thebloozyblog

I’m almost packed to head off tomorrow to DC & NYC for three Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue gigs. Looking very forward to seeing my bro and the band and lotsa croozers at the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, BB King’s in Times Square and Ramshead in Annapolis. Many thanks to my bro for kicking in some frequent miles to get me there. : ) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Whatever snake oil these guys are selling, I’m buying. I figure it’s cheaper than a visit to the spa and a helluva lot more fun! Four hours of kick-a** high-octane peak performance – and best of all, the show’s always different! That’s the way it is on board the Blues Cruise when they jam. And that’s the way Tommy Castro leads the Revue. A year ago, I hadn’t been off the boat more than a week when I headed back East for just one more show. This time, with three of ‘em, I feel like I’m manifesting all things wonderful all over again. Folks around here asked last year why I would fly across the flippin’ continent for just one show. I felt like saying, “If you have to ask the question, you can’t understand the answer.” But I didn’t. Instead, I said something like: -- The Tommy Castro Band remains one of the most reliably energizing rock ‘n’ roll bands touring today. Sure, they play around my nabe a lot. Lucky me. -- Deanna Bogart….well, I could go on and on and on. And I will one of these days. Suffice it to say, she’s a, what?, quadruple threat? Vocalist, keyboards, sax, songwriter…and one of the most genuine people you’d ever want to know. More on how a mudslide brought us together. And I’m not talking about a cocktail. -- Magic Dick. He is. The first part, I mean. His music kickstarted every college weekend for me. I swear, his feet never touch the stage. And I absolutely adore how he comes on stage during Deanna’s set to revel in her glory. As a matter of fact, one of the greatest things about the Revue is the reverence all they guys pay The Girl In The Band – on stage and off. -- Ronnie Baker Brooks. He changes everything. Fluid and solid. Amusing and heart-rending. He’s it and that’s that. . . . . . . . . . A few things I posted today on the message board before I go. Some Ruthie Foster sniplets: Many thanks to long-time Austin croozers Peggy & Kathy who’ve been writing in Ruthie for years now. They’re so close that Ruthie entertained at Doc’s/Peggy’s 80th birthday party. When they introduced me to her last cruise, felt like family to me. ...Caught Ruthie and her folks getting a last-night pic with their dining room waiter. It was as if they just couldn’t get off the ship without it. ...If we can’t always have Irma Thomas leading our Gospel Brunch, I vote for Ruthie! ....Happened to be sitting next to Mike Finnegan during Ruthie’s last Pool Deck set, who opined that she was one performer he did not want to miss. And, oh yeah, that was during the Finnegan Rainbow event in St. Kitts! Quotes overheard onboard: ...Blame it on the boat. Said PG, a lot. ...That's when you know the night's about over. Said Carlton with a smile around 6 am when a croozer lamented he dropped his roach in his jello shot. . . . . . . . . . Awright…’nuff for now. Except to thank you for your wonderful support and kind words about my doing this. It’s my pleasure. After 100 or so years pounding out copy for others, now it’s my turn.