In the early 90's I took a class on the history of Jazz, Blues and Rock with a great friend of mine. Our professor, Dr. Warren Swindell turned out to be one of the best teachers I've had. During one of our classes Dr. Swindell, who was always brutally honest, said "if any of you were serious about learning about American Music you would quit reading about it in books and go down to Mississippi." We took that as permission, skipped a week of classes and drove down to Clarksdale Mississippi in the middle of an ice storm. He was right, it was far more educational than sitting in a classroom. this picture was one of a crossroads near Muddywater's birthplace. I didn't make a deal with the devil, because apparently the devil now purchases Chinese made souls at Wal-Mart for greatly reduced prices. 
The only picture I have of me with my Uncle Loyd. He and my grandfather traveled the U.S. during the depression playing music. Loyd passed away in 2006, I'm now the proud owner of the accordion in the picture. I use it for recording but it feels like it ways about 40 pounds. His archives are now part of East Lousiana University. 
It's amazing what a great photographer can do. he even made Terre Haute, IN look interesting. 
Just a Bit Jaded was one of my favorite bands that I've played in. We played quite a bit in the mid to late 90's Betty Slagel Shepard is playing bass and Bill Neil is on guitar. Bill is a great songwriter. 
College, grunge, everyone was in a band. I was usually doing sound. Everyone was a critic especially after a few drinks. This was the look I had on my face right before I started choking people. 
On our trip to Mississippi we became friends with the director of the blues museum in Clarksdale. He told us where to find Muddy Water's birthplace. After way to many wrong turns and finally finding ourselves in the middle of an orchard we were there. The house at that time was falling apart. Years later I saw it as part of a traveling blues exhibit. I've got to admit it doesn't feel the same in the context of being slapped on the back of a semi-trailer. 
It's a strange world when you find yourself in a recording studio for your accordion skills as opposed to your guitar skills. |