Phuket Blues Festival

[davethailand]

Agreed about BB King, he's great.

[Blues Factory]

Yes Dave, the italian place next to the stage(Mary announced on the stage about his kindness).

A Blues Factory in the RPM would be great ......................think about it!!!

Gerd

I was chatting with a few thai friends there as they said the same thing (or in Patong).

I'd like to anyway.

[thaigerd]

You can see: PHUKET IS WAITING!!!!!

Gerd

[HDRIDER]

Hi

That would just be so nice

[Blues Factory]

Here’s some pics from the Festival and the jam session at the marina.

Mitch Woods , Len Tucky and Blues Machine only I’m afraid.

Edited February 26, 2009 by Blues Factory

[Blues Factory]

[thaigerd]

Great pics! Thank you,

Gerd

[animatic]

After watching Mitch woods last night I think this will be a great festival!

Mitch Woods and his Pattaya 88's will blow the roof off!

Yep they sure did. Cranking boogie like they do it in the other 'down south'.

[animatic]

Good show, although the acoustical sets really subdued the crowd. Too bad Rich Harper didn't play more electrical when the Jimi tribute was on stage.

Eric Bibb's set didn't subdue anyone. Super playing and singing.

They just didn't become drunken maniacs.

[animatic]

Last night was ok, good sound etc.

Mitch Woods was great as were The Blues Machine, the swedish guys were ok but IMO could have been alot better with a band behind them.

Let's give our Swedish friends a break on this one.

They were both so sick with 2nd day food poisoning and dysentary

they never made their own sound check.

But they hauled their asses out to make the show.

There was plane to add members,

but the lack of set up prevented that going smoothly.

Edited February 27, 2009 by animatic

[animatic]

.

Edited February 27, 2009 by animatic

[animatic]

I think that is one of the problems, a lot of people (including myself too be honest to a certain extent) don't really know a lot about blues, it covers a wide range of music, I have to say from previous comments I've read and concerts I've seen I'd say there is definitely a difference of opinion regarding the concerts, as to who's right and who's wrong I'd say it comes down to personal taste.

Blues encompasses 100 years and 10,000 variations,

and each little local grouping thinks THEIR version is THE ONLY version.

So at festivals you try and pull from many versions.

The 'original blues' was the acoustic guitar, on the back porch, playing for supper, kind,

like The Swedish guys did. This was actually a more roots blues year.

A decent from the traveling troubadours of ancient times:

Philosophers, roving newsmen and entertainers of their day.

Something sad or tragic happened, they spread the word,

and played in a style to fit the sadness.

Eric Bibb is very much a bridge between the early roots and modern styles,

with elements of Sacred Steel, modern Gospel, Memphis jazz/blues,

and the classic honky tonk sounds. He also is a bridge between the classic

advancement of 50-80's jazz music, and the Minstrel shows of the 1800.

Steven Foster wrote the Blues as seen partly in the film Showboat.

That said Eric is modern and hip too with out losing the story telling and pathos.

Each year the Groove Doctors get better, but to say they were 'the most blues'

is just incorrect, they DID do some fine blues in an eclectic set.

Sorry, but Billy Cobham was NEVER the blues, even if it was done very well.

Neither was the Pink Floyd they did last year, but again they pulled off

something from left field very well.

Rich Harper is clearly the post Stones, Mountain, Johnny Winter rocked out blues of the 60-70's.

He does it very well on electric and it is what many people find as the current 'American Blues Style".

It is basically a rock style, not so much a real roots blues thing. But fun and blues based none the less.

He was trying to get back to roots blues himself with his set.

This festival would not be the same without Rich there.

Cannonball is a super tight and smooth Bangkok group,

with a very strong 70's southern rock blues thing going on.

It also has a high percentage of Keith Nolan's great original songs.

Less crunchy and abrasive than some and more rolling and rocking.

