Da Goddess

I couldn’t help but fall in love with this little boy when I saw him in the midst of an impromptu mandolin lesson. Isn’t he adorable? His grandmother is also a mandolin student and she proudly stood off to the side, smiling and applauding his efforts.

His teacher is a man I’ve met before. He’s an excellent musician and it’s always a delight to see him. The last photo isn’t so hot compositionally, but that leg just killed me. How stinkin’ cute is that?

I sure hope I run into this kid again. He was awesome.

If I could inhabit another photographer’s body for just a year of his/her life while he/she were at some prolific phase, I’d pick Avedon. Apropos in that he was born on May 15, 1923, if one must work that way.

A typical Taurus with an artistic bent, Avedon pursued his passion with a broad eye. It mattered not where he was, he found beauty all around him. Dignity, too.

From Audrey Hepburn to the farmer’s daughter; from William Casby, a former slave, to Muddy Waters, a former sharecropper turned King of Chicago blues; from Buster Keaton to Marilyn Monroe; from Klansmen and protesters to those in government in charge of policy like Kissinger and the Kennedy clan; he covered it all. And he did it with a style all his own. He found something to connect to in each of his subjects, even if his subjects included elephants and snakes. One of the most telling images is not necessarily the image itself, but rather the placement of it in his home: a dirty oilfield worker Roberto Lopez from the American West series; Lopez, haggard after a long day at work, hangs in a corner overlooking a shrine of religious images, as if the physical toiling on earth is just as necessary as the emotional preparation that goes toward our salvation. Or that earthly existence is looking towards the next step. Maybe it’s that heaven is seen as so great because of the trials we face down here. I don’t know, but it struck me as powerful. Intentional or not, it was there.

In every photo, there was never any sense of exploitation or a hint of disdain. This man found a way to connect person to person and draw out something special and humane in them so that we might see it too.

If I could step into a time machine and be any photographer, I’d pick Avedon this time around.

At the same time, I pick Muddy Waters’ Hard Again, the cover of which Avedon shot, “Mannish Boy’s” opening words, “Everything… everything… everything gonna be all right this mornin’…”

I may never be Richard Avedon, and I’ll never be Muddy Waters, but my camera and I will be up at Doheny Blues Festival tomorrow enjoying the day thanks to a few volunteer hours turning into a free ticket. Too bad I’ll miss B.B. King on Sunday. Couldn’t get that volunteer shift, nor could I afford the ticket. No worries. “Everything… everything… everything gonna be all right this mornin’…”

While I’m there tomorrow, I’ll catch up with those I know and share the photos I’ve taken of them. And I’ll take more.

Avedon or not.

Seats will fill, lights will start to dim. People will be standing and craning their necks, hoping for a glimpse of this person or that. “Did you see B.B.?” one will ask. “I thought I saw Pinetop over there.” whispers another.

Others are simply too nervous to move even an inch in their seats for fear that the spell will break.

Among the people in those seats are people I know. People who are up for awards. People who have breathed life into the music that moves people and causes them to dance and smile. In one category alone, I find myself pulling VERY strongly for one act, strongly for another, and wishing well to a third participant. The first act — they are my friends. They have encouraged me and my son, they have provided me genuine laughter and friendship. The next group — they have extended kindness to me personally and entertained me well. The final act — she offered me a room in her home should I choose to visit. She may not have been sober when making the offer, but she is geniunely kind and talented and she’d come through. I want for each to win, but they can’t. They’re up for the same award. Against kids. The kids are good, but they’re not as good as these three. And in my heart of hearts I want my homeboys to take the rest to school and show ’em how it’s done. Keep chanting with me: Chris and Patrick! Chris and Patrick! Chris and Patrick!

The guys took third in the iternational songwriting contest against a lot of other talented people. They won THIRD! That’s noting to poo poo. It’s a big deal. But now? Now they’re up for a bigger award and I want them to win in the biggest way! Think: Chris and Patrick Chris and Patrick Chris and Patrick.

Other people I know will be there. But my eyes are on the prize in one category. Best New Artist Debut. They belong there and they belong in best traditional and they belong nominated for top honors, too.

Listen witih me here and cheer your asses off my friends.

