music will fill the night air and reach up to the stars.

Pat McManus Band. And finally another Irish band. Famously from his band Mama’s Boys – who played at Thin Lizzy’s farewell tour – Pat McManus has teamed up with Paul Faloon on drums and Gordon Sheridan on bass – and, of course, Pat on violin, guitar and vocals.

Sunday 27 June

A day of free concerts around the village.

Tickets cost 25 euros for a ‘day pass’ or 55 euros for a ‘concert pass’

Enjoy