Bands that you can't believe never "made it"

[Jordan]

I love discovering new bands, it's why I generally try to catch the warm up acts. Once in a while a band comes along and I am incredulous that they don't deem to make it as big as I feel they should. Sometimes it is explainable (wrong sound at the wrong time, not accessible enough music, etc), but others I wonder WHY. I want to go around shaking people and pulling the ear buds from their ears and say, you have got to hear this band!"

I'm starting this thread because, it pains me that there is good music out there that I have never heard of (see FOMS is not just at JF). So please, let me know some of the bands you love or loved that should be much better known than they are. And if you would, share something about them.

Thanks, and since I posted this, I'll start with four

Momma Stud - had one AMAZING album, never caught on. Funky soul with a pinch of gospel thrown in. They broke up a long time ago, but if you can get your hands on that cd do.

Dada - still playing - had one song that got radio airplay "Dizneeland". Good musicians (guitar bass and drums) with great songs and harmonies. This might be the one that bothers me the most.

Scrapomatic - It may not be fair to include them yet as they are pretty young, but they play great stripped down blues and soul. The singer, Mike Mattison, is also the lead singer for the Dereck Trucks Band, and has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.

John Wesley Harding - He still plays around a bit. He's a witty folksinger with very thought provoking songs and a marvelous voice. Never made it that big, but I guess it's a tough genre. His latest album has a song with the chorus that goes, That's how I made it from the bottom to the top ... of the bottom"

I'll add others later. Looking forward to hearing some of yours and buying some new cds.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Two from Louisiana:
Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Shreveport) He is back to playing Blues with his new release. cd/dvd

Gregg Wright (Baton Rouge) Left handed guitar slinger.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

10 Days Out…Blues From The Backroads documents the voyage of blues guitar great Kenny Wayne Shepherd as he travels the country to jam with, interview and generally pay homage to the last of the authentic blues greats. Beginning in New Orleans and ending with a grand finale concert at Acoustic Sounds' own Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas, Shepherd's pilgrimage is a perfect lens into blues history and with absolutely exceptional cinematography and editing. This is a major-league production about what all too often is treated as a minor-league genre.

The guitar-slinger Shepherd, along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton, begins in New Orleans, where they meet with Clarence "Gatemouth Brown" and Bryan Lee. Their tour busses rumble north to Shepherd's hometown of Shreveport where he and Buddy Flett jam at Leadbelly's graveside. They continue on into Mississippi to perform with B.B. King in his hometown of Indianola. Then it's over to Alabama to visit the home of Jerry "Boogie" McCain. The tour continues into rural North Carolina to meet with the Piedmont blues masters Cootie Stark, Neil Pattman, John Dee Holeman and Etta Baker. They turn West to jam with the great Henry Townsend in his St. Louis living room along with Honeyboy Edwards, who came down from Chicago for the session. Finally, the production ends at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, KS (www.blueheavenstudios.com). There, Kenny performs with surviving members of Muddy Waters' and Howlin' Wolf's bands. The concert included Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Henry Gray and Hubert Sumlin along with guests Wild Child Butler, Lazy Lester, Jimmy D. Lane, Double Trouble and Noah Hunt. The performances are absolutely legendary and the beauty of the old church sanctuary with a revved up "congregation" is truly something to behold. 10 Days Out... is a no-brainer for any blues fan, but it's also the perfect introduction to the blues. And consider for historic sake that since this filming in June 2004, six of the legends documented within have died, making 10 Days Out... a crucial artifact in all future generations' explorations into such an integral part of American music history.

[mightyradgumbo]

I am going to go with:

Rusted Root-They still have a die-hard following through the jam scene but are playing smallish venues and don't see them on the festival tours like I did when they were so close to catching fire. Their live show's energy never did translate well in the studio (much like a lot of jam bands) but I just saw them recently and they were still groovy.

Moxy Fruvous-I am not sure if you canajuns have seen these guys. I first saw them open for another of my favorite acts that I will list in a moment, Dan Bern. These guys are in the goofy poppy vein of Barenaked Ladies and are, I believe, from Toronto. Their guitar and drum work is very good. Thought they would ride the BNL/Alanis canadian wave on to the charts.

Dan Bern-Cross Dylan and Springsteen in their semi-acoustic, growl voice days and this guy is who you get. Some of his songs are very biting political satire and some are just foolish fun but either way the lyrics are great. He plays all around the country so check him out if you like the above description.

Jordan, I was a big fan of JWH as well..saw him at various clubs when touring with the Dead and then saw him perform on the first Furtherfest tour.

[saturn]

Moxy Fruvous-I am not sure if you canajuns have seen these guys. I first saw them open for another of my favorite acts that I will list in a moment, Dan Bern. These guys are in the goofy poppy vein of Barenaked Ladies and are, I believe, from Toronto. Their guitar and drum work is very good. Thought they would ride the BNL/Alanis canadian wave on to the charts.


I remember them well. They were quite unique and enjoyable. Unfortunately, they went "on hiatus" about 5 years ago and seem to be permanently disbanded.The only member of the group that I know anything about now is Jian Ghomeshi - he hosts a music show on CBC radio and does pieces for TV as well.

[Corona]

10 Days Out…Blues From The Backroads documents the voyage of blues guitar great Kenny Wayne Shepherd as he travels the country to jam with, interview and generally pay homage to the last of the authentic blues greats. Beginning in New Orleans and ending with a grand finale concert at Acoustic Sounds' own Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas, Shepherd's pilgrimage is a perfect lens into blues history and with absolutely exceptional cinematography and editing. This is a major-league production about what all too often is treated as a minor-league genre.