Just as much blues, but with in a more specific regional niche,

which is one of my favorites, and the do it very well.

On the other hand the most informed, versatile and musicologically correct performer

is hands down Snowman of the Blues Machine. His knowledge of sub-genres and players is comprehensive.

His devotion to style is sincere without limiting his work to ONLY one style of 'The Blues".

He sees the big picture and also how different audiences need different Blues to fit their expectations.

Their set pulled from a collage of true blues master song writers, and they infused the sound with a

great variety of modern blues textures from several eras. And when you heard them with Mitch

they sounded different again.

Mitch Woods is of the 'Classic New Orleans Blues Tradtion'

and an excellent practitioner of that boogie and honky tonk style.

A clear descendant of : Allen Tousaint, Professor Longhair, Dr. John and Fats Domino among others.

The guy has the 40's-70's styles of that deep southern blues, Cajun Zydaco

and their jazzier N.O. cousin down cold, and HOT at the same time.

The Blues Machine fit to him like a warm glove on a cool night. Not his words, but close enough.

The other well known performer of his generation is Marcia Ball. Both in styles and playing,

compatible and yet their own thing happening clearly. Mitch is a classic and the festival was lucky to get him.

Edited February 27, 2009 by animatic

[Frosty]

I think that is one of the problems, a lot of people (including myself too be honest to a certain extent) don't really know a lot about blues, it covers a wide range of music, I have to say from previous comments I've read and concerts I've seen I'd say there is definitely a difference of opinion regarding the concerts, as to who's right and who's wrong I'd say it comes down to personal taste.

Blues encompasses 100 years and 10,000 variations,

and each little local grouping thinks THEIR version is THE ONLY version.

So at festivals you try and pull from many versions.

The 'original blues' was the acoustic guitar, on the back porch, playing for supper, kind,

like The Swedish guys did. This was actually a more roots blues year.

A decent from the traveling troubadours of ancient times:

Philosophers, roving newsmen and entertainers of their day.

Something sad or tragic happened, they spread the word,

and played in a style to fit the sadness.

Eric Bibb is very much a bridge between the early roots and modern styles,

with elements of Sacred Steel, modern Gospel, Memphis jazz/blues,

and the classic honky tonk sounds. He also is a bridge between the classic

advancement of 50-80's jazz music, and the Minstrel shows of the 1800.

Steven Foster wrote the Blues as seen partly in the film Showboat.

That said Eric is modern and hip too with out losing the story telling and pathos.

Each year the Groove Doctors get better, but to say they were 'the most blues'

is just incorrect, they DID do some fine blues in an eclectic set.

Sorry, but Billy Cobham was NEVER the blues, even if it was done very well.

Neither was the Pink Floyd they did last year, but again they pulled off

something from left field very well.

Rich Harper is clearly the post Stones, Mountain, Johnny Winter rocked out blues of the 60-70's.

He does it very well on electric and it is what many people find as the current 'American Blues Style".

It is basically a rock style, not so much a real roots blues thing. But fun and blues based none the less.

He was trying to get back to roots blues himself with his set.

This festival would not be the same without Rich there.

Cannonball is a super tight and smooth Bangkok group,

with a very strong 70's southern rock blues thing going on.

It also has a high percentage of Keith Nolan's great original songs.

Less crunchy and abrasive than some and more rolling and rocking.

Just as much blues, but with in a more specific regional niche,

which is one of my favorites, and the do it very well.

On the other hand the most informed, versatile and musicologically correct performer

is hands down Snowman of the Blues Machine. His knowledge of sub-genres and players is comprehensive.

His devotion to style is sincere without limiting his work to ONLY one style of 'The Blues".

He sees the big picture and also how different audiences need different Blues to fit their expectations.

Their set pulled from a collage of true blues master song writers, and they infused the sound with a

great variety of modern blues textures from several eras. And when you heard them with Mitch

they sounded different again.

