On The Monthly Artist Spotlight: Joe Arnold

Hi, David, I became aware of Blues Junction a year ago, through your interview with Joe Arnold. Since you have re-posted the interview, I'd just like to tell you what I thought the first time I read it. I think that is one of the most remarkable music pieces I've ever read! STAX, HI and FAME/Muscle Shoals Sound is the "holy trinity" for me and Mr. Arnold made important contributions in all of them, yet until your article, he went mostly unacknowledged for his accomplishments. Glad to see that rectified and glad to hear he's doing OK. As great as that feature was to read, the result of its publication is truly amazing. To have your work change somebody's life like this. I can't even imagine what a great feeling that must be! 60's Soul (along with Blues) was the music that knocked me out as a teenager and still moves me today. Because of that, I've always been interested in the stories of the people who created that music. The singers, songwriters, producers and especially the musicians... I would never claim to be expert on the subject, but it's been an interest of mine for a long time and I know a bit about it. That said, I learned quite a lot from your piece. The interview helped connect the dots between STAX, HI (Royal Recording), FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. I also didn't know it was Joe's horn section who played on the Tracy Nelson / Mother Earth album recorded at Bradley's Barn, in Mt Juliet, Tennessee (near my current home in Nashville). When that record was released in 1969, my Blues/horn band in Massachusetts covered all the songs on side one (the "City Side") - and tried to cop all of Joe's tenor solos! Great stuff...Thanks again for the great article. ~ Dave, Nashville, Tennessee (USA)

On Fred Kaplan’s Piece: The Truth is Your Reward

Short and sweet, tells the truth, and makes you want to hear more, just like a great blues tune will do. Thanks Fred Kaplan and David Mac. ~ Steve, California (USA)

Wise words from a wise man! As always, thanks for providing the forum for truth Dave! ~ Leslie, Santa Cruz, California (USA)

Brilliant! ~ Janine San Diego, California (USA)

Right in the pocket Fred ~ Don, Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

On the Joe Louis Walker Album Review

I have no idea why Joe Louis Walker would want to leave Stony Plain. You are right Mac they knew how to make good records on this guy. I have always been a fan of his music, but he is like a lot of artists is pretty hit and miss. He put out three very good albums in a row with this label and then off to Alligator to make an album that sounds like shit. Wow! Is that new record a real stinker or what? I am glad you pointed that out in your piece. Good job as always. ~ Rick, Bend, Oregon (USA)

This new re-issue series from Stony Plain sounds like it will be fun. Thanks for hipping us to this. ~ Russell, Berlin (Germany)

The Joe Louis Walker albums from which this “greatest hits” package was compiled are the best (in my opinion) of his career. When Duke gets his hands on a project you just know it is going to swing. I can’t wait until he puts another album out. Do you know when that is going to be? ~ Jackie, New Brunswick, Connecticut (USA)

Editor: Julie, with Duke you never have to wait too long. He has a release date that is scheduled for this fall. It is supposed to be coming out on Stony Plain. In the record biz you never know but that is the best info I have.

On The Monthly Album Spotlight: Common Ground by Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin

Thanks for the recommendation David. I love that record. But come on Phil, Dave and Big Bill how could you go wrong. ~ Josh, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (USA)

Common Ground gave me the chance to re-evaluate the work of Big Bill Broonzy. I have always been a fan but for some reason I drifted away from his music a few years ago. As much as I like the new album by the Alvin Brothers that record got me to pull out my old Broonzy recordings. I can’t get them off my turn table. You heard me turn table... as in vinyl. Thanks David for the recommendation and thanks to the brothers for such great music. ~ Billy,  Port Aransas, Texas (USA)

I would love to hear the brothers Alvin do more recordings together. Maybe this could be a first in series of albums where they explore the music of some of the masters. If this is a “one off” they sure picked a winner in Big Bill. ~ Jessica, Fresno, California (USA)

On the Top Ten... So Far

Where do you find these sleepers Mac? You are constantly turning me on to the cool shit. Thanks! ~ Steve, Roanoke, Virginia (USA)

Oh great a bunch of artists from California... what a fucking surprise. ~ Arthur, Redding, Pennsylvania

Mac you have got to pull your head out of the sand. Once again you have proven you have know idea what the fuck you are talking about.  ~ Rusty, Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)

Who in the hell is Big Jon Atkinson?...come on Mac give me a break.... ~ Denise, Duncanville, Texas (USA)

You are spot on as usual Mac. The Kai Straus (who knew) is killer and I love the Dave Specter Record especially the tracks where Otis Clay is singing. The Big Jon Atkinson is one of the greatest new albums I have heard in a very long time.  Now I have to pick up the Al Blake and I am set. I am sure that will not disappoint. He isn’t capable of making a bad record. I just wish he would make them more often. Take care and thanks for all you do. ~ Cindi, Reno, Nevada (USA)