May have been third in a songwriting contest but it’s first in my book:
Coffee
A personal favorite:
Stop & Think About It
Everyone has somethin’ to confess
Confessin the Blues
And for my son
Mona

I love my guys. Love ’em to pieces. They email to check in on us. They mail just to say hi. They smile when we approach. They know we believe. And we do believe. I hope that belief found its way out into the universe as it should have because Chris James and Patrick Rynn are due a major win.

Win, lose, or draw, we love you, guys. You’re the best. THE BEST!

This ghostly rider cried out for more, more, more. Almost a rebel yell, if you will. (Don’t ask. It’s been a Billy Idol* sort of week, but it’s over now.)

* My theme song for the week was “World Comin’ Down”, which is my super extra favorite tune that gets thrown on the stereo and I sing loudly (and quite badly, I might add), and afterwards? I feel immensely better. I’m so serious about this, I’m including the tune for you here: ” Comin’ Down“.

One steadfast rule I have is this: No matter how bad you feel, if you listen to music, you can get through anything. So, it was a bit of a surprise to me when I contemplated not going to the Bernie Pearl show last night. My stomach was unsettled, my head was, too. But I made myself keep on driving. I was already halfway there.

I’m so glad I went. Within seconds of hearing the first notes, I was caught up in the music, lost in the beauty. All troubles gone. All that was left was pure happiness.

After a brief break, Bernie took the stage again and played his version of “I’ll Fly Away”. It was so moving. I almost burst into tears. Thankfully my camera saved me from that.

If you live in San Diego, you can see Pearl (and many other artists) on May 3, 2009 at Old Time Music at a benefit performance. I highly recommend attending. If you live in Los Angeles, good news for you! Bernie lives up that way and you can see him just at one of his many gigs in the area.

Photo notes: Shot with available light at ISO 800, 1/50 sec shutter, f/5.6. Underexposed by a bunch, and yet, the images turned out perfectly. I had a feeling and I went with it. I’m glad I did. Reasoning: What I really wanted was to capture the light on the faces and hands. I didn’t want to expose for the dark background at all. So, for those of you curious about what I did to get these shots, there you go. My secrets have been revealed.

You know, I put together quick reviews for the blues society. It seems a shame not to share my finds with you, too. I mean, if I like the CDs enough to play them over and over again, it seems like a no brainer to pass along the joy I get from the music. So, here are three quick reviews for your listening pleasure.

J.C. Smith Band — Defining Cool ~ Cozmik Records

Hailing from San Jose, J.C. Smith bursts onto the national scene with a big sound. He’s a man who can fill a room with his mere presence, but it doesn’t hurt that he’s a great vocalist and guitar player, too. This CD is a testament to the influences who’ve helped make him the rising star he is. Only three of the tunes are penned by him, but the covers he includes showcase his talent beautifully. The first few tunes feature a full horn section, deep voice, and a blend of Chicago gruffness with West Coast smoothness, but when he steps away from the horns, he still shines. The way he caresses each tune is what makes him stand out. On Defining Cool, you’ll find no shredding guitars, instead, you get an ably finessed Gibson that both wraps itself around Smith’s vocals and sings alongside him. J.C. Smith and his band are engaging, so plan on listening to this disc over and over again.

Bobby Jones – Comin’ Back Hard ~ Delta Groove Music

He was in Chicago back around the time Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters were The Kings of the Blues, and Bobby Jones made the most of this education, taking on the role of featured singer for the Aces, as well as for the Chicago Blues Union with Mike Bloomfield and others. It didn’t lead to fame and fortune for Jones, though, and he quietly stepped into the shadows and away from the blues. Not one to let his talent go to waste, Bobby Jones worked his voice with some fine Southern Soul singing, even making a bit of a name for himself with a couple of self-produced CDs in the 80s, and then again in the 90s with the song “Somebody Stole My Freak” (under the name Bobby Jonz). Luck smiled on Jones in 2007, when an old friend, Leon Blue, asked him to come along to a recording session for the Mannish Boys. At some point, Bobby was introduced as a singer and before long, he recorded a couple tracks. This was followed with a few more tunes on the Mannish Boys’ 2008 CD Lowdown Feelin’. Recognizing that there was something special happening, producer Randy Chortkoff worked with Jones to produce Coming Back Hard.

