Thu 11 Feb 2010
This week you will get to hear Tail Dragger talk about what the real blues are as well as songs from his new CD Live at Rooster’s Lounge.
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Tail Dragger was born James Yancey Jones in 1940 in Altheimer, Arkansas, USA. He moved to Chicago in 1966 where his idol Howlin’ Wolf let him get on the bandstand with him. In this show Tail Dragger talks a lot about working with Howlin’ Wolf and how Wolf not only gave Tail Dragger his name but was also a mentor to Tail Dragger.
Even though his history will be interesting to listen to, the real thrill is to hear this blues man and his music. This is raw music from the heart of Tail Dragger. He told me his job is to get out there and entertain the people. He said he never uses a playlist because he wants to see and feel what his audience will want to hear next. He also explains on the show why he never has rehearsals for the songs they are going to be playing. Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, the guitarist, seems to know where the song is going all the time even without rehearsals. Harp player Martin Lang does a really fine job on all the songs. Our old friend Jimmy Dawkins sets in one song called “Wander”.
Besides this being a really good old school blues CD there is also a DVD available of the concert. You really get a better idea of what it’s like to be in a club with an old time blues man that really wants his audience to have a good time. There is no rock n’ roll here it’s all low down gritty blues. Just like with the Byther Smith DVD Blues On The Moon from 2008 one of the real treats is the bonus track. It’s only an audio track with Tail Dragger and some band members talking about all sorts of things. Sometimes Tail Dragger is a little hard to understand and could maybe have used a little more of guidance on what to talk about. However, when it’s over you really feel you have stepped in to Tail Dragger’s world. I liked watching the DVD of the concert and the bonus track was really nice. Depending on how or what you listen to music on the DVD may be a better choice because you still hear all the songs and today’s TVs have really good sound quality. Whatever your choice is, run by Delmark Records and pick up a copy of Tail Dragger,
Live at Rooster’s Lounge. They also have a short video at Delmark Records website of Tail Dragger, check that out too.
The songs heard on this week’s show:
Wander
She’s Worryin’ Me
Stop Lying
Bought Me a New Home
To buy Tail Dragger’s CD\DVD or see the free video at Delmark Records
Check out other great CDs on Delmark Records like Quintus McCormick, Shirley Johnson, Zora Young, Eddie C. Campbell or Delmark Celebrates 55 Years of Blues.
All these artists are up for Blues Music Awards this year with the exception of Quintus who’s CD is too new to be on the list. It better be next year because it’s one of the best.
Thanks to Tail Dragger for taking time to do this interview.
Thanks also to Kevin Johnson for all his help in getting everything set up.