Andre Williams in Nortonville

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RIP Dale Hawkins - live at the Ponderosa Stomp 2009

A great innovator and personality of the rock and roll era passed away today. Dale Hawkins died after a struggle with cancer at the age of 74. Last year at the annual Ponderosa Stomp festival in New Orleans, Dale delivered an amazing set sandwiched between James Burton (who at age 14 originated the searing guitar riffs heard on 'Suzie-Q' and went on to lay down brilliant guitar work for Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and many others) and Deke Dickerson who has been preserving the history of western guitar with his fine ensemble the Eccophonics.

I was lucky to be there that night. I don't remember the exact quote, but Dale seemed so happy and energized by the gig that he told the audience that performing his music with such great company did him more good than all the medicine in the world.

part of the show was broadcast on American Routes

Update: Norton Records has a very beautiful remembrance of their friend up here

Behind the Scenes: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

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Jay Reatard at Gonerfest 2007

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Sharon Jones at Brooklyn Bowl 12/30/09

Happy New Year Everyone

Sharon Jones helped us get through the holidays with a home-borough show at the Brooklyn Bowl the day before NYE. Here's hoping for a good year of music in 2010.

Photoshelter Slideshow Here

Definitely STILL LIFE at the STAX MUSEUM

This past Sunday I returned from Memphis, humbled and my heart filled by the great response we had at the opening for "STILL LIFE IN SOUL: Contemporary Music Photography by Jacob Blickenstaff" at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

On Friday, November 6th, the Stax Museum combined a party for members and former artists with the reception for the show, it was a beautiful evening. Former Stax president and now head of the Memphis Music Foundation, Al Bell, gave me, the Stax alumni in the room and the Stax Music Academy heartfelt introductions. With the talented music academy backing, Eddie Floyd was coaxed to sing his soul mega-hit "Knock on Wood", followed by Harvey Scales performing "I Can't Turn You Loose" and then William Bell with his masterful "You Don't Miss Your Water".

Eddie Floyd

Harvey Scales

William Bell

The vibe in the room was amazing, and was truly felt by everyone. It was a shared moment- between the young and the old, the music makers and the music lovers, the many who made contributions to Stax and the many who lovingly preserve its legacy. It was a very proud moment for me to see that my work added to that connection. The experience was a strong reminder that I've been on the right track with my instincts all this time and a great push forward.

We had many honored guests including Al Bell, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Harvey Scales, James Alexander of the Bar Kays, J Blackfoot of the Soul Children, Bettye Crutcher, Willie Hall, Deannie Parker, Curtis Johnson and Sam Jones of the Astors, Teenie and Charles Hodges of the Hi Rhythm Section, Jody Stephens of Big Star, and William Brown (of the Mad Lads and acclaimed producer/engineer) along with many others.

click here for a photo gallery of the exhibit

To top it all off, we got some great press in Memphis as well. On the Thursday before the show, I was interviewed on WREG's 'Live at 9' and managed not to embarrass myself.

I was also honored that the Commercial Appeal ran a cover story in their weekend calendar. You can read the great piece by Bob Mehr here.

Thank you Stax Museum (especially Tim Sampson), Memphis, Ponderosa Stomp, Dig Deeper, Daptone, and all my friends and family that support me and my work.

STILL LIFE IN SOUL opening at Stax Museum in Memphis this Friday!

It's almost here! Friday night we are having a special event at the Stax Museum with music by the Stax Academy, special guest appearances by Stax alumni (Al Bell, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Harvey Scales expected), food and drink and a first look at the exhibit.

7-10 PM
free for museum members, $20 at the door for non-members.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
926 E. McLemore Ave, Memphis TN.

Memberships start at $50, really worth it to support this great organization.

official info page on the Stax website here

We've had a great response so far, keep your eyes open for articles in the Memphis Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Flyer. I really hope that this show can add something to the growing interest soul music's past and future. - J