Slim's Blog - Tales From the Road
Send your questions and comments to Watermelon Slim about anything on your mind. Such as music, live shows, influences, politics, whatever. Slim will read all your questions and comments. You will probably find his responses in his next blog entry. Please put in the subject line "Slim's Blog."
July 20, 2008
Dear Mr Slim,
You saved the blues on Saturday 12/07 in Belgium (Peer)
Thank the lord because you were there. Fabulous act and singing. Thanks !!!!!!!!
Pierot and Koen
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July 14, 2008
Hey Slim and the Worker,
Hope all is well on the road.
I am writing is response to Mr. Ted Wolf's blog on July 11th. I am SO with you. The music is so addicting. I jam to their music everyday, and as load as my speakers will go. And like you with the windows down. I also drive a 67 Jeep for the summer, BUT I do not have a working radio therefor no CD player, so I carry my iPOD and listen to their music that way. One of these times I will have a cop behind me and never know it. "Call my Job" has to be added to the playlist. That is such a FANTASTIC Song.
actually the entire album "No Paid Holiday's" is a AWESOME. My boys are Crazy about it. Korbin just got a Bass guitar and him and Kheagun are going to start a band.( hahaha) Watch out world!! they are only 14 and 12. I am not sure if I am ready for this.
Well, Can not wait till you all are in the Indiana-Ohio area again. I think Patti and I (my mother in law) will be taking a trip to Louisville, Ky. to see you on the 25th of August. The husbands say they are not letting us go alone, I told them we would not get lost we have a GPS , we will be fine. My husband say that is NOT what I am worried about. I am afraid that you and my mom won't come back home and Slim will have 2 new girlfriends. The funniest part, he was serious.
We well can not wait to see Y'ALL again.
Have a safe trip around the world.
Your #1 Melonhead
God Bless
Sunflower Studio Photography
Tracy Dohm
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July 13, 2008
Hi,
Yesterday I saw Slim and his Workers in Peer (Belgium).
It was a great show.
That was really what we here in Belgium call the blues.
John
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July 12, 2008
Dear blues-man
What a performance at The BRBF PEER, i was impressed by all off you
A real discovery into my blues-discovery-journey!
Thanks!
Arnfried Blancke
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July 12, 2008
I was in Pistoia last night, thank for the show!
I wish you'll come back in Italy next summer.
Giulio
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July 11, 2008
*Superb!*
I got the disk yesterday due to becoming a Slim junkie after having seen the show at the Regattabar in Cambridge, MA a while back...Already have tix for the upcoming show at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA on 8/15.
I was thinking Slim could appreciate this mental picture:
I'm a banker at one of the nation's largest banks and was commuting home in traffic yesterday listening to NPH for the first time. I was literally jumping out of my suit bobbing n' weaving to the incredible tunes, had all the windows down so that anyone in a car nearby could hop on the same plane, and I really think I made some peoples' days...smiles were abound! All the power, man!
Here's a plea to include "Call my job" in the set list on the 15th.
Ted Wolf
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July 10, 2008
Hey Slim and the Workers,
I just want to let you know that there are some very excited people here in West Virginia and southern Ohio, as we count the days to your arrival at the Front Row in Parkersburg for the IVAW benefit show. It's going to be a party like this valley has never seen. Hey, we will even celebrate your birthday, if you like. (Shame on those Chicago boys!) Hope you are having a blast in Europe.
Lynn in Marietta
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June 26, 2008
Boozhoo Watermelon & the Workers,
Just dropping a note to say your show (Oxford, MI BBQ & Blues) and new CD are as fresh as fiddleheads in spring. We didn't have the full crew there, but some must persevere and forge those new trails into the unknown and I can testify that more than us three enjoyed the showmanship and style of Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
The plan was to buy the new CD "No Paid Holidays" was at the top of our list for weeks. We heard some airplay already from Saturday night GVSU Blues with Greg Bluben. You guy's are definitely getting airplay here in southwest Michigan! We still think fondly of the Billy's Blizzard night in Grand Rapids, MI in February and what a powerful show.
Congratulations on your accolades in Tunica awhile back. You and the Workers are deserving of every award out there. Enjoy the EURO Tour and we have emailed some very good friends who plan on catching your show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We plan on going to the Marquette Blues Festival in August so until then – the Blues are alive and well and traveling with Slim...