The guitar-slinger Shepherd, along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton, begins in New Orleans, where they meet with Clarence "Gatemouth Brown" and Bryan Lee. Their tour busses rumble north to Shepherd's hometown of Shreveport where he and Buddy Flett jam at Leadbelly's graveside. They continue on into Mississippi to perform with B.B. King in his hometown of Indianola. Then it's over to Alabama to visit the home of Jerry "Boogie" McCain. The tour continues into rural North Carolina to meet with the Piedmont blues masters Cootie Stark, Neil Pattman, John Dee Holeman and Etta Baker. They turn West to jam with the great Henry Townsend in his St. Louis living room along with Honeyboy Edwards, who came down from Chicago for the session. Finally, the production ends at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, KS (www.blueheavenstudios.com). There, Kenny performs with surviving members of Muddy Waters' and Howlin' Wolf's bands. The concert included Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Henry Gray and Hubert Sumlin along with guests Wild Child Butler, Lazy Lester, Jimmy D. Lane, Double Trouble and Noah Hunt. The performances are absolutely legendary and the beauty of the old church sanctuary with a revved up "congregation" is truly something to behold. 10 Days Out... is a no-brainer for any blues fan, but it's also the perfect introduction to the blues. And consider for historic sake that since this filming in June 2004, six of the legends documented within have died, making 10 Days Out... a crucial artifact in all future generations' explorations into such an integral part of American music history.
This looks wonderful. I just ordered it off Amazon. Thanks!

(sorry for the interruption)

[UncleFester]

The last few years there have been a lot of bands that can be best classified as new folk or sometimes referred to as freak folk- among the best of them are:

PG Six- similar to the incredible string band in his arrangements- it is minimalist and beautiful.

the skygreen leopards- from SF, CA- also folk but more arranged and psychadelic styles- sounds like the byrds with a really distorted bass.

[Moon]

I'm pretty sure Kenny Wayne Shepard has played JF(early-mid 90"s) but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it.

Here's my addition to that list: Steve Earle

[where yat brah]

I went to see KWS at HOB in NOLA last weekend. Phenomenol. Absolutely phenomenol.

[mangoon]

Cactus- A little blues and boogie rock. They released "Cactus V" in 2006 , and imho it was as good or at least up there with anything they did in the 70's.
http://www.cactusrocks.net/

[Papins]

I'm pretty sure Kenny Wayne Shepard has played JF(early-mid 90"s) but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it.

Here's my addition to that list: Steve Earle
Steve Earle is a friggin genius...Why can't he be playing instead of this soft-rock crap like Rod Stewart and John Mayer.

[texasyokel]

Blaze Foley and Townes Van Zandt never had commercial success. Bob Schneider hasn't done as well as his talent suggests he would. Right now I'm watching Ruthie Foster, can't imagine she won't break big she is soooooo good. I'll risk tunring the topic 180 degrees by asking some of you La Tx old rockers whatever happened to John Nitzinger or Black Horse, both regional live stars in the late 70's that just seemed to disappear.

[texasyokel]

Yeah Papins you got that right. Steve Earl and John Hyatt. Hate to invoke Dylan's name for anybody but those guys got the credentials.

[Papins]

also...two other's who don't get the recognition they deserve: Jerry Jeff Walker, Eddy Raven.

[chrisjoseph]

Peter Himmelman

[GratefulDawg]

1. Blue Mountain - a great alt-country trio from Oxford, Miss. Their guitarist, Cary Hudson, is one of the best country blues guitarists I've ever heard. They split up after he and his ex-wife (the bassist) got divorced, and he now tours on his own. His music kills me every time I hear it, but he always plays in half-empty small clubs.

2. Donna the Buffalo - great "hippie" band with a delicious zydeco flavor

[abbeyrd]

I remember them well. They were quite unique and enjoyable. Unfortunately, they went "on hiatus" about 5 years ago and seem to be permanently disbanded.The only member of the group that I know anything about now is Jian Ghomeshi - he hosts a music show on CBC radio and does pieces for TV as well.

Last time I checked, Murray (tall bass player, I can't remember his last name and can't be bothered to look it up) was touring with Great Big Sea, another band I love (but let's face it, sea chanties from Newfoundland are never going to be big in the States - pity)

[breambob]

This looks wonderful. I just ordered it off Amazon. Thanks!

(sorry for the interruption)

What amazed me was how Kenny Wayne was so humble around all these bluesmasters. He was truly trying to learn from them, it was very cool and very easy on the ears and eyes.
Great DVD.
Being a youngun' from N La., I'd say he has made it. Not many folks from here have been around the world as many times as he has. They're crazy about him in Japan and the near east. Go figgur...

[jonnygospeltent]

Steve Earle is a friggin genius...Why can't he be playing instead of this soft-rock crap like Rod Stewart and John Mayer.

Hey Papin,I think you really should reexamine some of Rod Stewarts early work.His stuff with Jeff Beck was truly amazing and his 1st few solo records hold up pretty good.

[sophisticated sissy]

Right off the top of my head, I have to say Irma Thomas.

Then, stop and think for a moment about all the NOLa folks who haven't even been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame...

[mightyradgumbo]

Right off the top of my head, I have to say Irma Thomas.

Then, stop and think for a moment about all the NOLa folks who haven't even been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame...

I purposely left all the NOLA people off my list as I think there are tons of acts that could be listed, but I agree Sissy.

[mightyradgumbo]

also...two other's who don't get the recognition they deserve: Jerry Jeff Walker, Eddy Raven.

I love Jerry Jeff Walker, Papins...I don't know if he has ever played fest but he would be great.

[Jordan]

The biggest on my New Orleans list is the Meters - can't believe how many people have never heard of them.

[sophisticated sissy]

I love Jerry Jeff Walker, Papins...I don't know if he has ever played fest but he would be great.


He might've back in the 70s. On the President?

[Zydekitten]

This is a very interesting thread, but I think it depends on what is meant by "made it" . . . Donna and the Buffalo is pretty well known out here on the West Coast music festival circuit and the Meters are incredibly well known out here . . .

[mightyradgumbo]

This is a very interesting thread, but I think it depends on what is meant by "made it" . . . Donna and the Buffalo is pretty well known out here on the West Coast music festival circuit and the Meters are incredibly well known out here . . .

I thinkk by "made it" Jordan meant commercial success...at least that is how I took it, Zkitty. Donna the Buffalo is really happening. I have seen them a number of times-very groovy. The Meters are one of those bands I think everyone has heard and says "oh, thats The Meters".

[Moon]

Hey Papin,I think you really should reexamine some of Rod Stewarts early work.His stuff with Jeff Beck was truly amazing and his 1st few solo records hold up pretty good.


Dude, that was 37 years ago.

[saturn]

Most of the music I listen to is by artists that my non-fest friends know nothing about and I expect that is true about a lot of us. I do wish they were more widely known. Of course that might mean I would have to pay a lot more to see them. ;)

However, I don't feel the need to call other artists "crap" in order to make the artists I like seem worthy. I don't get that. Just because I don't care for Jimmy Buffett or Garth Brooks or the recent work of Rod Stewart does not mean that they are necessarily crap or that people who do like them have bad musical taste. Different people have different musical tastes and there is something for everyone.

