Benefit for Carl Henry

CARL HENRY

Blues musician Carl Henry has always been a strong supporter of those in need, donating his talents to numerous benefits, including the Detroit Blues Society’s Headstone Project. Now, the “big man with the big heart” needs some help himself.

Henry contracted a flesh-eating virus that landed him in intensive care and near death. According to Henry, doctors gave him a 17 percent chance of survival. But, following four surgeries, Henry pulled through, minus about 25 percent of his left thigh. Now, he faces another challenge as he embarks on a long rehab program with three visits weekly at a wound care center.

“I truly believe that it was the power of prayer from all my friends, which I called my ‘Mojo Warriors,’ that pulled me from the brink,” Henry wrote on his Facebook page. “I truly believe without all my Mojo Warriors’ good wishes, I'd be pushin’ daisies.”

Like many musicians, Henry does not have health insurance, so it’s not surprising that dwindling finances are another hurdle he must clear. But, Henry is receiving a boost on that front from his many friends in the Detroit music community.

The first of three fundraisers will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Scooter’s Bar and Grill, 6004 Torrey Road, in Flint. An impressive array of musicians have donated their time and talents, including Broken Arrow, Lester’s Blues, The Boa Constrictors, Big Bill Harwell, Flying Crowbars, Greg Nagy, Tim Freeman, Motor City John and Sweet Willie Tea.

A $10 donation will be accepted at the door.

The fundraiser will include the release of Henry’s new CD, “Carl Henry and Tony Berci Live in Detroit – Eat, Drink, Boogie, Repeat.” Many of Henry’s friends, including Gary “Shadowhawk” Ellis (Broken Arrow Entertainment), Motor City Josh (Sound Shop Studios), Peter Jay (Peter Jay Audio) and Steve Somers (Alley Records) donated their time and talents to complete and print the CD, which will be for sale at the event and later available on Henry’s website www.CarlHenryMusic.net.

“He’s the first guy in line when somebody needs something,” said Shadowhawk, drummer for Broken Arrow. “Carl’s always right there. He’s paid it forward tenfold and now it’s his time.  He has a lot of equity in the bank and he’s being paid back by a lot of people.

“We’ve got his back.”

You can make donations to the Carl Henry Fund on the Detroit Blues Society’s website (www.detroitbluesociety.org). Donations can also be mailed to the Detroit Blues Society, attn. Carl Henry Fund, at P.O. Box 488, Goodrich, MI 48438.

The Detroit Blues Society has already delivered a check for $2,500 to Henry as a result of the first wave of generous donations.

Henry expressed sadness that he is not well enough yet to attend Thursday’s fundraiser. Two other benefits are on the horizon: an Irish music benefit on Aug. 19 at Nancy Whiskey’s in Detroit and a blues music benefit on Aug. 26 at the Cooley Lake Inn in Commerce Township.

“I want to thank everyone involved, from the performers to the organizers, for everything they have done for me in holding this, you will never be forgotten,” Henry wrote on Facebook, which now includes a Mojo Warriors page for those musicians needing prayers and positive thoughts. “When people ask you what love is, point at things like this. Thank you all.”

In another post, Henry wrote: “To see the outpouring of love from all sides as my friends help me carry a torch I can't do alone right now, is simply humbling, and re-affirms the love we share of life and music and more is so real. I will be better. And I will always be there for all of you. That is what life is supposed to be about, screw the other stuff. Thank all of you for joining me on that road.”

Johnnie Bassett ailing

JOHNNIE BASSETT

Another wonderful and giving person, singer-guitarist Johnnie Bassett, is ill and dealing with his health issues in a local hospital. He is getting stronger and his family appreciates the support he’s received and asks for continued prayers for a speedy recovery.

Known as “The Gentleman of the Blues,” Bassett is one of the finest people in the Detroit music scene.  So, Mojo Warriors, send your prayers and positive energy his way.

Salgado on mend

Alligator Records reports that soul blues singer/harmonica player Curtis Salgado underwent successful surgery on July 18 in Portland, Ore., to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

Doctors removed the entire lower lobe of his left lung where a metastasized mass was found. Doctors anticipate a complete recovery. Salgado had a similar mass removed from his lung in 2008. Salgado, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2006, underwent successful liver transplant surgery on Sept. 30, 2006 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.

Donations to help with Salgado's expenses can be made online at: http://curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis-salgado-medical-fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124. For additional information, please visit www.curtissalgado.com.

 To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com

Moe's Rock'n Blues Fest

Brian "Moe" Motyka (photo by Don McGhee)

Local musician Brian "Moe" Motyka was shot and killed on Oct. 6, 2011 on his way to perform at the Harbor House in downtown Detroit. 

Over 40 blues musicians – including Harmonica Shah and Howard Glazer, Erich Goebel, The Difficulties featuring Rachel May, Big Ray and The Motor City Kings, and The Dale Robertson Band, among others – are scheduled to perform at Moe’s Rock’n Blues Fest from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday (July 8) at the VFW Bruce Post in St. Clair Shores.