Yours truly – The Shananaquet Family
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June 25, 2008
Hey Slim,
Last Friday night at the Creekside Blues festival at Gahanna - you guys were fantastic! Thanks for being so gracious to my friends before the show - my girlfrend still can't get over you bowing to her. Count in three more new fans. My twenty something son was very impressed with all of you. Your encore solo finale of "Angel from Montgomery" was awesome. Can't wait till you get back to Ohio again. The new CD has some great tracks.
Frank
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June 23, 2008
Hey Guys,
Well it has been a great week!!!! Our family has had the pleasure of seeing 2 of Slim and Workers shows in 3 days. When we were walking to the gates of the Oxford show, and saw you guys rolling in Patti and I about flipped out when we saw you wearing your peach outfit. THAT IS OUR FAVORITE!!!!! We had so much FUN dancing and being CRAZY.
Hopefully Y'all don not think we are a bunch of weirdos.
As always, you guys amaze us, your music is so fresh and WE LOVE THE NEW CD!! My Mother in Law and I can not stop listening to "Call my Job".
The boys love it to!! We hope you start singing that in your live shows, it would be a HUGH HIT!!! Ronnie your song is AWESOME!! Patti and I love the beat. I could be used for a latin dance!!! Maybe we can suggest it for the next season of Dancing with the stars. Wouldn't that be a scream!
Well I had the BEST Birthday WEEK of my life. 2 slim show in one week and 3 total for the Month. What a BLAST. Well gentleman, Have a save trip over seas, and IF I could get out of the country I would fly and see you there as well.
Will write soon.
--
God Bless
Sunflower Studio Photography Montgomery
Tracy Dohm
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June 20, 2008
Well, I was witness to ANOTHER GREAT performance by Slim and the Workers. Last night was the first time the children was able to see you guys perform, and they had a ball. My youngest son says he is never going to wash him hand again.(he got to shake your hand) I was laughing at that. He was serious.
I am also amazed by every performance, they are alway sooooooooooo different. The only thing that is the same is Mike Newberry, that man is a machine. He is flawless!! He cracks me up! Cliff you are a RIOT.
I feel like part of the crew when you come over and talk to us. The boys thought that was awesome.
Thank you Slim for signing my new CD cover, my husband thought It was funny that he did not have to tell you what to write. We are just Crazy about you guys!!
We will see you in Oxford on Saturday. I will be the CRAZY lady in the front partying hard, it is my Birthday!!!! and will be jamming to y'all I will send you Pictures
God Bless
Sunflower Studio Photography Montgomery
Tracy Dohm
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June 9, 2008
Hi Guys,
Well, I have seen another GREAT PERFORMANCE. I have attended 5 show in the last 8 months. I have to say every show is so different and so excited that we talk about it for days after the show. YOUR GUYS ARE AMAZING!!!! My father in Law purchased the NEW CD, which is sooooooooooooooo GOOD!!! It is a GREAT MIX!! I have listen to it at least 3 times in ONE Day!! I LOVE ...Call my Job, but honestly I LOVE them ALL. We can not wait till the 21st of this month to visit Y'all in Oxford MI. Sometimes you just need a LIVE SLIM AND THE WORKERS FIX.
Your shows are nothing like listening to the CD, which make the shows so ADDICTING!!
You guys have an amazing talent.....I would have loved to dance, but that gave an opportunity to sit back and listen to the music absorb deep into to me. I Felt so sorry for that Man with the LOUD color shirt...no one to dance with!! :<) that was entertainment in it's own.
I will get the pictures edited this week and email them to Y'all as soon as possible. There are a few that ROCK!! Thank YOU Slim for singing Angel from Montgomery for me. I first heard that song at your Show in Dayton, OH and immediately Fell in LOVE with it. I have Bonnie Raitt's version on my computer, but I love your husky voice singing it !!! IT"S GRAND
Thank you So much for letting me a HUGH fan, it has been a pleasure SEE you in a couple of weeks
--
God Bless
Sunflower Studio Photography Montgomery
Tracy Dohm
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June 9, 2008
It was great seeing you at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Toronto on June 8. Your entertaining set (and your kind comments about Canada) made for a wonderful - although rather scorching hot! - afternoon.
Chris
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June 8, 2008
Slim et al: Just wanted to say 'Thank You' for the show in Cobourg on Friday night. It was a huge treat to see the band in such an intimate room as the Royal Canadian Legion. We brought a few friends down from Peterborough, occupied a beachfront hotel and made a memorable night of it. Your music was new to my friends and blew them away. The new disc is superb and your a cappella tribute to Stan Rogers was moving. He was yet another Canadian national treasure who is not treasured enough. For sure we will treasure the memory of your visit and we'll travel as far as necessary to see you next time around.