[Moon]

Saturn: I couldn't agree more and wasn't being hateful just brutally honest. Seriously though, when I looked at this years lineup, the first words out of my mouth were, "What year is it?"

ZZ Top, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart; it's like some oldies tour or something. I could understand if there was a slight New Orleans connection. Who's next, Deep Purple, the Moody Blues, or Black Sabbith.

[FastFred]

Third the Steve Earle. His live cd from a couple of years ago is marvelous, going from rock to blue grass quite nicely. Great stories, and the cover of "what's so funny about peace, love and understanding" is great.

Others: Minneapolis' own Paul Metsa, as well as Earl King's former back up band the Butanes, who have put out several great CD's with the Great Willie Walker. Steve Forbert. Graham Parker.

[Papins]

Saturn: I couldn't agree more and wasn't being hateful just brutally honest. Seriously though, when I looked at this years lineup, the first words out of my mouth were, "What year is it?"

ZZ Top, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart; it's like some oldies tour or something. I could understand if there was a slight New Orleans connection. Who's next, Deep Purple, the Moody Blues, or Black Sabbith. More candidates to play the soft-rock-less-talk tent at the fairgrounds: Celine Dion, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, and of course Elton John...

[Papins]

Back to the subject at hand of BTYCBNMI: They did for a year or so, and I don't know what happened to these guys...The Gin Blossoms

[mangoon]

Back to the subject at hand of BTYCBNMI: They did for a year or so, and I don't know what happened to these guys...The Gin Blossoms

Great band Papins. The gutiarist and main songwriter passed away about 5 years ago, so the band split up. The remaining members got back together and released a new album this year called " major lodge victory". Imho it has a couple of good songs, but pretty weak as a whole.

[ibjamn]

Back to the subject at hand of BTYCBNMI: They did for a year or so, and I don't know what happened to these guys...The Gin Blossoms


I loved that song they had, don't remember what it was, but I played it over and over in my car..

[dank_bass]

Saturn: I couldn't agree more and wasn't being hateful just brutally honest. Seriously though, when I looked at this years lineup, the first words out of my mouth were, "What year is it?"

ZZ Top, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart; it's like some oldies tour or something. I could understand if there was a slight New Orleans connection. Who's next, Deep Purple, the Moody Blues, or Black Sabbith.

Hey ... leave steely dan out of this! better yet, go check em out and tell me how often your jaw wasnt on the ground.

[ibjamn]

I loved that song they had, don't remember what it was, but I played it over and over in my car..


Hey Jealousy, love that song! Sad about Doug Hopkins....

[bywterbro]

kermit ruffins
davell crawford
glenn andrews
george french
charmaine neville
john boutte
etc.,etc. etc.

[mymecca]

to me, if you don't have a day job...if you you make music for a living...that means you have made it...then you might also have to define music...all the texas musicians i have ever known have played C&W covers in a holiday inn bar to make ends meet at some time or another...that said, many fabulous musicians are underappreciated and underpaid...while many posers make millions, if even briefly...until simon releases the next flava of the minute...see AI thread...;0P

[Papins]

I loved that song they had, don't remember what it was, but I played it over and over in my car..

There was: "Till I Hear It From You", "Heard About You" "Hey Jealiousy"(sp?)

[Festvet]

1. Blue Mountain - a great alt-country trio from Oxford, Miss. Their guitarist, Cary Hudson, is one of the best country blues guitarists I've ever heard. They split up after he and his ex-wife (the bassist) got divorced, and he now tours on his own. His music kills me every time I hear it, but he always plays in half-empty small clubs.

2. Donna the Buffalo - great "hippie" band with a delicious zydeco flavor
took my pal from Houma to see DTB w/spec. guest Keith Frank at Howlin Wolf a few years back. He said it was the best zydeco he'd ever seen. Go figure, a hippie band from upstate NY. Got herd?

[Festvet]

This is a very interesting thread, but I think it depends on what is meant by "made it" . . . Donna and the Buffalo is pretty well known out here on the West Coast music festival circuit and the Meters are incredibly well known out here . . .
Think maybe he means commercial ($$$) success. The Meters or DTB never really made it that way.

[Festvet]

Mofro, The Tragically Hip, New Monsoon, Lucy Kaplansky, Shannon McNally, Eric Lindell, Galactic, North Miss Allstars (mostly of their own doing in wanting to stay grounded)

[jhjpotter]

Hey ... leave steely dan out of this! better yet, go check em out and tell me how often your jaw wasnt on the ground.Seriously...Their 2000 release "Two Against Nature" only picked up four grammys including Album of the Year, not bad considering it was their first release in 20 years...

[jhjpotter]

Dispatch and OAR. OAR has gotten bigger in the last year or so, but Dispatch, formerly One Fell Swoop, had a large college following that never really went beyond that, and then they called it quits a few years ago.

Sidenote - when dispatch announced their calling it quits, they did play their final show in front of more than 100,000 people, so i guess that's pretty solid. they're just one of those bands that not many people have heard of (especially west of the mississippi), but love once they do. "The General" is in my top 25.

[Freakwinox]

Calobo

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Most of the music I listen to is by artists that my non-fest friends know nothing about and I expect that is true about a lot of us. I do wish they were more widely known. Of course that might mean I would have to pay a lot more to see them. ;)

However, I don't feel the need to call other artists "crap" in order to make the artists I like seem worthy. I don't get that. Just because I don't care for Jimmy Buffett or Garth Brooks or the recent work of Rod Stewart does not mean that they are necessarily crap or that people who do like them have bad musical taste. Different people have different musical tastes and there is something for everyone.

ditto....... Thanks Saturn!!! No two people will have the same taste in music 100% of the time............

[Jordan]

I didn't define making it because it is such a subjective term. I'm sure we could refine it across posts and posts and never come to an agreement. So here's my litmus test -- when I'm at a small club seeing great music and, on one hand, can't get over how lucky I am to see them in such an intimate setting, but on the other hand, wonder why they aren't being booked at bigger venues just to accomodate the throngs of fans who should be buying tickets in advance just to see them -- when I think that, I think they haven't made it. I tend to exclude bands that have only been playing together for a year or two from this list -- I mean I once saw the Dave Matthews Band warm up for From Good Homes and Choosey Mothers -- it was too early to judge them.

