I've Got The Blues!

For me the past year has been so many things I can't list them. Educational, musical, heart wrenching, happy, sad, inspiring, life changing... but all of those things have added up to experiences that I will never forget or regret. One of my favorite things is the fact that I have met and interviewed some amazing Artists and Legends of Blues. Last year I met and interviewed Legend Jimmy McCracklin who brought us 'The Walk' and 'The Drag' among many other hits. This started me on my path to interview and share as many Legends of Blues as I could. Through meeting these creative energies I have learned more about life, love, dedication and music than I ever imagined I would.

Me and Jimmy McCracklin 2010

Since that meeting I've worked with and interviewed some fabulous people with histories that we could only imagine. Not all good, some grueling. But whatever, these people have remained true to their passion and dreams. And that in my eyes makes them worth every second of life.


I remember as a child hearing 'respect your elders!' In fact, I used to hear it all the time when I was a child. As an adult, not so much. Times have changed and certainly the respect levels have changed in a lot of the younger generation. Not a knock on them, just truth. Unfortunately many of the values that used to be so important have been lost to the times. But I believe that through education and information some can learn just how important it is to remember and hold high those that came before us, those that paved the way, and those that are still paving the way. Which is why I love the Blues generation! Blues seemed to be born out of pain. But they are also born out of passion, energy and love. There are many definitions of the word Legend. But to me a Legend is one who has 'lived and gived' LOL seriously. Someone who has experienced their dreams through living, life, pain and love. Someone who has spent a life working passionately to not only create the energy that keeps them moving, but moves us all. I give props! I give props! And Respect and I thank all of those who have shared their history and passion with all of us. To hear my interviews with these musical marvels such as Ted Wysinger, Bobby 'Hurricane' Spencer, Steve Gannon and more check out my Radio Show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/steph-jordan


(Wikipedia) Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads.-- The term "the blues" refers to the "blue devils", meaning melancholy and sadness.

These pics were taken at 'Bisquits and Blues' in San Francisco at Jimmy McCracklin's 90th Birthday Party where he did take to the stage and play and sing as he always has, with passion and a love for what he does. Life is Good!!!

Have you had your Coffee n' Blues today?

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Coffee n' Blues

Music Men and Magic!

Today I had the absolute pleasure of spending an afternoon at the Balladyre Studios in Pinole, CA with Legendary Blues Musician Jimmy McCracklin, Bass Player Ted Wysinger, Musician and Studio Owner Jay Russio and Artist Denese Coleman.

  Left to Right, Denese Coleman, Steph Jordan, Jimmy McCracklin, Ted Wysinger Jr.

Bottom Pic, Jay Russio, Steph Jordan

 

Jimmy McCracklin is a legendary Singer, Songwriter, Musician who has written hundreds of songs and recorded over 30 Albums and at 86 years old he is still going strong and working it out! I am by no means, a star-gazer...but I have to tell you, being in this man's presence was an inspiring and magical experience. Jimmy has created music since the 1940's and judging by what I heard today the hits will keep on coming!

Jimmy has blessed us with such numbers as 'Yesterday is Gone and The Walk!' among so many others! (I will share more on the show). But more than that he has blessed us with a rich history of music and knowledge.

I want to share so much more with you but that will have to wait until the show! In the meantime be sure to check out more about Jimmy on his website on  Wikipedia or search him on Google.

Thanks to Ted Wysinger Jr. and Jay Russio for making this interview possible and welcoming us into the studio! Interviews with these amazing musicians coming soon as well!

LIFE IS GOOD!

Play that Funky Music Blues Man!

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Balladyre Studios in Pinole, California and interview the Studios owner, Jay Russio and Musical Storyteller, Ted Wysinger Jr.

I call Ted a Storyteller because he writes songs that tell whole stories. That make you think. I was treated to far more than I expected. I learned, laughed and boogied! My interview and visit was so wonderful and extensive I've decided to do a mini show on them and their side of the music world in the near future. In the meanwhile.... I wanted to share a video with you. Ted has a rich history and has played around San Francisco for over 30 years. That's Ted back there on the Playing Bass. Working it!

Singer "Little Wolf" Malik Shabazz, Band L-R Felix Bannon guitar, Donnie Kuntz drums, Ted Wysinger bass, Dave Sobel keyboard