Blues Bash 3

Hsichih/Xizhi, however you want to spell it, is lucky to have the Dream Community, and so are fans of the Blues in northern Taiwan. The DC welcomed DC and his Blues Bashers on November 4 and 5, 2006.

We were scheduled for a twilight show, and we finished off our afternoon with a warm-up jam near the Dream Community dance studio/classroom. When it was time to get up on the stage, we did, and we didn’t let the lack of a sound check dampen our enthusiasm.

DC gave us a gracious introduction, and we launched into a ripping set. Actually, it sounded like something was ripping, or shorting out, once in a while. The sound system was making itself heard above our own noise. The audience was appreciative and got into the spirit of our jug band blues sound. It was good to see so many of the Taipei music community come out to support the show.

Conor finally found the time to run the rapids of the Red River, but all too soon, our time in the bright lights was over, and we retired to watch the rest of the performances.

At eight o’clock, the Bash’s finale Superstar Jam took place. All of the musicians who were willing to jam the stage for a final, all inclusive jam, got up and did their thing. It was a hell of a good time, with all sorts of contributions being made.

One of the guitarists on stage for the finale was Joel Blumert, and although I didn’t go to Capone’s after the show and jam with him there, as some of the Ramblers did, I got to play music with him just the same. It turns out he liked our sound and wanted to play with us again. So, we joined him Hsichih at the DC for an evening of music.

Joel is a native of New York with an interesting and odd family connection to the Blues. His playing is great, and singing extraordinary, and generally seems to be a hell of a guy. We were all a bit surprised to hear that he spoke some Chinese, but then he explained that he was a long-time Sinophile with an interest in martial arts, philosophy, and alternative healing.

After a great meal at the café, we accompanied Joel for two sets of music. He and Dave sat next to each other while the rest of stood around them. TC was missing due to filming requirements, but his tub was there, and Dave played it to back up Joel several times (or maybe once).

We recognized many of the songs that we played with him, but the verses were often different from those that we had learned. We surprised him a bit when we all launched into the backing vocals for KC Moans. DC was there as well, and I specifically remember him being called up to join Got My Mojo.

The last song we played, Death Letter by Son House, is one of my favorites, and I know I had a great time cutting loose and channeling a bit. We hung around a chatted a bit after the show, and before leaving, we all received mini loaves of sourdough bread.

Thanks to Doug and crew for the BB3, to all of the hep cats at the Dream Community, and to Joel Blumert for inviting us to share an evening of music.