Mitch Woods is of the 'Classic New Orleans Blues Tradtion'

and an excellent practitioner of that boogie and honky tonk style.

A clear descendant of : Allen Tousaint, Professor Longhair, Dr. John and Fats Domino among others.

The guy has the 40's-70's styles of that deep southern blues, Cajun Zydaco

and their jazzier N.O. cousin down cold, and HOT at the same time.

The Blues Machine fit to him like a warm glove on a cool night. Not his words, but close enough.

The other well known performer of his generation is Marcia Ball. Both in styles and playing,

compatible and yet their own thing happening clearly. Mitch is a classic and the festival was lucky to get him.

I don't know who you are, but finally somebody who gets it! I would like to hear your critic on the rest of the acts!

[HDRIDER]

Hi

Thx for that, but still love the 'fast' blues when i am on a festival, but i also like to listen to BB, Mr slow hand and a lot of others that i cant remember the name of right now (hangover)

[animatic]

Thank you for the kind words about my observations.

It was late and I didn't have the list handy, and this forum times out too fast,

so I didn't finish all I might have.

So to continue.

Some acts didn't have the right scheduled time to be their best, yet did well.

George Cordeiro (USA) & Fang Jang Blues Gang

Stepping out from the hotel gig, George and crew got to open up and

did a solid set of rockin blues, I heard they thought there was more time

and didn't get to their best material for this set, because they got shut down.

A shame, they were just hitting stride when time was called.

There was much more lurking under what we saw.

George is one of Boston's old guard players a contemporary of

Aerosmith, J. Geils Band, and Bonnie Raitt with decades in the musical trenches.

I am sure, given another 20 minutes stage time, and a later set placement,

he would have made HDrider a happy camper.

Sam Wilko Band Sam was just happy to be up there playing,

he did a solid, simple set and brought his daughter up for a bit of country.

She did a Hank Williams, and the sadness and hel_l-raising in Hank's music

always was infused with the blues. Even as it fit another genre and time.

He was honky tonk, but DIFFERENT honky tonk than Mitch's honky tonk music.

Hank was that sprawling Oakie Oil field worker, Dust bowl, hillbillie, honky tonk.

She has a fine voice too.

Corinne Gibbons apparently was 'in town' and was heard singing very well,

so she got a short set inserted at the last minute. While not strictly blues,

and mostly just acoustic guitar with an added singer, there was some stellar harmonies

laid down. A local cast of characters did add some color to her set, but it was clearly

not a long term band playing. Still some nice slide from Phuket's local Singaporean

guitar slinger Patrick. What stood out was those harmonies and the basic duo on stage.

Rich Harper acoustic was solid and well done, but generally lacked the power of his

amped up sets that most are used to and expecting, , even as it was many of the same songs.

There was a definite sense of getting back to blue's earliest roots forms this year and Rich

took that opportunity to lay back and try something different. For those that know his songs

it was fun, for those expecting high energy, it was dialed back.

Jimmy Fame W/Rich Harper's Hendrix Trinbute

set just didn't seem to reflect Hendrix that much, don't now why.

Jimmy has been better in past years, all involved have been better in past years.

Again don't know why. Solid and correct, but... sorry boys. It was Rich's most rocking

of the festival, and more like the typical Rich Harper show.

Benny on drums and Jimmy on bass did solid work an all sets they played,

as they have done with Cannonball over so many years.

And admirably kept the volume low and the feel high for Rich's acoustic set;

not so easy to do.

Eric Bibb was just fine as reported, a class act 100%.

I would love to hear him with the cats from his recordings.

But George Cordeiro did some fine guitar work barring some instrument issues.

A great set that kicked up a notch at the end with some local players added.

Lil’ Willie & Ko

Lil Willie opened last years first night, but sort of got sandbagged by his well rehearsed

and originally intended band that week, and almost didn't come. He and got a real last

minute pickup group hat wasn't on the mark. This year he was determined to do it RIGHT

and he succeded. The band was tight and smooth. Big Bob on drums did his usual hard driving thing,

Derrick was solid and smiling on bass, a solid blues rhythm section pumping out groove.