Recorded on tape, the sound is pure Chicago strut and swagger, with bit of West Coast sway. Jones does well by the material, too. He sings every song as if it’s his last song, with all his heart. Comin’ Back Hard is a defining moment in this man’s life. And as long as he doesn’t disappear again, I’d say he’s ready to hit it big. This album, recorded with the Mannish Boys band, give Bobby Jones a chance to rock, howl, and moan his way into the heart of any blues lover. Soulful and rich, Jones is in his element as the spotlight shines on him. Old school through and through, Coming Bark Hard is exactly the album you’ve been waiting for.

Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm – 2 Man Wrecking Crew ~ Delta Groove Music

If you haven’t heard of these two men already, don’t despair, they’re on their way up and they’ll be hard to miss. The unlikely duo are steeped in lessons learned at the feet of legends like R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Otha Turner, and many others playing that hill country blues. On the quality of songs and musicianship alone, this would be enough to ensure them a rightful place on a blues stage anywhere, but they don’t rely solely on their roots or a single influence to “get by”. No, they work in a little of everything and mix it all up like some sort of wild mash hopped up on late night sessions at a juke joint.

For a couple guys playing guitar and drums, one would think there’d be a lot of leftover spaces to fill musically. But get this, there’s plenty of music to fill out every space fully. It’s not just sound — it’s MUSIC. The good kind, too. Even when Jason Ricci adds his blues harp to the mix on three tunes, it’s as spare as anything Burnside or Malcolm offer up. That’s not a bad thing. It doesn’t matter who’s singing, playing guitar, or on drums (they switch off), the fact is, the simplicity of the band allows them to occupy more space, stuffing it chock full o’ ripe goodness that’s just waiting to be picked. All songs on 2 Man Wrecking Crew were crafted by either Burnside or Malcolm, with track #9 (“Stay Here in Your Arms”) owing its true roots to Junior Kimbrough’s “Meet Me in the City” (a grand blues tradition of creating new lyrics for a familiar tune). Kimbrough would be proud. Not every tune is old school hill country blues, though. Factor in some heavy late 60s/early 70s electric blues, a bit of hip-hop, and a dash of funk, and you get something that feels altogether familiar and fresh at the same time.

So how does this translate outside of the studio? Quite well. Having recently seen Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm performing live at the Phoenix Blues Blast, I can tell you this: everything you hear on this disc is the real deal and it only gets better in person. On top of that, they are unfailingly polite Southern gentlemen, making my recommendation of this CD an easy choice. Yes, this is currently my most-played CD, it’s that good.

And for those of you keeping score at home, you’ll remember Malcolm from my trip to Phoenix.

Another one of my bluesmen from Phoenix. Pete Pearson is too cool. He holds court at the corner of the bar at the Rhythm Room; fans and friends gathering around to say hello or listen to a story or two. When it’s his turn to join the band, he pulls his microphone out of his pocket and casually strolls up to the stage. The first time this happened, I couldn’t figure out who was singing (I was in a dark corner by the stage) until he emerged from the crowd.

I’ve been meaning to post this photo for a while and I kept forgetting. This was taken during the Phoenix trip while we were at the Blues Blast in Mesa. This was guy was from the opening band, Moore & the Sugar Thieves. The band’s look reminded me so much of Mad Men, you know, that 50s/60s era look. The band was quite good and I was sorry we’d missed most of their time on stage. Later that night, they showed up at the Rhythm Room; unfortunately, right around the time we were ready to drop. Needless to say, this band is on my must-see list.

src=”http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/smallbutton.jpg” style=”float:left; margin:10px; border:0px” />Now it’s time for an entry in the adult category for the iHeartFaces contest.

Henry Gray is a bit of a legend in New Orleans and Chicago. He was born in Louisiana but he settled in Chicago after WWII. Once there, he played for bluesman Howlin’ Wolf, among others. At 84, he’s still got the chops for some serious boogie woogie. He’s seriously sweet, too. (But that’ll be our secret, okay?) Again, no flash for this one, unless you count the flashing fingers across the 88s.

