John Dee Holeman – best of the Triangle!

When he wasn’t out fishing, John Dee Holeman certainly has had a busy summer. In addition to being featured in an ad campaign for Martin Guitars, in May John Dee performed at the Apollo for The Jazz Foundation of America’s annual “A Great Night in Harlem” gala concert to benefit the Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund. Now more recently he became a finalist for the Independent Weekly’s “Best of the Triangle 2012” in the best blues artist/band category. Amongst the finalists were: Chicken Fried Blues, Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos, and the winner became Bullfrog Willard McGhee. Congrats John Dee!

It’s always neat to be surprised by an instrument you thought you were familiar with. Now, I’m no harmonica player, but I did think I knew what it sounded like – reedy, often in the mid-range, with a bit of down and dirty distortion when the player is really cranking.

So when Neal Pattman’s “Disco Twist” came on, for a few seconds I wasn’t sure what instrument I was hearing. The first thing that struck me was how high-pitched it was. We’re talking almost whistle-only-dogs-can-hear high. And clean, too. More of a legato solo line in the upper register, almost like a fiddle.

The tune itself is really catchy and bouncy, and kind of goofy in an endearing way. I can imagine it functioning as some instrumental intermission or background music to a clown routine at some pre-disco era carnival.

Give it a listen- it’ll likely brighten your day.

— Ben

Ben Davidson is a writer, editor, and fingerstyle guitarist from Durham, NC. He has been volunteering with Music Maker, lending his writing and editorial skills to our web content and newsletters.

Boo Hanks has been playing the blues for over sixty years, mostly in his home community on the North Carolina/Virginia line. But since joining Music Maker Boo has had a chance to play prestigious venues across the country. Now he’s going out on tour with Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops to promote their collaborative album “Buffalo Junction.” Boo and Dom formed a lasting friendship and partnership from the day they met at MMRF’s offices, creating music that truly crosses generational lines.

Boo, a Piedmont-style guitar player, talked to our interns about what the Blues is this weekend. They asked, and he said “Hard times, disappointment, and mistreatment.” When asked if he could elaborate he said, “No.”

To hear more about Boo’s Blues, we think it’s best to listen to his music – it speaks for itself. You can check out Buffalo Junction here, and take a listen to a track from the album “Girls are Crazy About Me.” To experience Boo & Dom’s ground-breaking collaboration live, check them out on tour:

8/15 – World Café, Philadelphia

Time: Doors open 7:30pm, Show 9:30pm

Tickets: $12

www.worldcafelive.com

8/16 – Joe’s Pub, NYC

Time: 7:30pm

Tickets: $12

www.joespub.com

8/18 – Blue Ridge Music Center, Galax, VA

Time: 7pm; pre-show talk in small theater

Tickets: $10 ($8 Students & Seniors)

www.blueridgemusiccenter.org

8/19 – The Hamilton, Washington, D.C.

Time: TBD

www.thehamiltonlive.com