Three Views of The Blues

CIBS Blues Challenge on Sunday and the 4-day Okoboji Writers Retreat

I’m going to be presenting at the Okoboji Writers Retreat this weekend. Talking Jazz and Journalism with writers and fans from around the country will be an exciting experience. Folks from around the nation are coming in for producer Julie Gammack’s 3rd Annual celebration of words (and now music too). I will be creating some realtime music up there with my longtime friend and fellow musician Paul Micich.

Unfortunately I have to miss this years 2024 Blues Challenge also here in Des Moines this weekend. Sponsored by the Central Iowa Blues Society it’ll be a great place to be If you’re here in Des Moines and want to see the current generation of blues bands.

Since I can’t attend the blues challenge I’m leaving a generous helping of Blues from seasons past on the (turn)table for ya’ll.

A short introduction to this 3-song set..

My first experience playing an actual blues/R&B gig was in the Chesterfield neighborhood of Des Moines. Harlan Thomas, leader of The Soul Brothers band asked me to sub for his bass player Gilbert Davis who was on the road with his brother George. The Soul Brothers band at that time included “Chicago Rick” Lussie, guitarist and the late, great Gene Jackson on drums. These two guys, both gone now, were inspirational both musically and as gentlemen. Unfortunately there are no recordings of those gigs.

In 1970 I joined a blues/rock band with Cedar Rapids musicians guitarist Ron Dewitte and Organist-trumpet player Craig Horner. Drummer David Bernstein from Ottumwa completed the quartet. We called ourselves Wheatstraw and the Blues was our north star. (previously described here) Dewitte and I played together in various lineups for the next 48 years.

(1) Wheatstraw playing The Blues recorded in Cedar Rapids, Ia. 1970

1970 Ron Dewitte, David Bernstein and the author Blastin’ the Blues in Greenwood Park [photos by William Plymat]

Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Guitarist the late Ron Dewitte

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(2) Iowa Blues All-Stars:

Big Mike Edwards, vocalist Ron Dewitte, Guitar and Vocalist Jaimeo Brown, Drums Sam Salomone, Hammond Organ Dartanyan, Bass Guitar Don Brown, Tenor Sax

Don Brown and the late Big Mike Edwards 2010 Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Induction Party

Don Brown Tenor Saxophone and Big Mike Edwards shoutin’ the Blues. 2010

(3) To conclude this Blues session, please follow this link to a 2008 live concert in Marion, Ia. I produced for My Iowa Blues All-Stars. We played the Mose Allison composition: Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy (But they don’t know the meaning of the word)

Iowa Blues All-Stars Steve Hayes, The late Sam Salomone, Dartanyan and the Late Ron Dewitte with Lynn Rothrock Marion Iowa 2005

If you’re booked to join us at the retreat, please say hello if you see me. I will be doing a workshop entitled “Jazz and Journalism: How They Inform My Writing Process”

Huge thanks to my readers, listeners and subscribers.