Keep on Workin'!
Bruce Parkinson
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June 4, 2008
Hey Slim and Worker.
We are loading up the car and we will see you in Toledo, Oh on Thursday June 5th. We are YOUR CRAZY FAN CLUB that travels all over to see you, but we need a Slim and the Workers FIX. I was sooooooo disappointed when I discovered you were not coming to Ft. Wayne, In on the June 21 of June. So, We will be loading the car and driving to Oxford, MI to see you again, this time with the Boys!!! I told my husband come Hell or High Water, I am seeing Slim and the Workers for my birthday. Everyone asks "Whatcha want for your birthday?" to see Slim in concert!!!!!
What a Great Honor for you to mention our Family as a "personal aspiration". We are so honored to be a FAN of your and to be able to travel and hear you perform. YOU GUYS are AWESOME and ABSOLUTELY AMAZING people. It was a honor to know little bits of your life and to share little bits of our lives with you. What Very personal people you are!!!!
We still listen to you EVERYDAY!! my car has a 6 disc CD player and YOU are 4 of them and soon to be 5 of them. The fact of the matter is My 3 boys probably know the word better then I do these days. Every time I listen to the album I find a new favorite or a favorite part about a song. Currently it is Newspaper Reporter. My seven year old son and I will sing to each other. Don't need no glitter on my face or six inches platform shoe, what we are gonna do is lay down some sweet old OKKKKKlahoma Blues. I laugh all the time with different lyrics of your songs. Sometimes my husband and I text each other line of your music back and forth.
Well Men, Keep singing your hearts out because WE LOVE !! See you Thursday
--
God Bless
Sunflower Studio Photography
Tracy Dohm
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June 1, 2008
Well, Blues Fans,
I said I was backed up too far on this blog to talk about everything we Workers have been doing. But I'm damn sure not going to fail to memorialize our almost-but-not-quite-rained-out gig in Springfield, Nebraska for the Soaring Wings Vineyard. Now, folks, next time somebody offers you a glass of wine from Nebraska-- drink it! You'll be asking for another! Great wine, I'm telling you. Nebraska has a grape called the De Chaunac that stands up to any of them hifalutin California vintages, and indeed, to any good French Merlot! (I like my wine, y'all...)
However, fine wine aside, we will remember Soaring Wings Vineyard (S. of Omaha) for having been booked with the legendary Fito de la Parra, and the Woodstock-featured group that he has kept current all these years (the book is worth the money), Canned Heat. I have a 40-year history with the Heat, having first seen them, at the peak of their powers, with the genius Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, in 1968, years later, having loaded the by that time late Blind Owl's father's masonry truck as part of my forklift job working for a construction supply company(1974), and years after that, having had "the Sunflower", Canned Heat's guitarist, the late Henry Vestine, in MY group, Church of the Blues, up in Oregon in 1985-86. He was even my roommate, in Eugene.
Fito remains (though "the Mole", Larry taylor, is still alive and kicking, and received a BMA nomination for bass at this year's ceremony). I was honored to finally Boogie With Canned Heat again, after all these years! We Workers paid proper respect. Anyone that can keep a wild commodity (you gotta read how wild! Order Fito's book at Canned Heat's website) like Canned Heat (known to be the wildest, most down-with-it partiers that ever did a gig) going for 40 years is one HELLUVA organizer. I played harp with Canned Heat towards the end of the show, and the ghost of Alan Wilson (and the memory of one of those who replaced him, James thornbury, whom I also knew in Oregon) stood next to me on stage with Fito and his band. I will never forget, and I hope to get together again with Fito and Canned Heat!
I'll be writing more snippets as they push themselves out of my two typing fingers!
Slim
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May 29, 2008
Well, All You Melonheads,
I've gotten so far behind in this blog that I am going to just have to do triage on the huge body of things I ought to say. And would, if I could type with anything more than two fingers. But I can't, so perhaps a lot shall remain unsaid.
But the most inportant thing I, Watermelon Slim, for my Workers, Ronnie Mac, Cliff and Michael, want to say is the two most important words in English or any language,: thank you.
Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers at festivals from Lillehammer to Doheny, soundpeople, backline suppliers,merc vendors, security (hat tip to Mark of the OKC OK PD!),, teeshirt makers, Jesse Wells our website manager (three cheers, it's a fine site, ain't it!?