Whew! Three posts in one day. Will wonders never cease?!

Yesterday was a fantastic day! One of the blues society’s Blues in the School bands performed down at the Children’s Museum and I went to shoot. Not only did my friend Patty come along, but Little Dude was there, and so was Mojo!

LD was as excited as I was about Mojo being a part of our day and he could hardly wait to get out the door.

Mojo’s pretty much back to her old self again, which is a huge relief. She looked gorgeous as she usually does. I’m always surprised when I see her because it’s hard for me to believe I could have created such a beautiful young lady.

Anyhow, we went, we had fun, we had food, and that was about it.

There was something weird that happened though. Now, I hadn’t talked with Mojo in the morning. LD had called to over to talk with her while I was getting ready. So, it was rather curious that when we went to pick her up that she and I both had on pink tops and had both chosen yellow sweaters/sweatshirts. Odd.

Also kind of strange was LD. He kept drifting off, away from either his sister or from the group as a whole. (While Patty and I were shooting, the kids went off to create and play and hang out.) When we were all back in a group, LD just couldn’t seem to focus. And I also realized that I was nervous whenever I didn’t have everyone all grouped up. I had to see everyone to feel “right”, as if out of sight was a moment away from disaster. I’m not usually like this. What’s up with that?

In the end, it was a great day and I loved having both kids with me, just hanging out. I got to listen to them talk with each other and I got to talk with them both at the same time. It gave me the warm fuzzies and I have to admit, I like my kids!

Photos at some point. Still working on Phoenix pics at this point. And now I’m fighting a sinus thing at the same time. (Pool may be out for the day, depending on how I feel when I wake up…again.)

Taylor Hicks is performing at the Belly Up tomorrow night. I have a pass for the show. I can’t take photos, but I could at least go and see him perform.

No, I am not an American Idol fan. Yes, I have heard Taylor sing and I like. His blue-eyed soul/bluesy approach is right up my alley. But, I rarely go to concerts without my camera. It’s not that I’m incapable of enjoying the performance without a camera, it’s more that I try to make the most out of the event.

So…

The question is: do I go even though I can’t photograph the performance? If you answer “yes”, tell me why, please.

I love available light for photos. Sometimes, when you least expect it, you find yourself in a situation where there’s magic in the light available. Such was the case on Saturday. Here was the first person I encountered in that perfect spot. He goes by the nickname KC. Sixteen years old, plays like he’s known the blues for ages, as if he were born with them. Sweet, talented kid. Exactly the kind of teenager I hope Little Dude becomes.

(more…)

That’s the biggest lesson I learned long ago and again this past weekend. Yes, sometimes you learn a lesson twice for different reasons.

When I was young, my mom always told me that it was better to ask a question, ask permission, ask for anything if that is what the situation called for. Curious about Aunt Bev’s wooden leg? Ask her about it. Want a cookie? Ask for it. Confused about the meaning of life? Ask Mommy and, even though she may not have the answer, she’ll give you time and attention and discuss the matter with you until it starts to make sense or, at the very least, doesn’t gnaw at you any longer.

This last weekend, I got into the habit of approaching musicians, asking them if they would pose for me. Before or after they were on stage, I’d approach and ask if they’d mind following me to the back of the building, where I’d stand them in front of this awesome cement wall. (Cement wall? Awesome? Yes. You’ll see. Patience, grasshopper.) And those whose photo I took in some other fashion, like I at least asked him a few questions afterward (he didn’t know I was shooting at the time).

There were some artists who just seemed to call for “permission first”. Or, as was the case a few times, the situation required it. They weren’t in the right light or the right place, they were fidgety or pacing. For them, I definitely asked first. To not ask would have been akin to stealing that moment from them. I know that doesn’t make much sense to you, but it makes sense to me. And it paid off. Not a single person said no. Later, I did talk with everyone I photographed, even if it was just to say hello, thank them for their performance, and let them know photos would be forthcoming.

Working with two other photographers, I felt like we’d covered the gamut. I know whatever I didn’t get, they got. Or they saw it in a different way. If they didn’t get to talk with the performers, I was able to do so on behalf of all of us.