But please keep the bands coming -- here's a few more for me:

Mulebone - rock & funk with Russell Baptiste, John Gros, Jimmy Robinson, Mark Mullins and Paul Clements?

From Good Homes - feel good rock/pop with a touch of bluegrass (Todd the lead singer is now with Railroad Earth)

Cronk - a NOLA offshoot of All That that put out a great cd

Royal Fingerbowl - One of Alex McMurray's brainchildren - that was a fun band

Asylum Street Spankers - Blues/swing/folk/ check out their video on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmsOIjzQ1V8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Easylumstreetspankers%2Ecom %2Fnewsitems%2Ehtml

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Eric Sardinas
Caught him last year in a small club & kept thinking that I could relate to people who saw Hendrix in a small club before he made it.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Another great one, Dave Hole.

[mangoon]

Popa Chubby.

[Papins]

Most of the music I listen to is by artists that my non-fest friends know nothing about and I expect that is true about a lot of us. I do wish they were more widely known. Of course that might mean I would have to pay a lot more to see them. ;)

However, I don't feel the need to call other artists "crap" in order to make the artists I like seem worthy. I don't get that. Just because I don't care for Jimmy Buffett or Garth Brooks or the recent work of Rod Stewart does not mean that they are necessarily crap or that people who do like them have bad musical taste. Different people have different musical tastes and there is something for everyone.
It's not that they're crap. Crap is subjective. It's just that IMO JF ain't the place for tired old soft-rock-less-talk acts.

[tangledupinblue]

Mofro, The Tragically Hip, New Monsoon, Lucy Kaplansky, Shannon McNally, Eric Lindell, Galactic, North Miss Allstars (mostly of their own doing in wanting to stay grounded)

Mofro is moving and grooving, just like Galactic. Slowly but surely for Mofro after this last album release! Too early to say... Love them.

Mountain of Venus-Kimock sits in with them when he can. Been playing for many years.

Jonah Smith is pretty damn good. We'll see what happens. Again, too early to say.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

It's not that they're crap. Crap is subjective. It's just that IMO JF ain't the place for tired old soft-rock-less-talk acts.

Happy JF 07!!!!!

[herohero]

KWS gets a ton of play on Bluesville XM so I would say he is doin OK. Skip James does not get enuf respect

[Jordan]

Jonah Smith is pretty damn good. We'll see what happens. Again, too early to say.

Saw Jonah Smith in Hoboken (Maxwell's). The crowd was small and he seemed to mail it in. I'll have to give him another chance.

[breambob]

Some bands simply decide not to do the big time. Fred has my back for A-Train, steeleye too.
They were on the verge, and broke their bonds for many reasons.
The cream of La. talent in the mid 80s decided not to go big time together.
David Egan, prolly one of the best songwriters in the state went south to Lafayette. Turned out to be a great move, but it was a long hard road to his destiny.
Buddy Flett is the best rock-blues guitarist in La, behind Sonny. His big work is in Memphis and Nashville now, along with Paul Moore the drummer.
Bruce Flett (bass) and John Howe (woodwind and brass) teach at Centenary.
Bruce and Buddy do their weekly Bluebirds gig on the riverboat, I don't go there, but they are very good. Check them at JF, it will be a very good set...
Miki Honeycutt can be heard just about any Sunday if you go see her at church. I'll put her work up against any female blues singer to ever come out of Louisiana... Irma, Marcia, Mahalia...
After many years of touring and studio recording, with great success, they decided to not do it anymore. Never made it big time, but could have.

[ohio]

Seriously...Their 2000 release "Two Against Nature" only picked up four grammys including Album of the Year, not bad considering it was their first release in 20 years...Fagen simply puts the best band in the world together and his music does the rest! Even better than SD, imo, was the New York Rock & Soul Review tour. Definitely a top ten all time show for me...

[mightyradgumbo]

Mulebone - rock & funk with Russell Baptiste, John Gros, Jimmy Robinson, Mark Mullins and Paul Clements?

From Good Homes - feel good rock/pop with a touch of bluegrass (Todd the lead singer is now with Railroad Earth)



A couple of good ones Jordan...I saw From Good Homes a few times up here in Boston and they put on a great show.

Papins, Dank and Mr. Potter are right about The Dan...solid as can be and a band behind them that is mega-talented.
I have always liked Rod Stewart live. I have seen him in his 70s rock/glam phases, the disco year, and the most recent recital of gershwin standards-dude has taken care to make sure his voice stays with him.

[festivalgirl]

Incendio is an awesome band. Amazing guitar and percussion. Unfortunately, they don't play around LA too much anymore. They're worth checking out. incendioband.com

"Incendio’s richly textured music is rooted in myriad sources: Carbé’s flamenco and classical training, Durand’s Peruvian heritage, Stubblefield’s European travels and musical collaborations with Kuwaiti oud maestro Waleed Hamad, not to mention Durand’s penchant for rock-style dramatics and Stubblefield’s lightning-fingered jazzfusion mastery. Carbé’s deceptively graceful bass playing grounds Durand and Stubblefield’s dazzling twin-guitar attack, resulting in adrenalizing sonic explorations that take on greater dimension when they call in pals like longtime drummer Joe Shotwell (now residing in Napa), powerhouse tour drummer Tom Brechtlein (Chick Corea, Robben Ford, and Eric Johnson) and percussionist Scott Breadman (from the Rippingtons)."

[piscesgirl]

[quote=GratefulDawg;44027]Blue Mountain - a great alt-country trio from Oxford, Miss. Their guitarist, Cary Hudson, is one of the best country blues guitarists I've ever heard. They split up after he and his ex-wife (the bassist) got divorced, and he now tours on his own. His music kills me every time I hear it, but he always plays in half-empty small clubs.

I second that, GratefulDawg!!! Blue Mountain was freakin' awesome! Their album "Dog Days" is one of my favorites.

Has anyone ever listened to Jolene? Somewhat similar bluesy-roots rock (but a little less of the country flair). They have pretty much split up as well but, man, they were incredible. A couple of their albums got really good critical reviews, I seem to remember. They are definitely worth a listen if you can find their stuff for sale anywhere. I highly recommend their album "In the Gloaming".