And I hate computers!), radio and tv producers-- Brett in Memphis, nice to see you at the awards!-- my business associates, he frontline of whom are Intrepid Artists of Charlotte-- Jake, Rick, Brad and Kevin; NorthernBlues Music Inc., my label, owner, Fred Litwin, of Ottawa big freakin hugs; Michael McClune, formerly dba Crowsfeet Productions, don't know how he styles it now, my publicist (thanks also on the publicity side to Betsie Brown, an early supporter!); and especially to the man who has made this happen by investing part of his dough and a very big part of his life in putting me on the musical roadmap ("Another Attractive Nuisance by the Roadside, you say they called it at that last rest area, dear?" "Yes, Paul, that's what the sign said. But I had no idea it would actually SING...!"), my producer and manager Chris Hardwick of Norman, Oklahoma.
Other special, eminent people to blame for my rise in notoriety:
texas Ray Isom, who always said, from the time we first got together in 1998, that he wanted to see me make it as a musician.
trent Bell, formerly of the Chainsaw Kittens and currently of Bell Labs Studios in Norman, where I have recorded 5 of my 6 CDs this century (the other was at Chris Hardwick's Southern Sounds Studio), plus other projects.
Jerry Wexler.
the original Fried Okra Jones guys, Doren Recker and Mike Rhodes, and all the FOJ people who followed.
Another Roadside Attraction, a zany New Wave Red Dirt rockin' band I was playing in at the turn of the century. Nathan and the guys helped restore my confidence when I needed the help.
My "Mom", the uppity blues mama, Barbara Dane.
Chip Eagle, old old friend Rosy Rosenblatt, and Bob Margolin.
Stovall Brown and Washtub Robbie, and Michael Moran, my oldest musical ties in the land of the majority of my ancestors.
Curtis Salgado, who taught me stuff I didn't even know I was learning at the time.
My mother-in-law, Mary Rossborough. A steadfast heart.
Rob Newberry, Patricia Ellen talbot, Famous Framus and all the rest of our Canadian friends. Canada Rocks, Y'All!
Selby Minner, wife, bass player, life companion and now widow of D.C.Minner, the grand old man of Oklahoma blues. Between 1998 and 2007 I missed Rentiesville only two years, booked or unbooked. My condolences on your loss. But I did that gig on the 17th, just like Popsy Dixon said DC would want me to.
the guys and gals at HEW Waste Recycling, working with whom gave me the grist for some great songs, and to my professors--- Rockett, Alef, Pope, Petrin, Logan, Gough, Smallwood, Jewsbury-- who helped me get the tools to write them.
And all the other musicians I have ever played with, swapped ideas with, even just basked in the sound of-- everybody from Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, Sam Lay and Super Chikan to Dustin Pittsley, Rusty Aldridge, Aaron Squirrel and Dan Danger, Koko taylor to Miss Blues-- to Miss Amy-- to innumerable rock and country and R+B and blues and folk and jazz musicians many, many too many to mention-- thank you for sharing!
And last, to you, my readers, and, like as not, fans of Watermelon Slim and the Workers (You cannot get online ham sandwiches here. that's like, jambon.com.): the old bluesman said, as I am fond of quoting, "wasn't fer you, wouldn't be no us." Blues Foundation voters or not, it is you, the truly LIStENING public, who have made it possible for us Workers to realize lifelong personal and professional aspirations. the Dohms, the Lavictoires, the Shananaquets, and all you represent, here and abroad: Aho! We are a culture without borders. Une couture sans cotes. Una cultura sin cotidas!
And, of course, my thanks to God for my wife Honour, and my daughter Jessie. they are the reason I keep campaigning in the way I do.
Finally, if you don't already know, this year, every gig I play, as well as the new CD, No Paid Holidays, is dedicated to a very brave young man named Craig Lawler. Craig is my greatest harp student.I'm glad you were able to hear the awards ceremony, Craig. God bless you. I love you.
Watermelon Slim
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May 29, 2008
Hi Slim:
We are quite a bit North of the site of the earthquake and although a tremor was reported in Beijing and Tianjin, we did not feel a thing here.
Apparently the epicentre is in the middle of an earthquake zone but it's also near the Three Gorges Dam project, which makes me wonder about a causal connection ... Whole towns were dynamited out of existence and the people moved to new apartment buildings higher up the bank, to make room for the rising waters produced by the dam ... that's a lot of blasting to do in an earthquake zone.