Phuket local Patrick, a Lil Willie Alumni, was smooth and clean, plus a nice sense of each

tunes design. He also participated well in the show aspects of the performance.

Willie will be the 1st to tell you he is not a singer, but a performer, and so doesn't pretend

to be one. But he DOES deliver a very cool and strictly delineated 'Chicago Blues Style'

show and does it well. Think 1958-1965 south side as seen from old blighty.

He picks songs he can deliver well, and his harp playing is improving steadily,

but staying right in the period he adores. The band was tight and Willie put on 'A Show'

Including some theatrics from a 'guest character' Flaming Mammie.

Flaming red, fun and over the top. Like seeing a scene from a 1938 Cagney movie.

Willie did a strictly Chicago Blues show with great song choices and smooth fluid execution.

He deserves even better placement next year, he did what many people think IS "The Blues".

KNIKI is a hot singer, and shows a lot of feeling, her guitarist is really hot

and considering the minimal time spent to get Willies's band together with them,

they were surprisingly tight. Willie was added to several songs also, so it was a bit

of a hybrid for both acts, but they pulled it off. A good show and KNikki did well on

all three stages she sang on. You could tell from feedback the audiences reacted well

to her songs and performances.

Bert Deivert & Janne Zander. These gentlemen are from the European school of

'learn a style and do it in the classical sense of reproduction of a semi-lost art-form'.

They were really quite ill and doing their best. Also with no sound check, and very

difficult instruments to get clear, blended and loud, the set got off to a slow start.

TiT, Clean Food /Good Taste, didn't get to their table sadly... again TiT.

Those acoustic instruments are not near as easy to get sounding good AND loud

as those amps everyone uses all weekend, and with no sound check it was difficult

to get them their best from the beginning. They had some general bad luck.

I enjoyed their show and wished they had a better shake and time to add

a drummer with brushes and some bass.

The Blues Machine just put on their typical show... HUH!

Just... well their TYPICAL show is hotter than most bands hot nights.

In this case song choices were tightly dialed in for this festival.

And chosen for 'correctness' within the historical blues genres.

Hot, smooth and pure. Mary is incapable of not heating up a room,

Funeral parlour, cryogenic freezer, deep space; Mary will heat it up.

And all the players and singers are 'solid senders'. One comment on

Snowman's playing I heard was " Sounded like Duane Allman on a good night."

Works for me.

Their resident "madman on the drums" also did a really super lead vocal performance too,

and a demonic drum solo to finish the night. Great sax and keyboard work of course too.

No weak sisters in this band both as themselves and as a back up unit.

Snowman runs a tight, yet flexable and happy crew.

Cannonball is very consistent and always gets a room moving. I thought both guitars

were a notch hotter and bluer than some other nights, but they rarely have bad nights.

Keith has a unique front man look and style, and is a soloist / band front that gives space

to all in the band, and they fill their slots well. He draws from many places musically,

but makes it all fit his choice of blues era perfectly.

Mitch Woods With Blues Machine; a great match

and a rockin' pneumonia and boogie woogie flue attack.

That's the report from here.

Edited February 28, 2009 by animatic

[animatic]

Hi

Thx for that, but still love the 'fast' blues when i am on a festival,

but i also like to listen to BB,

Mr slow hand and a lot of others that i cant remember the name of right now (hangover)

Like say:

Robin Ford,

Luther Allison

Duke Robilard

Johnny Winter

BB King

Freddy King

Earl King

Albert King

T-Bone Walker

Shuggie Otis

Guitar Slim

Robert Cray

Sonny Landreth

Lowel Fulson

Gatemouth Brown

Muddy Waters

Buddy Guy

Albert Collins

John Guitar Watson

Hound Dog Taylor

Steve Cropper

Fleetwood Mac w Peter Green

John Mayall

Charlie Musslewhitre

Paul Butterfield

Pat Benatar ( blues album)

Kim Wilson w/ Jimmy Vaughan

Taj Mahall

Room Full Of Blues

Stevie Ray

Ray Charles

King Curtis

Ry Cooder

Allman Brothers

Grateful Dead

Should get someone pretty good in there.

