Ian Stewart - Junior Wells - Keith Richards - Ronnie Wood

Ian Andrew Robert Stewart (18 July 1938 – 12 December 1985) was a Scottish keyboardist, co-founder of The Rolling Stones and inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was dismissed from the line-up in May 1963 but he remained as road manager and pianist. Born at Kirklatch Farm, Pittenweem, East Neuk, Fife, Scotland, and raised in Sutton, Surrey, Stewart (often called Stu) started playing piano when he was six. He took up the banjo and played with amateur groups on both instruments. Stewart, who loved rhythm & blues, boogie-woogie, blues and big-band jazz, was first to respond to Brian Jones's advertisement in Jazz News of 2 May 1962 seeking musicians to form a rhythm & blues group. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards joined in June, and the group, with Dick Taylor on bass and Mick Avory on drums, played their first gig under the name The Rollin' Stones at the Marquee Club on 12 July 1962. Richards described meeting Stewart thus: "He used to play boogie-woogie piano in jazz clubs, apart from his regular job. He blew my head off too, when he started to play. I never heard a white piano player play like that before." By January 1963, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts had joined, replacing a series of bassists and drummers. Stewart had a job at Imperial Chemical Industries. None of the other band members had a telephone; Stewart said, "[My] desk at ICI was the headquarters of the Stones organisation. My number was advertised in Jazz News and I handled the Stones' bookings at work." He also bought a van to transport the group and their equipment to their gigs. In early May 1963, the band's manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, said Stewart should no longer be onstage, that six members were too many for a popular group and that the older, burly, and square-jawed Stewart did not fit the image.[8] He said Stewart could stay as road manager and play piano on recordings. Stewart accepted this demotion. Richards said: "[Stu] might have realized that in the way it was going to have to be marketed, he would be out of sync, but that he could still be a vital part. I'd probably have said, 'Well, fuck you', but he said 'OK, I'll just drive you around.' That takes a big heart, but Stu had one of the largest hearts around." Stewart loaded gear into his van, drove the group to gigs, replaced guitar strings and set up Watts' drums the way he himself would play them. "I never ever swore at him," Watts says, with rueful amazement. He also played piano and occasionally organ on most of the band's albums in the first decades, as well as providing criticism. Shortly after Stewart's death Mick Jagger said: "Stu was the one guy we tried to please. We wanted his approval when we were writing or rehearsing a song. We'd want him to like it." Stewart contributed piano, organ, marimbas and/or percussion to all Rolling Stones albums released between 1964 and 1986, except for Beggars Banquet. Stewart was not the only keyboard player who worked extensively with the band: Jack Nitzsche, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston, and Ian McLagan all supplemented his work. Stewart played piano on numbers of his choosing throughout tours in 1969, 1975–76, 1978 and 1981–82. Stewart favoured blues and country rockers, and remained dedicated to boogie-woogie and early rhythm & blues. He refused to play in minor keys, saying: "When I'm on stage with the Stones and a minor chord comes along, I lift my hands in protest. Stewart contributed to Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" from Led Zeppelin IV and "Boogie with Stu" from Physical Graffiti, two numbers in traditional rock and roll vein, both featuring his boogie-woogie style. Another was Howlin' Wolf's 1971 The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions album, featuring Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Klaus Voorman, Steve Winwood, and Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. He also played piano and organ on the 1982 Bad to the Bone album of George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Moreover, he performed with Ronnie Lane in a televised concert. In 1981 Stewart and Charlie Watts contributed to the song "Bad Penny Blues", which appeared on the album, These Kind of Blues by The Blues Band. Stewart also played with Rocket 88. Stewart contributed to The Rolling Stones' 1983 Undercover, and was present during the 1985 recording for Dirty Work (released in 1986). In early December 1985, Stewart began having respiratory problems. On 12 December he went to a clinic to have the problem examined; he suffered a heart attack and died in the waiting room If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Keith Richards and Steve Miller Do More for Les

DOVER, NJ – Keith Richards takes to his official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube with an exclusive “Ask Keith” video clip answering the question “What was it like to work with Lou Pallo?” on the new Les Paul tribute album, Thank You Les.

