Howie Blog

Hell’s Burgers was a good place to be last Sunday night. James Armstrong tore the place up with his great style of Blues. He was all over, on the bar, on a bench, walking the floor and stopping at tables. My friend Mel even got a “guitar lessons” and played with him. It was very cool and very entertaining.

Duluth was the last stop on a three-week, 7,000-mile tour, including Canada. Apparently, the band had to cross the border a couple of times and had some problems. Luckily, for the listeners, problems on the road make for good Blues tunes.

The band, a little worn out from the travel, gave a strong performance. James talked to the audience between songs, always asking if we were having a good time — and we were. The music was excellent, most of the songs written by Armstrong, with a little story for each one. Keyboard player Sonny Edwards also sang a few songs. He has a deep kind of raspy voice reminding me a little of Everett Smithson. Although he has only been with the band a couple months, he was definitely a good addition.

Mike Stram played a five string bass and Lenny Media was on the drums. Everyone on the stage was very talented, and each has spent time playing with other well-known Blues bands before getting together. James is from California and the other three band members are from the Chicago area.

James played several songs with his slide and it was great. Sonny had a couple of very nice solos during the evening. Alas, no bass solo, no drum solo either, now that I think about it. There was a nice crowd out for the music and everyone I talked to was impressed with the show.

Thanks to TwinPortsNightLife.com and Hell’s Burgers for bringing the Sunday Night Blues back to life in Duluth. Hells Burgers does not charge a cover for the music on Saturday, or the Sunday Night Blues. Bring your family and friends, have some great food and drink, and enjoy awesome music.

Johnny Rawls will be on stage Sunday March 14, from 6–10 p.m. Rawls, born and raised in Mississippi, began playing professionally in high school. He went on to be band director for OV Wright and led Little Johnny Taylor’s band until 1985, when he went touring as a solo artist and released his first solo CD. From producing, songwriting, horn arranging, Rhythm, Lead and Bass guitar, keyboard, vocals and background vocals, Johnny did it all before starting his own record company in 2002. He still spends most of his time touring, doing over 200 shows a year, playing at festivals all over the US, Sweden, and Poland. This Sunday will be his third visit to Duluth for the Sunday Night Blues and I know we all look forward to the show.

Do not forget:

On Friday, March 12: Brandon Scott Sellner will be at the Rex at 10 p.m. It has been quite some time since his last show in Duluth and we are all very excited to see them again. I hear they have some new music for us, and I am sure we will hear stories from their trip to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge and their upcoming show at the House of Blues in Texas.

On Saturday, March 13:
Case & Holmstead at Hell’s Burgers
The Solen Brothers at Carmodies
Virgil Caine at Tanski’s Ridgeview Lanes

Photo — James Armstrong