[larrybawlmer]

L'il Queenie and the Percolators
Legendary New Orleans band with a couple of the subdudes (Tommy and Magnie? somebody remind me) . Saw them at what I think was the Dream Palace during MArdis Gras in '82 as a 25 yr old NOLA newbie.Lead player from the Nighthawks sat in. I never before or since heard such a combination of funk/blues/pop/jazz. Totally blew my mind! If they could have toured,like opening for the Talking Heads across the country they may have been huge.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

L'il Queenie and the Percolators
Legendary New Orleans band with a couple of the subdudes (Tommy and Magnie? somebody remind me) . Saw them at what I think was the Dream Palace during MArdis Gras in '82 as a 25 yr old NOLA newbie.Lead player from the Nighthawks sat in. I never before or since heard such a combination of funk/blues/pop/jazz. Totally blew my mind! If they could have toured,like opening for the Talking Heads across the country they may have been huge.

You are taking us way back. The old Dream Palace on Frenchman.... Use to catch Woodenhead at the Dream Palace many many years ago.

[mendelj2]

I think if you've played either of the main stages at the fest, you've made it and are doing pretty well. Galactic, NMA, OAR and RRFB are some of my favs, but they are all pretty big in my opinion.

I'm surprised Indigenous never caught on, same with Tragically Hip (I am friends with too many Canadians), and surprised that Derek Trucks Band aren't bigger. G. Love had a good run, but should probably be bigger as well. His last album was excellent.

I did see Moxy Fruvous in Albany once and they were great. King of Spain is a phenomenal song!

[mendelj2]

Also - I think people will be very pleasantly surprised with John Mayer as long as he sticks mostly to the blues.

[Jordan]

Yes, and Jimmy Robinson played guitar for both the Lil' Queenie and Woodenhead (writes most of the woodenhead stuff too). I'd stack him up against any guitarist anywhere. I didn't include Woodenhead here because I don't think the format "art rock" or "progressive rock" garners enough of an audience. You should definitely catch the Little Queenie reunion that Jimmy is putting together at Southport during jazzfest.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Also - I think people will be very pleasantly surprised with John Mayer as long as he sticks mostly to the blues.

ditto....

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Yes, and Jimmy Robinson played guitar for both the Lil' Queenie and Woodenhead (writes most of the woodenhead stuff too). I'd stack him up against any guitarist anywhere. I didn't include Woodenhead here because I don't think the format "art rock" or "progressive rock" garners enough of an audience. You should definitely catch the Little Queenie reunion that Jimmy is putting together at Southport during jazzfest.

twangorama should have a slot out at the Fair Grounds... Maybe next year

[larrybawlmer]

Twangorama is scheduled for MAY 5 Sat at fairgrounds. I love woodenhead also. The l'il Queenie reunion should be amazing. I'm sorry I'm second weekend and I'm going to miss it. Maybe it will be a regular jazzfest event like Monkey Brains used to be.

[Festvet]

I think if you've played either of the main stages at the fest, you've made it and are doing pretty well. Galactic, NMA, OAR and RRFB are some of my favs, but they are all pretty big in my opinion.

I'm surprised Indigenous never caught on, same with Tragically Hip (I am friends with too many Canadians), and surprised that Derek Trucks Band aren't bigger. G. Love had a good run, but should probably be bigger as well. His last album was excellent.

I did see Moxy Fruvous in Albany once and they were great. King of Spain is a phenomenal song!
Dude (or Dudette) you're so right on in that assessment! I still think Galactic never made it big the way they should have. Guess it's cuz they play lots of small venues (at least in the NE.) OAR is more widely known in NH than Galactic. NMA barely packed the Beachcomber 2 years ago. Had the place to myself practically for Anders too. At least we still have some great small venues to see them in.

[Festvet]

Right off the top of my head, I have to say Irma Thomas.

Then, stop and think for a moment about all the NOLa folks who haven't even been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame...
Irma did kind of make it. She definitely deserved to either way. Allen Toussaint too. Although he DID make it, most people don't realize how many performers owe their careers to the man. He's the Burt Bacharach of NO.

[GratefulDawg]

Irma did kind of make it. She definitely deserved to either way. Allen Toussaint too. Although he DID make it, most people don't realize how many performers owe their careers to the man. He's the Burt Bacharach of NO.

Irma played the Super Bowl. Is that making it?

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Here is one more that never made it but should have.

Carolyn Wonderland out of Houston.
A triple threat with her diverse songwriting, soulful vocals, and guitar goddess status—all featured on over twenty CDs, six of which are her releases—she has a pedigree in this business that's hard to match. A bit of a renegade, she likes to incorporate elements of Blues, Country, Swing, Zydeco, Surf, Gospel, Soul, and some nights, maybe even a Cumbia into the musical mix. Recent years have seen her stretching out musically working some expert whistling and scat singing into her shows. In addition to her trusty guitar, "Patty," Carolyn has been regularly playing her trumpet, and even occasionally the accordion, mandolin, or keys

[Headless Hornman]

Here's another: Bettye LaVette.

http://www.bettyelavette.com/Biography/biography.html
Who is Bettye LaVette you ask? The simple answer is Ms. LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history, possessed of an incredibly expressive voice that one moment will exude a formidable level of strength and intensity and the next will appear vulnerable, reflective, reeking of heartbreak. Unfortunately, it says much about the vagaries of the popular music industry that, although LaVette has been recording for over four decades, up to this point she has remained criminally unknown.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Tony"Tony Vega is a monster!"
- Billy F. Gibbons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Holy S**t! …one can quickly understand why Vega and band are quickly becoming the hottest ticket in Texas and Europe. These guys are goin’ places few reach…mark my words!”
- Real Blues
Vega Band Texas Blues


Tony Vega Band Texas Blues

[Staxsun]

Here is one more that never made it but should have.

Carolyn Wonderland out of Houston.
A triple threat with her diverse songwriting, soulful vocals, and guitar goddess status—all featured on over twenty CDs, six of which are her releases—she has a pedigree in this business that's hard to match. A bit of a renegade, she likes to incorporate elements of Blues, Country, Swing, Zydeco, Surf, Gospel, Soul, and some nights, maybe even a Cumbia into the musical mix. Recent years have seen her stretching out musically working some expert whistling and scat singing into her shows. In addition to her trusty guitar, "Patty," Carolyn has been regularly playing her trumpet, and even occasionally the accordion, mandolin, or keys

When Carolyn came to Memphis in the the early nineties with the Imperial Monkeys, she had a problem with stage fright. She was unable to perform at the Beale Street Music Festival. Is this problem conquered?

