When the Monkeydust Settles

Callin' the Cape Crusader, Green Hornet, Kado too; I'm in so much trouble, I don't know what to do... If you think anything about me, save me! -Aretha Franklin Melissa, the leader of "The Blue Mama Blues Band" contacted me a few months back about being a substitute bass player for a gig at " Pineapple Willys " a local restaurant. She explained that it would be a trio, guitar, bass and keyboards. NO DRUMS. I thought this was a little odd, but I jumped at the chance to play a smoke free venue with great food and drinks. This particular restaurant was made more famous by a Visa commercial in the early 1980s that I am sure the reader will remember. As an extra bonus, the venue is family friendly enough that I was able to invite some close relatives including my 10 year old niece. I started my day job early that morning just at sunrise. I had to deliver some swimming pool chemicals to one of the condominium resorts, and while wrangling a ...

This is the first installment in the Artist Spotlight Series.   I plan on doing more of these, if you would like to be featured, or would like to suggest an Artist, please contact me at drazil91@hotmail.com I have wanted to interview Melissa, the "Blue Mama" of the Band as a "sit-down" type discussion for quite a while, but our schedules would not permit it.  She was kind enough to provide some great insight in her answers to my questionnaire.  I highly recommend checking out her live show. ---disclaimer:  I am occasionally paid a performance fee by this Artist Photo courtesy Ken Shaffer What got you started in music? I come from a musical family, both mother and father. My maternal grandmother played accordion, violin, mandolin, guitar, and sang. My mother played piano and sang. My paternal grandmother plays piano. My father plays trombone, trumpet, piano, and sings. When I was 4, I started with accordion lessons. I was the y...

Well, I woke up this morning, and I got myself a beer.  The future's uncertain and the end is always near.- The Doors My phone rang with a call from a musician named Melissa, aka Blue Mama.  I had first met her at Whiskey's.  I had pulled into the parking lot and I could hear her from outside blowing the roof off with her voice.  She plays guitar , but her voice was the first thing I noticed. I invited her to the NJR jam down the street at the Beach House as I was leaving, and before she arrived, I busied myself telling The Dude how great she was and he told me "Slow down, relax. I will give her a listen."  I felt like a talent agent.  I explained that she would be a great fit with the usual gang of musicians.  There are many musicians that show up to the jams, but she was one that could lead a band.  The Dude greeted  her and invited her onstage.  After about 2 songs, I tipped my invisible hat to HIM. S...