And then there’s his good friend, Tommy Shannon, who Cummings said has “become a big brother to me.”  We all know Shannon as the bass half of Double Trouble, SRV’s rhythm section, the man who helped write “Crossfire,” and SRV’s musical partner for a decade.  He’s also a four-time Grammy® Award winner, with ten nominations to his credit.  Then there are the Winter Brothers (Johnny and Edgar, with whom he famously helicoptered into Woodstock), Uncle John Turner, Clapton, Jeff Beck, and on and on goes the list of the greats who have had the tremendous privilege of playing with Tommy Shannon.  Ok, I kind of stole that from the wonderful piece on his site which covers so much more on his staggering music career, life, and times: http://www.tommyshannon.com

About that “interview.”  Well, I’d be hard-pressed to call it an interview, even though that was a big motivation for making the drive through a blinding snow storm (well, I didn’t actually do the driving, but I did a lot of the worrying).   John Catt brought me back to the private area to meet the gentlemen after the first set, telling them I’d like a few minutes of their time after the show.  So, after the f---ing phenomenal gig, I marched back to the private office of Smokin’ Moe’s, notebook and pen in hand, ready to go.  The page is still blank.  I walked into a dynamic that was not going to allow for a traditional interview.  A traditional backstage experience with musicians, yes; not that I would know much about that sort of thing (tongue firmly in cheek).  The only question I got answered was the first one I lobbed to Cummings, mentioned earlier regarding his favorite guitarist.  After that, the stories were flowing, and I just tried to memorize every word.  Impossible. 

The relationship between Shannon and Cummings is familiar and intimate.  There is a great ease between them.  Shannon is on all three of Cummings’ CDs, and their musical collaboration is tremendous and should be encouraged.  They should tour.

It was a spectacular evening, musically and personally; sitting there with musical legends (and for a few minutes, even on Tommy Shannon’s lap, but only for a photo op, I assure you), talking about musical legends. Cummings even called me a bitch since I met Muddy once and he never got the chance.  I’ve never been so proud and joyful to be called a bitch!

Lastly, the most breathtaking aspect of the evening, historically speaking, was listening to Tommy Shannon speak about Stevie.  There was a mixture of profound pride and profound sadness in both his eyes and his words.  He wears a Maori symbol on a leather cord around his neck; a gift from Stevie when they were in New Zealand.  It means more to him than any single possession he has or has ever had, by my estimation.  He didn’t say that, but I can assure you I saw that in his eyes.  He did say quietly, with downcast eyes, “I will never get over it.”  At least he’s fully aware of that, because it’s clear he never will.  Nor should he. There is a world full of people who will never get over it, most of whom never met him or even saw him play.  After ten years by his side, both on stage and off, how could Shannon possibly expect to? ~

Yeah, pretty spectacular night.  I'll never forget it.  Join us tomorrow for you own lifetime memory.  If you haven't bought your tickets, I suggest you call today.  And if want a seat...well, you know the drill. 

Friday night My Beloved Delta Sonics are back, and they're bringing Erica Brown with them.  I'll be soaking my feet all day in preparation for the workout. 

Saturday night, my feet will be put through it again with Mojomama!  It's been waaaaaaay too long.  Jessica Rowand and Paul Rolgaski sat in with Ron Thompson at the benefit jam, so I've seen and heard those two recently, but with their own band they really kick it into gear.  Although, after that benefit jam, I would really love to hear Rex sit in with them sometime on "Ain't No Sunshine."  They killed that!

Paul and Jess also run Mojo's Music Academy, and they have something special coming up:

Hot Texas update!   We just signed Blueswax Artist of the Year Albert Cummings along with Tommy Shannon and George Rains to the Category 5 Blue Star Review, the Dallas fundraiser at the Grenada. Here's a tidbit to chew on:  Everyone on that line up has just played or will have played the amazing Boulder Outlook Hotel. Great ears hear alike!~John Catt~

Yes, John, great ears hear alike! See you tomorrow.

Before tomorrow, however, there is tonight.  Here's Jenn Cleary: 

Hi Everybody-
Nationally touring singer-songwriter, Justin Roth is in town from Minnesota to do our TV Show, Behind The Song and to be the featured guest at the Songwriter's Open Mic at The Outlook Hotel this month.  Justin is a folk styled guitarist with a very inventive technique that makes one think of Michael Hedges or Leo Kottke, along with being a fine writer of beautiful lyrics.  He has 4 independent cd's out, as well as doing an album for Target Stores entitled "Lifescapes-Solo Guitar", which has sold over 70,000 copies nationwide.  His use of alternative tunings, partial capos and two-hand tapping technique leaves audiences mesmerized.  So, I hope that you can see one of the shows. 

Thanks Jenn.  We have a heavy week!  I need a nap.

 

 

  

 

Photos courtesy of Richie Gesten