There will be Polish and BBQ food, artists, games, a bounce house village, dunk tanks, memorabilia T-shirts, and special handmade gift baskets for sale on the four-acre site overlooking Lake St. Clair. Donations will be accepted at the gate.

All proceeds will benefit the Moe Motyka Memorial Fund to assist in solving the mystery surrounding the death of “Motor City Moe.”

For information, call 586-759-8446 or clickhttp://www.prlog.org/11906324-moes-rock-and-blues-fest-to-take-place-july-8-2012-in-st-claire-shores-michigan.htmlor http://www.prlog.org/11888379-metro-detroit-musicians-unite-for-tribute-concert-honoring-fellow-slain-musician-moe-motyka.html

Ailing musicians

Detroit bluesman Carl Henry has always been one to donate his time and talent for worthy causes.

Carl Henry

Now, Henry needs some help.

He has been hospitalized with a serious leg infection and has no medical insurance. Because he has been unable to perform, he has also lost his income.

You can help Henry defray his loss of income and pay mounting medical bills by making a tax-deductible donation to:

Detroit Blues Society
Carl Henry Fund
P.O. Box 488
Goodrich, MI 48438

Also, Alligator Records reports that singer/harmonica player Curtis Salgado  will undergo surgery on July 18 in Portland, Ore., to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

A partial lobectomy will be performed to remove a segment of Curtis's left lung where a metastasized mass was found. It is suspected to be the same type of cancerous mass that was removed from his lung in 2008.

Curtis Salgado

Salgado will be hospitalized for a period of four to six days and will require a recovery time of up to four weeks. Salgado and his doctors anticipate a complete recovery.

Winner of the 2012 Blues Music Award for Soul/Blues Artist of the Year, Salgado has recorded eight critically acclaimed solo albums. He tours internationally with his own band and has also toured as vocalist with the Robert Cray Band, Roomful of Blues and Santana. Salgado is also credited with being the inspiration for John Belushi's character of Joliet Jake in “The Blues Brothers” movie.

"I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support of my family, friends and fans and the courageous people that have faced this fight before me," Salgado, 58, wrote from his home this week. "I also want to thank the promoters and venues for their understanding regarding my medical situation. We will do our best to reschedule all of our performances affected by my surgery."

Salgado, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in  2006, underwent successful liver transplant surgery later that year at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Donations to help with Curtis's expenses can be made online at: http://curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis-salgado-medical-fund. Donations can also be made to

The Curtis Salgado Fund, c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to:

The Curtis Salgado Fund

US Bancorp

2550 NW 188th Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

For additional information, click www.curtissalgado.com and www.facebook.com/CurtisSalgado.

Youth Blues Challenge

 The Detroit Blues Society is hosting a Youth Blues Challenge for bands age 21 and under on Aug. 12 at Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills.

The contest is free to enter and the winner will represent Detroit at the International Blues Challenge in January in Memphis, Tenn.

Each band will play a 25-minute set of blues, with original songs encouraged.

Interested bands should submit videos or audio to Hillbird@comcast.net.



To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@DailyTribune.com

Duke Dawson family benefit Sunday

Duke Dawson  (Photo courtesy of Blues Photos by Don McGhee)

A benefit for the family of drummer Duke Dawson, who passed away recently at the age of 82, will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at the Hastings Street Ballroom, 15 E. Milwaukee, in Detroit (313-873-2955).

Donations will be taken at the door for the show that will feature performances by The Alligators, The Flying Crowbars featuring Erich Goebel and James Cloyd, and many special guests.

To see a previous post on Duke Dawson, click here.

McCarty Birthday Bash

Fans of blues guitar will want to catch Saturday’s “McCarty’s Official Birthday Bash” at Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills. Joining Jim McCarty and his band Mystery Train will be his “Guitar Army,” including Johnnie Bassett, Bobby Murray, Big Al Grebovic and Jeff Grand.

Tickets start at just $15.

For info, click www.atcallahans.com.

Magness in Ann Arbor

If you missed singer Janiva Magness at the Magic Bag in April, you’ll  soon have another chance to hear her perform songs from her excellent new Alligator Records CD, “Stronger For It.” Magness and her band will perform at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Saturday, July 7.

Tickets are $28 reserved, $21 general admission. For information, click www.theark.org.

Also in Ann Arbor, Mike Brooks and Blueshouse/313 will perform at a CD release party for his new CD, “Mojo Hand,” on June 29 at Zal Gaz Grotto.  Cover is $10 and CDs are only $10 at the show.

To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com

Johnnie Bassett still making it happen

Johnnie Bassett

Veteran musician releases new CD

When singer-guitarist Johnnie Bassett was getting ready to record the follow-up to his 2009 CD “The Gentleman Is Back,” he wasn’t sure how things would go.

There was no need to worry.

Bassett’s new Sly Dog Records release, ”I Can Make That Happen,” is one of the best of the 76-year-old’s lengthy career.

“I’m very pleased with it,” Bassett said during an interview at his Oak Park, Mich., home. “I wasn’t too happy going into it. It was up in the air what we were going to do, as far as material was concerned.”