[HDRIDER]

HI

Thx a lot, bring back some memories to see that list, Ry Cooder, use to love his music, what about Kenny wayne, really like his music. thx again

[davethailand]

Last night was ok, good sound etc.

Mitch Woods was great as were The Blues Machine, the swedish guys were ok but IMO could have been alot better with a band behind them.

Let's give our Swedish friends a break on this one.

They were both so sick with 2nd day food poisoning and dysentary

they never made their own sound check.

But they hauled their asses out to make the show.

There was plane to add members,

but the lack of set up prevented that going smoothly.

I liked their set, What I meant was a band behind them would have lifted it a bit, if they had have been on earlier I think it would have fitted better as they came on after Kniki who had quite a fast set and they were followed by Blues Machine who also had a faster set.

[davethailand]

I think that is one of the problems, a lot of people (including myself too be honest to a certain extent) don't really know a lot about blues, it covers a wide range of music, I have to say from previous comments I've read and concerts I've seen I'd say there is definitely a difference of opinion regarding the concerts, as to who's right and who's wrong I'd say it comes down to personal taste.

Blues encompasses 100 years and 10,000 variations,

and each little local grouping thinks THEIR version is THE ONLY version.

So at festivals you try and pull from many versions.

The 'original blues' was the acoustic guitar, on the back porch, playing for supper, kind,

like The Swedish guys did. This was actually a more roots blues year.

A decent from the traveling troubadours of ancient times:

Philosophers, roving newsmen and entertainers of their day.

Something sad or tragic happened, they spread the word,

and played in a style to fit the sadness.

Eric Bibb is very much a bridge between the early roots and modern styles,

with elements of Sacred Steel, modern Gospel, Memphis jazz/blues,

and the classic honky tonk sounds. He also is a bridge between the classic

advancement of 50-80's jazz music, and the Minstrel shows of the 1800.

Steven Foster wrote the Blues as seen partly in the film Showboat.

That said Eric is modern and hip too with out losing the story telling and pathos.

Each year the Groove Doctors get better, but to say they were 'the most blues'

is just incorrect, they DID do some fine blues in an eclectic set.

Sorry, but Billy Cobham was NEVER the blues, even if it was done very well.

Neither was the Pink Floyd they did last year, but again they pulled off

something from left field very well.

Rich Harper is clearly the post Stones, Mountain, Johnny Winter rocked out blues of the 60-70's.

He does it very well on electric and it is what many people find as the current 'American Blues Style".

It is basically a rock style, not so much a real roots blues thing. But fun and blues based none the less.

He was trying to get back to roots blues himself with his set.

This festival would not be the same without Rich there.

Cannonball is a super tight and smooth Bangkok group,

with a very strong 70's southern rock blues thing going on.

It also has a high percentage of Keith Nolan's great original songs.

Less crunchy and abrasive than some and more rolling and rocking.

Just as much blues, but with in a more specific regional niche,

which is one of my favorites, and the do it very well.

On the other hand the most informed, versatile and musicologically correct performer

is hands down Snowman of the Blues Machine. His knowledge of sub-genres and players is comprehensive.

His devotion to style is sincere without limiting his work to ONLY one style of 'The Blues".

He sees the big picture and also how different audiences need different Blues to fit their expectations.

Their set pulled from a collage of true blues master song writers, and they infused the sound with a

great variety of modern blues textures from several eras. And when you heard them with Mitch

they sounded different again.