[saturn]

Here's another: Bettye LaVette.

http://www.bettyelavette.com/Biography/biography.html

I was just thinking of posting about her -- it is great she has recently got some well-deserved recognition because she is just terrific.

[Staxsun]

Here's another: Bettye LaVette.

http://www.bettyelavette.com/Biography/biography.html

Saw Bettye recently and she is a HUGE talent. It amazes me how much raw emotion she can put out.

[mightyradgumbo]

Dude (or Dudette) you're so right on in that assessment! I still think Galactic never made it big the way they should have. Guess it's cuz they play lots of small venues (at least in the NE.) OAR is more widely known in NH than Galactic. NMA barely packed the Beachcomber 2 years ago. Had the place to myself practically for Anders too. At least we still have some great small venues to see them in.

YYR, Festvet. I am sure we have been to many of the same shows. Love the Beachcomber. I have just recently started seeing folks north of NYC taking to NOLA acts (other than my esteemed NE bored heads).

[Staxsun]

Popa Chubby.

He's a great talent. At the time when it looked like he might make it, his foul mouth got him into trouble. You just don't get much airplay with the "f" word. The FCC leans on stations horribly for violating that standard. Honestly, he is very knowledgeable about music, a great guy, and a good picker.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

When Carolyn came to Memphis in the the early nineties with the Imperial Monkeys, she had a problem with stage fright. She was unable to perform at the Beale Street Music Festival. Is this problem conquered?

I never knew her to have stage fright. She does like to talk between songs. Maybe that is how she deals with with. She mostly plays small clubs in Houston/Austin. Very talented musician.

[Corona]

Mofro, The Tragically Hip, New Monsoon, Lucy Kaplansky, Shannon McNally, Eric Lindell, Galactic, North Miss Allstars (mostly of their own doing in wanting to stay grounded)
Hey Fest, we're goin' to see Tragically Hip in a couple of weeks at a small venue in Detroit..seen em about 5 times in pretty big stadium type venues....they kick ass up here! Plus they're Canajun!Wahooo!

[Chas_P]

I don't know if you can count him yet, but I don't think he's nearly as known as he should be and that is Jamie Cullum.

Now if there was ever anyone to finish the night at Jazz Fest, this is the guy. They MUST get him there.

[saturn]

I don't know if you can count him yet, but I don't think he's nearly as known as he should be and that is Jamie Cullum.

Now if there was ever anyone to finish the night at Jazz Fest, this is the guy. They MUST get him there.

He played fest a couple of years ago - I think it was 2005. He impressed the crowd a lot.

[Chas_P]

Obviously, that was before my time then. LOL.

[funkkjunkie]

ChasP, my first fest, galactic played but I didn't know them yet. The next year though, I was there!

[Michelino]

Cat Russell (http://www.myspace.com/catrussell)should make it. She can sing, phrase and belt Jazz, Blues and Pop like few others. She writes great songs. She has the musical heritage...Her father was Louis Armstrong's Musical Director. She 's been a stage stealing backup signer for Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, David Bowie and, last year, was part of Dr John's Lower 911.

Even the Wall Street Journal (although not exactly music critic central) recognizes her talent: "After listening to a continuous stream of releases by purported rising jazz singers - who couldn't have lasted through a chorus in a contest with Ella Fitzgerald or Betty Carter - it's a delight to hear the real thing in Catherine Russell. "

She'd be a perfect fit for Jazz Fest (maybe next year.). This year, I'm glad to have just found out, she's coming to our own fest right here in Rochester.

[mightyradgumbo]

Cat Russell (http://www.myspace.com/catrussell)should make it. She can sing, phrase and belt Jazz, Blues and Pop like few others. She writes great songs. She has the musical heritage...Her father was Louis Armstrong's Musical Director. She 's been a stage stealing backup signer for Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, David Bowie and, last year, was part of Dr John's Lower 911.

Even the Wall Street Journal (although not exactly music critic central) recognizes her talent: "After listening to a continuous stream of releases by purported rising jazz singers - who couldn't have lasted through a chorus in a contest with Ella Fitzgerald or Betty Carter - it's a delight to hear the real thing in Catherine Russell. "

She'd be a perfect fit for Jazz Fest (maybe next year.). This year, I'm glad to have just found out, she's coming to our own fest right here in Rochester.

I agree, Mich. I saw her here in Boston at a benefit show held at Berklee. She teaches there, I think. She is great. She has played Dr. John so hopefully we will see her at fest. If not, don't miss her when she comes to your town, y'all. Gurl got pipes, fo sho.

[Michelino]

I saw her last September in Detroit, twice in fact, once with the good Doctor and earlier in the day with her own band (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XctntsgKU5A). Which was sort of a "Hot Club" group that suits her perfectly. We kinda asked her nicely to consider coming to our fest and she hinted it was already in the works.

Rochester's fest is getting a lotta good press and was even nominated alongside New Orleans for a "festie" (http://www.melodytrip.com/MTFesties/Default.aspx?PageContentID=21) for Best Jazz Fest. Lineup is out next week.

[mightyradgumbo]

I saw her last September in Detroit, twice in fact, once with the good Doctor and earlier in the day with her own band (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XctntsgKU5A). Which was sort of a "Hot Club" group that suits her perfectly. We kinda asked her nicely to consider coming to our fest and she hinted it was already in the works.

Rochester's fest is getting a lotta good press and was even nominated alongside New Orleans for a "festie" (http://www.melodytrip.com/MTFesties/Default.aspx?PageContentID=21) for Best Jazz Fest. Lineup is out next week.

Is that Rochester Michigan or New York, Mich? Sounds like a great fest a brewin'

[Michelino]

Gumbo,

Rochester, NY. This festival has been building over the last five years and the last few have been sensational. The line-up is due out this week. It's really weighted more towards the Jazz end than the blues and pop, although last year included Free Concerts from Dicky Betts, Soul Live, Chris Berry & Panjea, Little Feat, Kelley Hunt and from your area: Bruce Katz and Roomful of Blues.