“He came up with the most perfect song”, said Richards, referring to his collaboration with Pallo on the Les Paul and Bing Crosby 1941 hit, It’s Been a Long, Long Time.  “He’s known as the Man of a Million Chords and he can find a chord for every different note you’re singing, which fascinates me.”

Pallo, who met Les Paul in 1963 and is credited for bringing Paul out of semi-retirement for 30 years of steady Monday night gigs in New York City, recently released the CD/DVD tribute to his friend and mentor with not only Richards and Steve Miller in tow but Slash, José Feliciano, Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny A and other notable artists.  The 21-track luscious analog recording, and documentary featuring insight to working with guitar icon Paul, is hitting the jazz charts while also garnering airplay on Jazz, Blues and Triple A radio stations.

Steve Miller, Les Paul’s Godson, who flew in to New York to perform at the Thank You Les release party, penned the packages liner notes.  “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 21^st Century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten to anyone in between.  It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician that was brave enough to come forward and say hello.”

To view the Keith Richards video click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ0tAmJ9NR4

To view Steve Miller’s complete liner notes click here

http://www.stevemillerband.com/thankyoules.html

To view the trailer from the Thank You Les DVD click on this link:   http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel

Showplace Music Productions: Lou Pallo of Les Paul's Trio - Thank You Les - New release review

I have been listening to Thank You Les, the recent tribute release by Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio. This recording features a veritable who's who of special guests including Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Billy Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle and more. The recording features 21 of favorites by Les Paul done in a somewhat traditional way. Mr. Day/Tell Me What's The Reason, featuring Miller has a distinctive Steve Miller sound done in a light swing jazz styling with a cool guitar interlude is actually quite relaxing. Caravan, an instrumental featuring Nokie Edwards is a cool track and Edwards not only demonstrated his acuity on the fingerboard but also his knowledge of Pauls unique styling. Tennesse Waltz featuring Micki Parrott demonstrates finesse and smooth harmonizing. September Song featuring Billy F. Gibbons is really clean and trick. It doesn't have any ZZ Top overdrive, but beautiful clean guitar runs and electronic echo/reverb on the rhythm and firm confident lead guitar riffs (with some blues in the stew). Really nice. I'm Confessing That I Love You featuring Eddie Brigati Jr. and Bucky Pizzarelli is one the stronger tracks ... Pizzarelli handles the guitar magnificently. Least likely to win any accolades from me, Mr Sandman featuring telemaster Arlen is really quite cool. Roth of course is a spectacular player and master of style. He not only captures the spirit of Paul but also keeps his own personality. Possibly my favorite track on the release is Besame Mucho featuring Jose Feliciano. I have to admit I haven't heard Feliciano on over 20 years but he demonstrates here why his name is still held in high regard. Not only is his singing beautiful but his guitar playing is exemplary. Brilliant! Brazil, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola is done with a Latin rhythm and the guitar runs on this track are amazing (and in keeping with Paul's own style. Vaya Con Dios featuring Lexie and Arlen Roth is another beautiful track not only because of the lush guitar work but Lexie really is perfect for this track on vocals. Steve Miller has demonstrated his capabilities as a serious jazz musician on his own recording in the past but accompanied by Lou Pallo, I believe this may be some of his most significant work outside of the rock scene. Definitely worth the listen. Memories of You is a simple guitar duet featuring Tommy Doyle and Lou Pallo. The work is straight up clean and very enjoyable. Carioca, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola with Lou Pallo brings out the beautiful Spanish harmonies of this original track. Very nice Spanish/jazz guitar work! Just One More Chance again featuring Pizzarelli on guitar is bright and airy. This is just perfectly orchestrated and executed. St. Louis Blues is done in a retro down and dirty manner. Featuring John Paris on vocals, slide and harmonica this is a track very different from the rest and Bob Levine on trumpet is magnificent. This may not be a blues recording, but if you love guitar, love Les Paul or just love well performed music... this is one to get!
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All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, "Thank You Les"

