Welcome to the July edition of BLUES JUNCTION.

A couple of weeks ago my computer “crashed” and then passed away shortly thereafter. It died apparently of old age. It had been suffering, so I’m sure it is in a better place. Thank goodness, I have the memories. That’s right…the coroner was glad to pass on to me that it was the operating system and not the hard drive that failed. I still have all of my music which was stored on that computer. I still have my writing and pictures as well…hallelujah.

So, what do we do when a loved one dies? We move on. I mean we have to. Life is for the living. We go out into the world and find a newer, younger model. I try and interact with this new entity as best I can. It’s not easy for an old dude to interface with this next generation. They have an entirely different way of communicating. I’m optimistic that in time we will begin to get along better and my old computer, my friend, my pal, my laptop will become just a fond memory.

I like my new computer. As you probably have guessed by now it is really good looking, but it just doesn’t know me as well as I’d like. I’ll of course train this cute little laptop to be more responsive to my needs. The good news is that my new computer isn’t jealous of my old computer.

I didn’t tell all that many people about my loss, but for those who were aware of my suffering, thanks very much for the heartfelt condolences. You know, or at least had some appreciation for, how much time we spent together. For a brief moment, there were thoughts of having a benefit or memorial fundraiser, you know anything to prey on the sympathies of others to make a buck, but those thoughts passed quickly, as that just isn’t my style.

The silver lining in these dark hours was that I organized the CDs on my shelf. That’s right…what my Windows Media player does automatically and digitally with great efficiency, I was forced to do manually, physically and alphabetically.   

I also learned to use my smart phone, better known as the most under utilized piece of technological hardware in the world, to open email, interface on Facebook and access the world wide web…you know just like all the other kids. Whether or not this constitutes a silver lining is a matter of conjecture and perhaps worthy of an existential discussion.

In some ways, the piece entitled Malibu Tales addresses this subject.

Our Monthly Artist Spotlight shines on Joe Nosek and Oscar Wilson of the Cash Box Kings. That wonderful band has a brand-new album entitled, Royal Mint. The latest release by this Chicago blues collective is their debut on Alligator Records.

June 30^th was the date that Egidio “Juke” Engala and the Jackknives released their latest CD entitled Switcharoo. It is their debut on the Rhythm Bomb Record label. That great recording by the band who many refer to as the Italian Aces is in our Monthly Album Spotlight.

We also review the much anticipated and long-awaited studio album by The Paladins entitled New World.

While on the topic of new music, we have a whole new batch of CDs that have been released in the past few weeks in our Recommended Listening feature. As our longtime readers know, only the best of the best makes it onto this list. Most of these CDs can be purchased at Bluebeat Music.

I wrote an editorial entitled Support Live Local Music! As always your thoughts on this are not only welcome, but encouraged.

Here in July we also bring to you the much-anticipated part two of my interview with Rick Estrin. I never concern myself with “ratings” which might be the reason so many people are attracted to what we are doing around here in the first place. Having said that, more people read part one of this interview than just about anything in recent memory.

Rick describes part one of this epic tale as “in depth and ultra-candid.” Part two has finally arrived. In order to make it easier for the folks who haven’t read part one, we are republishing that piece in this edition of BLUES JUNCTION. I believe you will really enjoy part two as Rick continues to tell his story. For me, I just can’t get enough of “in depth and ultra-candid.”

Thanks to all the folks who commented and shared this interview on Facebook. Thanks always for all the kind letters. As you know I read each and every one of them. I also try very hard to respond to every letter I receive.

Our correspondences represent one of the great joys of my life, as our shared passion for this music is something that is not universally held. We are kind of alone out there in this world where commerce means everything. The value of this music has nothing to do with how many units are sold or how famous an artist becomes. There is something very special at the core of this music that you and I hear and feel.

Oh crap, my new computer wants to do updates and it keeps asking me questions…like, ‘Do I want to change my default browser?’ I’ve got to run. We’ll catch up soon. Until then…be well and be in touch.

- David Mac

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