However the real focus of this festival is the "Club Pass" series where one price gets you into 6 or 7 different venues every night for nine days and that's where the programming really shines. I'll start a thread here when the line-up is announced.

[Corona]

Is that Rochester Michigan or New York, Mich? Sounds like a great fest a brewin'
Isn't the producer the same dude that does the Detroit Jazz Fest? Frank Malifitano I think....

[Michelino]

No Lis,

The Rochester Jazz Fest (http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22240)is produced by the same people who run the Stockholm festival.

The Producer and Artist director is John Nugent (http://www.celebrityaccess.com/news/profile.html?id=118), one of your countrymen, (that link might be a little dated but it still is a good profile) who is a excellent musician himself. One of the joys of the fest is the nightly jam session where many of us show up to mingle with all the great performers (last year, for example, we had a few dinks and an in depth discussion on the state of NOLA with John Gros and the rest of Poppa Grows Funk). John Nugent always shows up to join in the Jam and he blows a very hot sax.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i193/Michelino/Rochester/NugentJame-1.jpg

RIJF is such an upcoming festival that I think its deserves a swagland type site. One of my goals is try to put something together...if I ever have the time.

[mightyradgumbo]

Gumbo,

Rochester, NY. This festival has been building over the last five years and the last few have been sensational. The line-up is due out this week. It's really weighted more towards the Jazz end than the blues and pop, although last year included Free Concerts from Dicky Betts, Soul Live, Chris Berry & Panjea, Little Feat, Kelley Hunt and from your area: Bruce Katz and Roomful of Blues.

However the real focus of this festival is the "Club Pass" series where one price gets you into 6 or 7 different venues every night for nine days and that's where the programming really shines. I'll start a thread here when the line-up is announced.

Sounds groovy, I love those one price pass deals-very cool. Yeah, Roomful of Blues is a staple at Harpers Ferry in Allston, love em.

[Michelino]

The line-up for Rochester is released. (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?p=50005#post50005) I started a thread in the "General Music" area.

The schedule is full of bands and performers from all the world (13 countries and the U.S.) that you may never have heard of, but once you do, they will have "made it" for you. Some New Orleans Favorites are coming such as Wynton and LCJO doing "Congo Square", Dr John, Bonerama, Soul Rebels, Christian Scott. And then there the free concerts: Cowboy Mouth, Rusted Root, Shooter Jennings, Julie Stewart & The Motor Kings, Toots & The Maytals, The Capitals, Los Lonely Boys (!!!), Maceo Parker, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, The Mambo Kings etc...

Full Lineup is:4 Brothers 7, 8Ryan Shaw, Andy Milne's "Dapp Theory, Alytaus Diksielandas (Lithuania), Andreas Petterson 4tet (Sweden), Avishai Cohen Trio, Bettye Lavette, Bill Frisell Trio, Bob Sneider Trio, Bonerama, Brockport Community Big Band, Catherine Russell, Christian Scott, CNYJO with Brett Z, Corey Harris, Corneliu Tutu (Hungary), Cowboy Mouth, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Das Contras (Scotland), Dave Brubeck, Dave Glasser 4tet, Dave Rivello Ensemble + guest , Don Byron’s “Ivey Dyvey”, Eastman School of Music Trio, Eldar (Russia), Esperanza Spalding (Spain), Fedchock, Five Corners 5tet (Finland), Fred Costello Quartet , Fred Hersch Trio, Gap Mangione, Gene Bertoncini solo, Geri Allen Trio, Hannah Flanigan 4tet , Harry Allen Quartet, Hilario Duran Trio, Ilmiliekki Quartet (Finland), In The Country (Norway), James Moody 4tet, Jason & Bandwagon, Jazz Animated Films, Jens Winther European Quintet, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jonathan Kriesberg Trio, Josh Irving 4tet , Kyle Eastwood Band, Lalo, Layah Jane (Canada), Los Lonely Boys, Lotte Anker (Denmark), Maceo Parker, Madagascar Slim (Madagascar), Madeleine Peyroux + Dr. John, Mamadou Diabate Ensemble, Mambo Kings, Martin Rickert 4tet (Canada), Matt Wilson Arts & Crafts, Michelle Lambert Bebop for Babies, Midaircondo (Sweden), Mike Cottone Quartet, Motor Kings, Mr. Something Something, Music Educators Big Band, Nancy Kelly, Olu Dara, Omar Sosa (Cuba), Paradigm Shift + Gray/Marcus/Wycliffe, Paul Tillotson Love Trio, Peter Asplund Quartet (Sweden), Randy Brecker 5tet, Revision, Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins, Rik Emmit, Robin Eubanks EB3, Rusted Root, Saskia Laroo (Netherlands), Scott Goudie (Canada), Shooter Jennings, Shuffle Demons, Sisters Euclid (Canada), Solomon Burke + Raul Midon, Soul Rebels (New Orleans), Stephane Wrembel Trio, Steps Ahead, Ted Michaels Sings Sinatra, Tessa Souter, The Capital C’s, The Latin Side of Miles Davis, Tony Caramia, Toots & The Maytalls, Trio Beyond / Jean Luc Ponty, Tiempo Libre, Trio Nossa (Brazil), Vince Ercolamento Quartet, Walter Wolfman, Wynton Marsalis w/ Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Zanussi 5 (Norway), Zapp String Quartet (Netherlands) and Animated Jazz Shorts from the Hubley Studio.


For more info, see my link above or go to www.RochesterJazz.com.

Love to get a threadhead meet-up going.

[Frosty]

Since computer generated pop has dominated the charts since the early 90's, I don't expect any rock/funk/blues band to make it. But, one group that I thought could bridge the gap and become big was Poi Dog Pondering. I think Frank Orrall's creative genius ran out just when they were getting to that point though.

[noblues]

When people talk about bands that didn't make it but should have, first band I think of is the Continental Drifters. There was an amazing amount of talent in that group. Their last album got great reviews then they just imploded. Its the one band I miss the most.

[Jordan]

The line-up for Rochester is released. (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?p=50005#post50005) I started a thread in the "General Music" area.


Almost pulled the trigger last year with The Campbel brothers and the Asylum Street Spankers playing, but didn't work out. Perhaps this one.

[Rossvegas]

What about the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies? Besides having one of the best names ever, their singe "Ride the Tide" still slays me every time I hear it!

