88th and Vermont the pioneer club.. 1979..I’m the only white boy in the club..Smokey came over and said son you got a home..then he tore the roof off..one of my fondest music memories
I recorded Smokey's 88th Street Blues album on my Murray Bros Records Label in the 80's. He was a great man, nice as they come and a true bluesman. He could imitate the sound of numerous greats as was demonstrated on the 88th Street Blues release (now available on Blind Pig Records). When the record was released, sales were huge in Mississippi and other southern states where I was told by a distributor fans went crazy for his sound. Hollywood Fats was/is my favorite blues guitarists bar none, what a shame he passed so young. He too could imitate other major blues guitarists, but played a better version than did themselves. I saw him live many times and recorded him on other albums, no one could build and climax a solo like him. William Clarke also passed way too young was one of the top harp players of the day, great tone and chops. Nice to see this video, reminds me of many great times I had back in the day with fond memories of those who have passed...
I saw him play the Belly Up Tavern in the mid 80's. Hollywood Fats was backing him up. Fats came on first and played an incredible blues set. I got a chance to talk with Smokey a bit. He was the nicest guy.
That “88th St, Blues “ record is a total classic. I discovered it when reissued. Met Smokey and he was a class act. Thanks for posting the clip and for the memories.
I played with Smokey in the 90's when he did a stint in San Francisco. He was the most generous man with his stage. He called me his grandson the whole weekend. I've played with dozens of legends, including William(RIP), John Lee, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, to humbly brag about a few, but Smokey, essentially, invited me to take over his stage. I'll never forget it. He gave me one of my fondest memories. He truly was a great player and an incredibly nice man. I'll never forget him. RIP Smokey.
Had them same kind of experiences with folks Mr. Ford. Well understood. I remember meeting James Cotton back '95. Funny story I was telling just the other day. I never met Fats, but sure love hearing that cat play. Dude was a monster on guitar and a major influence on my playing. Here in this vid it's like he'd Godzilla restrained. He'd have single handedly set that stage on fire. And with William Clark? Holy hell.....it'd have been like Mount Olympus with Zeus chuckin' lightning bolts.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Said That Hollywood Fats was one of the Best players He Had Ever seen play a Guitar. one of my Friends Bull Dog Hung out with Hollywood Fats.Back in the Day. His Dad was in a Band with Hollywood in the Canned Heat. His name is Ronnie Barron the Piano player. He Gave my Friend the name Bull Dog and Buddy Guy and Junior Wells Gave Michael Mann the name Hollywood Fats. 2 Friends of Mine knew William Clarke. They Said He was the nicest Man. very Humble. when I First Heard William Clarke play I Thought who is This Guy. the way He plays was Smokin. He was the only one I Heard Do a Trill on a Harmonica Besides Stevie Wonder. He is That Good.
I used to play for Phillip walker. I was invited to play with Smokey on a gig in Coeur d'alene , Idaho. He was a great guy and a fine player. Sure wish he was still around. RIP Smokey . RIP Phillip Walker.
Smokey's tone could rip your face off. So glad I got to see and meet him in Ottawa before he passed. Nice to see fellow West Coast legends William Clarke and Hollywood Fats in support as well. RIP fellas. You just know these guys are rippin' it upstairs!
Murray Bro Records!!! Great music from the brothers. Thank you for your great contribution to Southern California Blues music!! Your recorded music will keep future generations aware of the Talent of the So Cal Blues scene!!
Smokey came to Anchorage a few years ago and played with us at Bllues Central. My daughter and I were happy happy to provide some transportation while he was here. One Great Bluesman
Takes me back to Blues Society events and Sundays at the Music Machine in the eighties some bad cats playing that nasty boogie music. So glad I was in LA during those years.
The Music Machine had great blues shows in the 80s. I attended many of them and played there with John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, Snooky Pryor, Lazy Lester, Joe Turner, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Percy Mayfield, William Clarke, Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie Raitt, the Blasters and others. It had previously been an "urban cowboy" joint and was the "Top Hat" in the 60s. It's no longer a club.
This was Broadcast on PBS as "Three Generations of The Blues" from the Belly Up In Solana Beach , Ca This was segment 2 , 1st was Robert Cray "the Young Blod . The 3rd was John Lee Hooker. I have it recorded on VHS Tape from that original broadcast
Very Cool to see the Belly Up Tavern, does anyone know what year this was? I was in the first electric band to ever play there, starting in 1977 and the first pro harmonica player to be there. We would play 2-3 nights per week about once a month and really got the place hoping.....filled with listeners but, also the two-step honk-tonk style country dance folks.
Bill Clarke was at his best always, but especially when he did the little back upp harp licks , that just were great.... si or no ??? GO , ' THE DIRTY LOW DOWN BLUES !!! YEAH !!!
Fats could play circles around Smokey. He was showboatin' and didn't let Fats cut loose because he would have "Smoked" Smokey. Fats was a classy guy and just laid back as it was Smokey's band and his show. He really should have let Fats stretch out and tear it up!
maybe. depends on what you're after. Smokey was a helluva showman and crowd pleaser. To a lot of blues fans, that accounts for more than a guitar solo.
maybe. depends on what you're after. Smokey was a helluva showman and crowd pleaser. To a lot of blues fans, that accounts for more than a guitar solo.