The first night, at the club, I spent a lot of time securing signatures for our model release forms. It served dual purpose: 1) We’d have the rights to the images for promotional purposes and would also be able to share the images with the owner of the club for a book (I’m working on that angle), and 2) it was an opportunity to meet the performers and get to know them a bit better. The latter was probably my favorite reason. These were often people I’d heard perform on CD or who I’ve seen in videos and there I was, talking with them, getting to know them as people. I love to talk with people, dig a bit deeper, get to know them and get to know a bit more about myself in the process.

One man made me promise to sit down at a piano or keyboard of some sort and start the process of relearning to play, like I did when I was a kid with my grandfather. He said if I did, he’d do something special for me. Regardless of whether or not he does anything for me, it’s obvious that I’ll be doing myself a big favor — I’ll be adding another skill to my list and I’ll be reconnecting with my past. Good all the way around, if you ask me.

Anyway, I’m not sure I have much of a wrap up for this, other than to say I’m glad I’m not afraid to talk to folks and ask them questions, permission, or what have you. There have been times in my life when I was too shy to do this, but I’ve grown a lot over the years and I’ve learned to approach this as 1) a reporter (from interviews in print) and 2) a photographer. Amazingly, I’m rarely turned down and I’m always enriched in the end.

Really. I want to know. How did this happen?

I got home from Phoenix late Sunday evening and I’m still exhausted. I sound like I spent a week at an amusement park, too, with my scratchy voice and all. Granted, I had a very long day on Friday — got up at 5:30am and didn’t go to bed until early Saturday morning. Saturday, had a surprise blues festival (yeah, I know, how does one not know about that?), and then we went back to the blues club for more shooting. Temple, Patty, and I worked our asses off, that’s for sure. Sunday started off with a trip to a Nissan dealership* so Patty could get an oil change before we headed home.

We ate breakfast while waiting for the car. The Eggery was good, although my bacon was a bit overdone. From there, we said goodbye to Temple and began our journey west. We stopped in Joshua Tree later in the afternoon, menacing clouds building in the sky. I’d checked the forecast and rain had been predicted for San Diego, which did cause us some concern. We didn’t want to have to deal with rain while crossing the mountains. Fortunately, we ended up with no rain and the rest of the trip went quite well. Except…while we were getting our camera gear back in the car at Joshua Tree, the car door slammed into my back. Freaky. It was as if nature was telling me to get the hell out of there. My upper back took the brunt of the door, leaving my neck and shoulders sore.

The last couple of days, I’ve been fighting exhaustion as well as pain and numbness in my arms and hands. Today is the first day that the numbness and pain has been minimal and I’m quite glad it’s abating.

I’ve also spent the last few days fighting trying to get transportation to pool therapy. I had to cancel both sessions this week because there’s still no action from the insurance company. They’re really making this more difficult than it needs to be. Tomorrow will be more of the same, I’m sure. (Wish me luck!)

My voice is slowly but surely coming back. I have tons of photos to edit. And I’m starting to feel almost human again. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity (and I’ve already seen some very positive feedback — yay!) and I’m glad I went, but it’s obvious that it’s a little too much to expect me to keep running at full steam at this point. I gave it all I had, though, and the return, well, that remains to be seen. I do know, however, that once the photos are all done and shared, their worth will be duly noted and my participation will have been worth it.

So there you go. My big fun weekend in Phoenix. I got to spend time with people I really enjoy (y’hear that, and sadly, missed out on getting to meet Miachelle, but there will be other trips. I also hope to spend more time with people NOT shooting. And I hope to do this soon.

I’m off to finish the photos. It’s a huge project. There are MANY images. When I have some worthy of sharing, I’ll post. Until then, my Cone of Silence is in place. Kind of. Like you can keep me quiet for long. Ha!

*If you live in the Phoenix area, check out ABC Nissan on Camelback. They’re the only dealership with a service department open on Sundays and they’re offering oil changes for $10, too! ABC Nissan 1300 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85014

Preview of blues fest pics: Lightnin’ Malcolm

Shot taken with available light from the door leading to the stage. ISO 400. Focal Length 76mm.