Rewind Music and More is one of Dallas’ premiere stores for hip-hop, gospel and blues CD’s and mixtapes. After a number of years in Oak Cliff’s Wynnewood Village, they have relocated to a store front at 3823 Ross Avenue just northeast of downtown Dallas. They’re definitely worth a visit for any fans of Texas rap. And remember, there’s no experience quite like visiting an independent record store.
Blues
Memphis Music Hall of Fame Press Conference at the Warehouse
On Tuesday October 16, 2012, a press conference and reception was held at The Warehouse to announce the formation of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Memphis Mayor A. C. Wharton and Congressman Steve Cohen were on hand for the festivities, as were Al Kapone, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Kirk Whalum, Jody Stephens of Ardent Studios and Big Star, Jerry Phillips, Boo Mitchell of Royal Studios, Judy Fizer of the Center for Southern Folklore and constant Memphis music supporter Kris Kourdevelis.
Ugly Mike’s Records, Little Rock
Neighborhood record stores like this one are a precious national resource, and an endangered one. Buy music from your local record store (at Ugly Mike’s Records)
The Day the Music Died (via remedial-redneck.blogspot.com)
One final perspective on the Sunflower festival, and then I’ll probably let it go. I want to also state that my point here is not to berate or destroy a blues festival, because after all, I am a blues fan. My goal is to get the festival organizers to understand that fans like us are the people who support this event, and we are not happy! We hope for a dialogue with them, but if they insist on proclaiming this past weekend’s fiasco as a “success” and continue planning for more of the same next year, then the Sunflower Blues and Gospel Festival is doomed.
Sunflower Blues Festival 2012: The Wall Between
The Sunflower festival’s decision to enclose a compound directly in front of the main stage for paying attendees opened old wounds related to issues of class and race in Clarksdale, as evidenced by graffiti left on the wall by festival-goers and local residents. One writer cleverly compares it to the Berlin Wall with Ronald Reagan’s famous words to Gorbachev “Mr. President, tear down this wall!” Given the fact that the area was almost completely empty while I was there other than festival staff and security, one can hope that this monstrosity will be gone next year.
Nancy Apple and special guest Redd Velvet Live at Central BBQ
Last Sunday, the blues singer Redd Velvet and I headed down to Central Bar-B-Que in Midtown Memphis to check out an outdoor performance by Memphis folk/rock artist Nancy Apple and her band. It was great food, great fun and great music. 7/8/12
Bigg Robb-Looking For A Country Girl Snippet
BIGG ROBB-LOOKIN FOR A COUNTRY GIRL SNIPPET (by mrbiggrobb)
New Bigg Robb “Juke Joint Music” album in stores now, featuring Mel Waiters, L.J. Echols, Carl Marshall, Da Problem Solvas and more. Great soul blues!
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
The Center For Southern Folklore, Memphis
The Center For Southern Folklore is a cool blues venue and shop in downtown Memphis. It’s a great place to hear live blues, soul, jazz or gospel, enjoy a cold beverage or purchase books and CDs about Memphis music and history.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Beale Street Music Festival 2012
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Beale Street Music Festival, 5/5/12
Otis “TCB” Taylor at Bluesberry Cafe, Juke Joint Festival, Clarksdale
The Otis “TCB” Taylor Blues Band performing at Bluesberry Cafe, Juke Joint Festival, Clarksdale MS, 4/14/12