[mangoon]

What about the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies? Besides having one of the best names ever, their singe "Ride the Tide" still slays me every time I hear it!

lol. Great band. " Shakin the Blues" somehow makes it on to most of my mixed cd's.

Have to mention The Jeff Healy Band. Always felt they were a really under-appreciated group.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Some bands simply decide not to do the big time. Fred has my back for A-Train, steeleye too.
They were on the verge, and broke their bonds for many reasons.
The cream of La. talent in the mid 80s decided not to go big time together.
David Egan, prolly one of the best songwriters in the state went south to Lafayette. Turned out to be a great move, but it was a long hard road to his destiny.
Buddy Flett is the best rock-blues guitarist in La, behind Sonny. His big work is in Memphis and Nashville now, along with Paul Moore the drummer.
Bruce Flett (bass) and John Howe (woodwind and brass) teach at Centenary.
Bruce and Buddy do their weekly Bluebirds gig on the riverboat, I don't go there, but they are very good. Check them at JF, it will be a very good set...
Miki Honeycutt can be heard just about any Sunday if you go see her at church. I'll put her work up against any female blues singer to ever come out of Louisiana... Irma, Marcia, Mahalia...
After many years of touring and studio recording, with great success, they decided to not do it anymore. Never made it big time, but could have.

breambob, I just read your posting. Yes, A Train was my favorite band for much of the 80s. I wish they would regroup. ditto on Miki Honeycutt!!! To this day every time I hear Aretha Franklin I think of Miki. Hard to believe a white girl can have so much soul. So, when are we going to church? Next time Im in town we need to catch her singing in church.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

btw: Great Thread!!! Did anyone list Slideman Dave Hole. oops think I did... Dave plays a mean slide.

[Bill/KC]

When people talk about bands that didn't make it but should have, first band I think of is the Continental Drifters. There was an amazing amount of talent in that group. Their last album got great reviews then they just imploded. Its the one band I miss the most.

Which version? The Drifters had a lot of people float thru over the years, including Magnie and Malone from the subdudes.

[pjpjpjpj]

Has anyone ever listened to Jolene? Somewhat similar bluesy-roots rock (but a little less of the country flair). They have pretty much split up as well but, man, they were incredible. A couple of their albums got really good critical reviews, I seem to remember. They are definitely worth a listen if you can find their stuff for sale anywhere. I highly recommend their album "In the Gloaming".

Jolene was really good - I saw them several times opening up for Cowboy Mouth back in the mid-90s. Long story, but ended up hanging out with Dave Burress (lead guitar), and met the rest of the guys. I have "In The Gloaming" (which produced the minor hit "Pensacola" in Spring of 1998) but prefer their first CD "Hell's Half Acre". Trivia that I learned: their lead singer John Crooke played some small-college basketball.

I also was surprised to read (early in this thread) that some people didn't think the Gin Blossoms "made it". They had like 6 or 7 top-40 hits, including several in the top 10. Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, Until I Hear It From You, Allison Road, Follow You Down, Until I Fall Away, etc.... They sold millions of CDs and were all over the radio for two or three years. They are actually back together and touring on the "summer festival" circuit.

Another band that almost made it is Cowboy Mouth. I know a lot of people here don't think much of them because of the live-act "shtick" and because most regulars here don't like "pop" music, but they have quite a collection of straight-up pop music with some great hooks. In fact, back when Gin Blossoms were all over the radio, I used to think Cowboy Mouth had some singles at the time that were easily as good and should have been right there on the radio with them. The problem is that every label has tried to make them "alternative rock". But you could go through their catalog (now about 10 or 12 albums deep) and put together several CD's worth of plain old top-40 POP music that is as hooky, catchy, and cleverly-written as anything else on pop radio. Well, except that "pop" radio is now unfortunately entirely hip-hop and emo crap.

An act I think really deserved a shot is a guy from Alabama named Owsley. He has two CDs (mostly self-produced and self-played) of great pop rock. He writes great hooks and is one of the finest lyricists I have ever heard. He really paints a picture with his words. His first (self-titled) CD was even nominated for a Grammy for production (which he did himself). Check out sound clips from his stuff on Amazon.com or whatever. But unfortunately, he is not on a major label to push his tunes, and he spends most of his time playing guitar on tour with Shania Twain, Faith Hill, or Amy Grant, so he doesn't tour much to promote his own stuff.

[noblues]

Which version? The Drifters had a lot of people float thru over the years, including Magnie and Malone from the subdudes.

yeah, you right. I had forgotten that the Drifters had gone through several incarnations. When I "discovered" them, Carlo Nuccio had left as drummer and Russ Broussard had taken his place, so it was their latest lineup. Too bad I never got to see those earlier versions.

[Earthmother]

I'm pretty sure Kenny Wayne Shepard has played JF(early-mid 90"s) but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it.

Here's my addition to that list: Steve Earle

KWS did indeed play. Same year Sam Bush sat in w/ the Subdudes, also w/ Bela Fleck. Wotta day.......

[mno]

Two bands I thought would make it ...

The Authority. From the heyday of the Wetlands in NYC. Sweaty funk.

And

The Flavor Kings. Man those guys rocked the Maple Leaf back in the day.

[mightyradgumbo]

The Authority, Great Band..grooved to them a few times at Wetlands (loved Wetlands)

[FastFred]

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, circa Hearts of Stone.

Great band, great record.

Garland Jeffries, circa Ghostwriter.

[saturn]

One that's well known in Canada, but not so famous in the U.S. -- Bruce Cockburn.

[Frosty]

One that's well known in Canada, but not so famous in the U.S. -- Bruce Cockburn.

The biggest shouldabeen out of Chicago was The Bad Examples. They were all set to sign and become the next Bo Deans and then Nirvana happened. The record company wanted them to "become alternative" and the band told them to F*** off! They are still popular in Chicago and Ralph Covert, their lead singer and creative force, is one of the original of the "grown up music for kids" movement. He packs in 13,000 people to his kids shows and has the largest MILF (he's divorced) following in Chicago on both fronts.

Funny thing about the Gin Blossoms too is the record company reissued their first CD to make them "alternative" looking but hey were pure pop rock. The orignal CD looked like a basketball and the pic had some of them wearing Phoenix Suns stuff. It was repackaged with them looking like all heroin addicted Cobainish.