Mitch Woods is of the 'Classic New Orleans Blues Tradtion'

and an excellent practitioner of that boogie and honky tonk style.

A clear descendant of : Allen Tousaint, Professor Longhair, Dr. John and Fats Domino among others.

The guy has the 40's-70's styles of that deep southern blues, Cajun Zydaco

and their jazzier N.O. cousin down cold, and HOT at the same time.

The Blues Machine fit to him like a warm glove on a cool night. Not his words, but close enough.

The other well known performer of his generation is Marcia Ball. Both in styles and playing,

compatible and yet their own thing happening clearly. Mitch is a classic and the festival was lucky to get him.

Great review.

Mitch did comment that he really enjoyed playing with The Blues Machine, his words to me were along the lines of "I think i'm falling for this band".

[animatic]

Thanks.

[Blues Factory]

Some more pics as requested.

[animatic]

Kewl!

[NBT TV Phuket]

VDO - Excerpts of 8 acts at 2009 Phuket International Blues Rock Festival

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=988

or

That was George Cordeiro from USA & the Fang Jang Blues Gang, the opening act of the 2009 Phuket International Blues Rock Festival which was held at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, last weekend 21-22 February. We talked to Andy Anderson, Director of the festival, who gave his impression of the atmosphere and audience this year:

The Sam Wilko Band, a local Phuket based father & daughter act, was the next band up on stage:

Andy commented more on the audience and thanked us for helping in some of the filming to produce a souvenir DVD of the highlights:

Corinne Gibbons from Australia had her time on stage:

The Groove Doctors, another locally based band from Phuket, were another popular act:

Jimmy Fame, also known as Jim Newport, the locally based writer, but originally from USA, together with compatriot & evergreen Rich Harper, gave a tribute to the famous Jimi Hendrix:

Lil’ Willie & Ko from Samui opened the Saturday performers:

Bert Deivert & Janne Zander from Sweden, were one of several newcomers to the festival:

Andy mentioned plans for next year’s 2010 festival:

We can’t show all the acts today from this year’s festival, but we agree that Eric Bibb from USA was the highlight and we look forward to seeing more performers next year: ------------ http://www.phuketbluesfestival.com/

Special Report for Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Monday 2 March 2009 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/

& www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews

Send comments to [email protected]

[davethailand]

Any more reviews out there?

Shame that there are alot of acts not covered in the vids and report.

[ScubaBuddha]

I'de like to ask the forum what they think of the band "Buffalo Strange" as possible attendees at next years Festival. They are acquaintances of mine and when I told them about the festival, they were very interested. Are they a good fit? They are a Rock/Jazz/Reggae jam band from Florida.

http://www.myspace.com/buffalostrange

The sax in "Dance around the Fire"...omg.

More info:

http://www.buffalostrange.com/

They are also looking to visit Thailand soon and are looking for some gigs to help defer their traveling costs. Any suggestions?

SB

[ScubaBuddha]

I'll add that while they have produced, and can play, lots of reggae, they can focus more on the other genre's.

I've attached their cover set list.

SB

SET_LIST_BUFFALO_STRANGE_111.pdf

[animatic]

Scuba, my gut instincts, after looking at the list, say they like won't fit.

But have them send festival management a non reggae cd

and see what sticks to the wall. One never knows , do one?

[davethailand]

I hope the maker of these video's doesn't mind me putting them here so here are a couple of video's that I was sent-

[ScubaBuddha]

Scuba, my gut instincts, after looking at the list, say they like won't fit.

But have them send festival management a non reggae cd

and see what sticks to the wall. One never knows , do one?

Thanks for the reply animatic. Rob, the band leader, is mailing some CD'S now. The cool thing about Buffalo Strange is they have a really diverse background. They can morph into whatever type of band you want, and do it well. I have contacted the organizers, so we'll wait and see.

SB

[davethailand]

Still a massive lack in any sort of reports on the festival.

weren't there many TV members there?