The man known as the “Gentleman of the Blues” wondered what the band could do to top his last release. It only took a couple of rehearsals to answer that question.

“I felt it starting to come together,” Bassett said. “The guys were happy with the material we were putting together for it. It’s a little different. (There’s) a little more energy.”

”I Can Make That Happen” reunites Bassett with The Brothers Groove (keyboardist Chris Codish, bassist James Simonson and drummer Skeeto Valdez) and the Motor City Horns (saxophonist Keith Kaminski, trombonist John Rutherford, and trumpeters Bob Jensen and Mark Byerly), who played with him on his last recording and who regularly back him up at live shows.

“One advantage is they know your style, they know practically every note you’re going to do before you do it,” Bassett said. “It just jells together when you have worked with the guys over the years. You feel each other’s moves and solos. You do whatever it takes to complement what they are doing, and they do the same for you.

“It’s so much more comfortable, so much easier playing, and so much more fun. I love it and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Special guests on the CD include trumpeter Dwight Adams, guitarists Brett Lucas and Jim “Moose” Brown, and singer Thornetta Davis, who performs a duet on the song “Teach Me To Love” that was written by Codish’s father, keyboardist Bob Codish.

“I’ve known Thornetta for a lot of years now, before she was even popular around town,” Bassett said. “She was still singing with the choir at church when I first met her.”

Davis first sang with Bassett during one of his gigs with his former band the Blues Insurgents at the east-side club Honest John’s.

“I’ve been backing her up ever since,” Bassett said. “She’s a great talent.”

The 11-song CD features nine originals, including Detroit-oriented tunes “Proud to be From Detroit” and “Motor City Blues,” as well as covers of Lowell Fulsom’s “Reconsider Baby” and Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me.”

Bassett has a criteria for choosing his cover tunes.

“It has to be somebody I like. I worked with Lowell Fulsom back in ’55 at a little honky tonk club in Richmond, Ind. I backed him up when I was playing with Joe Weaver and the Blue Notes. I got to meet him and that was one of his signature songs. He was a great guy and a genuine bluesman.

“Listening to him, I was in awe. I hadn’t really developed a style of my own then. I was just playing background as a side man.

“Solomon Burke is one of my all-time favorite balladeers and shouters. That man could sing and he could put it over.”

Bassett, who will turn 77 in October, still delivers the goods. The younger players who accompany him know he’s not a performer who is past his prime and relying only on his reputation.

“He hasn’t lost anything,” said Chris Codish, who first started jamming with Bassett 20 years ago. “He’s gotten better and better and is still at the top of his game. It’s exciting to play music with him, even after all this time. He’s a master of the blues.

“It’s his presence and the way he plays, his phrasing is absolutely amazing. His sense of melody and time has influenced my playing a lot and my approach to music.”

Bassett impresses his fellow musicians with his unique style and open tunings.

“Johnnie is great, he’s a living legend,” Simonson said. “Once you get past a certain level, you’re either playing with the real deal or you’re not. Johnnie is, absolutely, the real deal.

“He is an extraordinary player and I’m honored to play with him. He’s still fresh and still plays great.”

Bassett believes in the old saying “use it or lose it.”

“If you lose it, you may as well quit, ‘cause nobody is going to buy your stuff and nobody is going to want to listen to you.  So, I try to keep the same intensity and the same level of playing I’ve ever had.”

Likes others his age, Bassett has his share of aches and pains, but he never doubts his decision to continue performing.

“Especially when you walk in a club and everybody is glad to see you coming in. What can you say? You have to love it.

“Unless you are writing your own stuff and everybody else is recording your stuff, you’re not going to get rich. It’s a labor of love.

“Once you get on stage, you forget about it. It all goes away. I’d rather be doing this than anything else I know. It gives you so much joy just to see other people enjoying what you’re doing.  That’s what keeps me doing it.”

  HENDRIX TRIBUTE NIXED

Bassett hoped to include a Jimi Hendrix tune on “I Can Make That Happen,” which would have been appropriate since a young Hendrix used to come to Bassett’s Sunday night open jams in Seattle in the ‘60s.

“I was going to do a tribute thing called ‘The Wind Cries Mary,’ ‘cause I knew Jimmy James (Hendrix) when he was a kid,” Bassett said. “But, the estate wouldn’t let us do it.

“It is what it is.”

OPTION FOR THIRD CD

Sly Dog Records has an option for a third CD, which Bassett hopes they will pick up.

He would like to record a CD of strictly instrumentals.

“I’d like to do my favorite ballads and jazz tunes that I like to play,” Bassett said.

He is also mulling the idea of recording a batch of instrumental Christmas tunes.

“That would be something different. Everybody sings Christmas songs. I just want to play ‘em, in my style and my way.”

CD RELEASE PARTY
A CD release party, featuring Bassett, The Brothers Groove and the Motor City Horns, will be held on Thursday, June 14 at Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore Ave, in Detroit. Call 313-873-1739 for information.

To see a previous blog post on Johnnie Bassett, click here.

To send info to JB Blues, please email joe.ballor@dailytribune.com