d-ray657
Ain't this boogie a mess
It had been a pretty rough couple of months. Tough times business-wise, and had a couple of cars shoot craps - not fun, but nothing we can't get through. Then a friend called me on Thursday said he had two tickets to see John Hammond at a local KC Club and he wanted me to go with him. What he hadn't told me was that not only was John Hammond playing, David Lindley was sharing the bill.
What a treat! John Hammond is celebrating his fiftieth year in the business and he still brings it. His reading of the blues is unique and outstanding. Great googly moogly! That man has soul pouring out of his fingers and his windpipe. He also has stories - great stories of meeting and getting to play with the giants of country blues who were hanging out in Chicago during the early 60's
Knuckleheads bar was the perfect setting for the show, but more on that later. The stage was also just the right fit, set up looking like a 60's hotel room. Even had a vintage reel to reel sitting on a table.
David Lindley did a solo set after Hammond. I have never seen one individual play so many different stringed instruments in one performance. They included the Turkish equivalent of a banjo (but all wood), and several other instruments that I am going to have to research to identify. The instrument that got the most play was a lap steel. I lost count, but I think he played seven different instruments and each one of them amazingly well. He was a darn good story-teller too.
It was a great night for slide, with Lindley on his lap steel and Hammond attacking his dobro.
For anyone who hasn't spent any time here, Kansas City is a great blues town. Knuckleheads brings lots of blues acts into town. It's a great blues club in the middle of an industrial district. It's worth checking out their web page.
Out of respect for the performance Mr. Lindley put on (and the good karma I enjoyed in getting to see him), I will pass along his request to y'all, unless the mods determine it is too political. Briefly, he asked everyone to call the Veterans Administration and tell them that they have to do more for homeless vets. Vietnam vets are still out there. The brothers under the bridge are being joined now by vets from Iraq and Afghanistan. Take five minutes to petition your government on behalf of those who served.
Regards,
D-Ray
What a treat! John Hammond is celebrating his fiftieth year in the business and he still brings it. His reading of the blues is unique and outstanding. Great googly moogly! That man has soul pouring out of his fingers and his windpipe. He also has stories - great stories of meeting and getting to play with the giants of country blues who were hanging out in Chicago during the early 60's
Knuckleheads bar was the perfect setting for the show, but more on that later. The stage was also just the right fit, set up looking like a 60's hotel room. Even had a vintage reel to reel sitting on a table.
David Lindley did a solo set after Hammond. I have never seen one individual play so many different stringed instruments in one performance. They included the Turkish equivalent of a banjo (but all wood), and several other instruments that I am going to have to research to identify. The instrument that got the most play was a lap steel. I lost count, but I think he played seven different instruments and each one of them amazingly well. He was a darn good story-teller too.
It was a great night for slide, with Lindley on his lap steel and Hammond attacking his dobro.
For anyone who hasn't spent any time here, Kansas City is a great blues town. Knuckleheads brings lots of blues acts into town. It's a great blues club in the middle of an industrial district. It's worth checking out their web page.
Out of respect for the performance Mr. Lindley put on (and the good karma I enjoyed in getting to see him), I will pass along his request to y'all, unless the mods determine it is too political. Briefly, he asked everyone to call the Veterans Administration and tell them that they have to do more for homeless vets. Vietnam vets are still out there. The brothers under the bridge are being joined now by vets from Iraq and Afghanistan. Take five minutes to petition your government on behalf of those who served.
Regards,
D-Ray