An All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, Thank You Les

Special Guests Include Keith Richards, Steve Miller,

Billy F Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle plus More Notables and Members of the Les Paul Trio

DOVER, NJ – An amazing array of all-star musicians join guitarist Lou Pallo in paying tribute to the legendary Les Paul with the September 11 release of a unique CD/DVD titled Thank You Les, produced by Showplace Music Productions in Dover, NJ, and distributed in the U.S. and Canada by the Allegro Corporation. The exciting new release plays as a love letter to the iconic guitar player and recording innovator from these artists who were influenced and inspired by his artistry and innovation. The music covers styles ranging from pop and jazz, to country, rock and blues. The guest artists include guitarists Keith Richards, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Miller (who also penned the package’s liner notes), Jose Feliciano, Slash, Johnny A, Bucky Pizzarelli, Arlen Roth, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Frank Vignola, Bob Leive, Tommy Doyle and Jon Paris, as well as singers Eddie Brigati, Jr. (The Young Rascals) Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones), Nicki Parrott (Les Paul Trio), Lexie Roth, Melinda Doolittle (finalist on “American Idol” season six) and members of the Les Paul Trio.

The 21 tracks of pure guitar bliss on Thank You Les, including many of Paul’s personal favorites plus others from the great American music songbook, were recorded organically on analog tape by Ben Elliott, Chief Engineer at Showplace Recording Studios. Thank You Les will be available as an individual CD and DVD, as well as in a combo package including both discs. The DVD documentary is a full-length, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album, and is loaded with interviews, rare photos, musical performances and bonus features.

The musical thread that runs throughout the CD and the DVD film documentary is the relationship between Les Paul and his long-time friend and rhythm guitarist, New Jersey-based Lou Pallo, who many credit with helping Les Paul revitalize his career as a live performer after they first met in 1963 and soon after began performing together. It was Pallo who stood on stage with Les for his extended run of weekly performances in New York City starting in 1984, first at Fat Tuesday’s in Greenwich Village for 10 years, and later at the Iridium on Broadway, which became the “hot ticket” destination for not only thousands of music fans, but also for any musician in town who wanted to tip their hat and worship at “The House that Les Paul Built.”

“Les was my guitar idol and I was honored to work beside him and call him my friend for so many years,” says Lou Pallo. “This tribute allows Les’ musicianship and sense of humor to take center stage giving everyone the opportunity to experience the Les Paul we knew well and the music he adored.”

In his loving remembrance of Les Paul in the package’s liner notes, guitar great Steve Miller fondly recalls not only Les Paul the musician, but also the family friend (Les was Miller’s Godfather) who spent part of his honeymoon with Mary Ford visiting at the Miller family’s house in Wisconsin. “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 20^th century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten and anyone in between,” writes Miller. “He never judged you by how you looked or what kind of music you played, but by your character and your commitment to music. It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician brave enough to come forward to say hello.”

“So, this album is a tribute to Les Paul, truly one of the most enjoyable and creative musicians to ever live. He was a modest man who always gave more than anyone I’ve ever known. It’s a heartfelt thank you from just a few of his many friends for his wonderful music, inspiration and friendship.”

Plans are in the works to celebrate Thank You Les with a CD/DVD release show in New York City featuring Lou Pallo and special guests. To view a trailer from the Thank You Les DVD: http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel For more information, visit www.thankyoules.com

Thank You Les – Partial Recording Credits

1) Avalon – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

2) Mr. Day/Tell Me What's the Reason – featuring Steve Miller - guitar and vocal;

Lou Pallo - guitar

3) Caravan – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

4) Tennessee Waltz – featuring Lou Pallo – guitar; Nicki Parrott - bass and vocals

5) September Song – featuring Billy F Gibbons – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

6) It's Been a Long, Long Time – featuring Keith Richards - guitar and vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar and vocal

7) I'm Confessin' That I Love You – featuring Eddie Brigati, Jr. – vocal; Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

