On October 6, 2012, we lost a young man who many of us referred to as the one and only. His name was Nick Curran. Upon hearing this tragic news, I knew that it was a loss from which I and many others felt we may never completely recover. We dedicate the November edition of BLUES JUNCTION to his memory. With this in mind I share some personal thoughts and feelings in a piece entitled, Thoughts on the Passing of a True American Original: Nick Curran.

As we have been thinking of Nick, it is only natural that we pull from the BLUES JUNCTION library some of the recorded legacy that this musical giant left behind. We have ten songs from ten different albums in which the singer and guitarist is featured. Included are tracks from his five outstanding solo albums and five in which he lends his talent to other musicians' recordings.

As the news of Nick’s passing began to sink into our consciousness, the ongoing struggle by Kid Ramos to fight cancer came into sharp relief. Benefits for the Southern California based guitarist took place in the Netherlands, West Covina and Long Beach, California, as well as the most recent event in Phoenix, Arizona. All of these events raised money to help offset some of the medical costs incurred by the Ramos family that have and will be incurred in Kid’s fight against this insidious killer.

The event entitled Rumble for Ramos was hosted by Kid’s longtime friend and musical colleague Richard Duran aka Lynwood Slim. It was held in downtown Long Beach on October 28^th. You can read my thoughts on this benefit along with a photo essay by Mike Lovato.

The benefit was tantamount to a weekend blues festival in an afternoon and evening in a small nightclub. Dozens of musicians participated and I thought it would be a good idea if we take a look at some recordings where you can find their music. Check out the tab that reads Rumble for Ramos: The Jukebox.

Our November Monthly Artist Spotlight shines on Mark Mumea and an international band called, The Elgins.

In this edition we are publishing Part 4 of the interview that I did last summer with the incomparable Charlie Lange. The first three segments of the discussion I had with Charlie can be found in our archives.  Check out the final installment of this very candid discussion under the tab Charlie Lange Part 4: Rocket Ride to Nowhere...and Beyond. I would also like to point out that on our links page you will find a link to Charlie’s Bluebeat Music. There you will find over 17,000 CDs for sale online. It is one record however to which I would like to draw your attention. It is entitled, Kid Ramos – Bob Corritore: The Phoenix Blues Sessions. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album go to the Ramos family.

November is a month in which, here in America, we take time out and give thanks for our blessings. It is something many of us do with great regularity, especially in the face of such hardship and loss that the BLUES JUNCTION family has been forced to confront. With this in mind we are republishing a story by the great photographer and, as it turns out, thoughtful writer Alex Gardner. Last May we ran a story entitled, Blues with a Mission. In it Alex describes a whole bunch of right minded folks who distribute food to the homeless in downtown Los Angeles. This event which includes blues music takes place on Easter and on Thanksgiving. I hope to see many of our readers who live in Southern California out at the Mission this Thanksgiving. 

A few weeks ago Alex mailed me yet another article in which he flexes his growing chops as a writer. He just wanted some feedback. He had no idea I would publish the story. It has absolutely nothing to do with blues music. This never stopped an online blues publication before. As I scan the internet and read so called blues publications who consistently write about classic rock bands. As most of you know by now that would never fly around here. What will is a tasty little slice of pumpkin pie. It is a heartwarming seasonal piece that I just happen to like a lot. Remember we may be blues fans but we are also people with an appetite. Enjoy an article entitled, Her First Pumpkin Pie.

Over the past couple of years some of my favorite stories here at the JUNCTION have come from musicians. Like Alex creative talented people, more often than not, flex those creative muscles in different directions. One of the members of a band I admire a great deal, Red Lotus Revue, guitarist Pete Fazzini contributed an essay called, Why I Play the Blues.

A few weeks ago blues piano great, Fred Kaplan turned me onto an article written by the jazz saxophonist, David Liebman. It is entitled, Beyond the Music. This article discusses the importance of musical education, in relationship to life skills.

This article also puts into focus a central theme here at BLUES JUNCTION, which is education. Creative thought, education and artistic expression have been under siege by the right wing fanatics that have seized control of the Republican Party.

 It is for this and a whole host of reasons that BLUES JUNCTION endorsed President Obama in his bid for a second term as President of the United States.

Our principal philosophy centers on six key issues which we feel are best represented by President Obama. They are civil liberties, education, equality, the economy, the environment and health care.

Congratulations President Obama for winning re-election. Congratulations America for returning him to office.

For the past four years it has been the goal of the most obstructionist congress in American history to defeat the President in this past election. Now that this goal has failed, it is time to reach across the aisle, work with our President and do right by this country and its people.  

We have much to be thankful on this particular thanksgiving not the least of which, our President has been given a mandate to govern. Let’s stand with him and fight those who try and stand in his way.  

Your thoughts on this and anything else you read here are always welcome. Be well and be in touch.

- David Mac