8) Mister Sandman – featuring Arlen Roth – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

9) Bésame Mucho – featuring José Feliciano - guitar, vocal, congas, shaker; Lou Pallo - guitar

10) Brazil – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

11) Vaya Con Dios – featuring Lexie Roth – vocals; Arlen Roth – guitar; Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

12) Deep in the Blues – featuring Slash – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

13) Nature Boy – featuring Steve Miller – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

14) Memories of You – featuring Tommy Doyle – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

15) Smile – featuring Blondie Chaplin – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

16) Carioca – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

17) Just One More Chance – featuring Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

18) St. Louis Blues – featuring Jon Paris - vocal, slide guitar, harmonica; Lou Pallo - guitar

19) Sweet Georgia Brown – featuring Johnny A – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

20) Out of Nowhere – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

21) Over the Rainbow – featuring Melinda Doolittle – vocal; Lou Pallo – guitar

BLUES HARMONICA ICON JAMES COTTON TO JOIN ERIC CLAPTON, KEITH RICHARDS AND OTHERS IN A TRIBUTE TO HUBERT SUMLIN AT NEW YORK'S APOLLO THEATER

BLUES HARMONICA ICON JAMES COTTON TO JOIN ERIC CLAPTON, KEITH RICHARDS AND OTHERS IN A TRIBUTE TO HUBERT SUMLIN AT NEW YORK'S APOLLO THEATER

Blues harmonica master James Cotton will join Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland and many other musicians live at New York's famed Apollo Theater to pay tribute to the late guitarist Hubert Sumlin. The event will take place on Friday, February 24 and is a benefit for the Jazz Foundation Of America. Other artists scheduled to appear are Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Clark, Jr., Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck Goering, David Johansen, Steve Jordan, Danny Kortchmar, Dr. John, Keb Mo, Todd Mohr, Ivan Neville, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry Taylor, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Jimmie Vaughan, Jimmy Vivino, Willie Weeks, Jody Williams, Kim Wilson and special surprise guests. Cotton's latest CD is the Grammy Award-nominated Giant.

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Time Is On My Side - Xpensive Winos

Keith Richards (born 18 December 1943) is an English musician, songwriter and founding member of the Rolling Stones. He was ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time" in 2003. One year later, the same magazine listed fourteen songs written by Richards and partner and band vocalist Mick Jagger on the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"

Richards formed the "X-pensive Winos" with co-songwriter, and co-producer Steve Jordanwhom Richards assembled for his Chuck Berry documentary Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll.

Additional members of the X-pensive Winos included guitarist Waddy Wachtel, saxist Bobby Keys, keyboardist Ivan Neville and Charley Drayton on bass. The first Winos' record,Talk Is Cheap also featured Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins and Maceo Parker). Since its release, Talk Is Cheap has gone gold and has sold consistently. Its release was followed by the first of the two U.S. tours Richards has done as a solo artist. Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988 documents the first of these tours. In 1992 the Winos' second studio recordMain Offender was released, and was also following by a tour.

Acoustic Blues - Keith Richards

Keith Richards (born 18 December 1943) is an English musician, songwriter and founding member of the Rolling Stones. He was ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time" in 2003. One year later, the same magazine listed fourteen songs written by Richards and partner and band vocalist Mick Jagger on the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Heart of Stone - Rolling Stones

No introduction needed...the Rolling Stones!!

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Heart of Stone" was scheduled as a single release in the United States. In the United Kingdom it appeared as a track on the UK album Out of Our Heads and on an EP with a subsequent single.

Richie Unterberger says, "'Heart of Stone' a slow and soulful, dramatic ballad with the kind of vaguely discordant, droning guitars heard on many an early Rolling Stones slow number. What was impressive was how the Jagger/Richards song, though similar in some respect to American soul ballads of the period...was not explicitly derivative of any one blues or soul song that they were covering on their mid-60s records. The lilt of the verses owed something to country music and the mournful harmonies heard on the latter part of the verses added to the overall feeling of melancholy moodiness.
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