For the first ten days after the quake, the English television station, CCTV, had continuous coverage of the rescue operations which are enormous: 148,000 troops went in immediately and 307 tons of supplies were air dropped from helicopters which couldn't land b/c of bad weather at first ... The troops look very well organised ... initially they were all dressed in matching blue and orange uniforms, not the green army ones you usually see here, and now see as the rebuilding begins.
I saw a report that the Americans were sending army rescue units in and mentioned it to the Chinese school principal here at my school, Mr. Sun ... He said he didn't think China would allow any American troops into the country and that, "in China we think" fire fighters should do rescue work, not soldiers"
There is still a potential for quake produced lakes flooding and the rivers are all overflowing into lakes and reservoirs ... Communites needing to be evacuated are naturally reluctant ... where will they go?
Everywhere is devestation, rubble, food lines ...
Reports are coming in of international aid ... I didn't see anything on Canada's contribution till the other day,when they showed a clip of reporters interviewing survivors from Toronto via a live feed to the site ... all the reporters and everyone in the room, all media people from Toronto were Chinese Canadians - there are many, many thousands of Chinese Canadian citizens ... and Canadians have sent $14 million ... Aid is pouring in from everywhere ...
There are 60,000 counted dead so far and 350,000 injured ... 26, 500 still missing ... 45.5 million affected ... So many orphans created ... They're also discusing the trauma to survivors and rescuers ... and sending in counsellors ... restarting schools ... but the leaders are telling people not to cry, that the government will take care of them...Our school plans to bring some of the orphans here ...
They're interviewing people on talk shows and many of the questions are quite leading, something like "What do you think of the incredibly efficient and amazingly prompt response of the government to this disaster?" and there are many clips of the two big leaders, VP Wen Jia Bao and Pres. Hu Jin Tao, who, to their credit, were there within hours and days respectively ...
There was a pointed reference to George Bush's delayed response to Katrina ... but the Chinese also were tragically and culpably slow in responding to there last earthquake disaster - in Tangshen, near Tianjin, where I am, in 1976 ....
The rhetoric is a bit over the top at times, as it always is here ... but they are sparing no effort ... Hopefully, the rebuilding process will see the same commitment. The rebuilding has begun with temporary housing already being set up ... 5 million are homeless ... some buildings are being made from huge metal storage crates ... and many, many tents have been erected ... tent making factories here are going into full production but there is a message on TV today in capital letters CHINA URGENTLY NEEDS TENTS AND TEMPORARY SHELTERS ...
They reported on the total collapse of some of the schools and the allegation that this has been caused by corruption of administrators pocketing the money allocated for building earthquake resistant structures. This has been commented on as uncommmom openness for Chinese leadership to allow ... and today itis reprted that the government plans to impose "a firm hand on quake related crime, from theft and robbery to speculation and rumor-mongering"...
Foreign media are being welcomed but it is hoped their reports will be positive ... and there is certainly much positive to report ...
There's been almost 26 billion yuan donated all told to thispoint (divide by 7.2 - close to $4 billion US) ... they'll need it ... it's 5 towns with major damage and several more affected ... and all transporttion systems also impacted ... all roads leading to Wenchuan, one of the towns levelled, were destroyed ... railways were also destroyed and those remaining were jammed with people trying to get there to find family, though they were asked not to go ... an additional $7 billion US was allocated today by the Chinese government ...
Our school held a fundraising, which was interesting. Tthe Chinese staff, who earn 6000 yuan a month were informed that they _must_ donate 100 yuan each. They lined everybody up and recorded the names and amounts as it was dropped into boxes ... The government leaders were shown on TV doing the same thing only they were holding sealed envelopes ... mind you, there was something written on it, so perhaps their names and amounts would be known too ... they really don't seem to have the word privacy in their vocabulary ...
One of our teachers in the Canadian program organised a spagetti dinner fundraiser and brought in over 3000 yuan (approx. $450 Cdn)
There are potential public health issues - hepititis, the black plague and encephilitis have been mentiones- and there are still aftershocks down there in Sichuan ... one at level 6 today ... there have been 178 aftershocks, large and small, measured ... very frightening for the survivors ... and now, concern is being expressed about the treatment the survivors have been receiving. There are many amputations and post operative infections are a hazard ... also in caps today ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATION URGENLY NEEDED ... There is massive spraying of disinfectants ... Water has been tested from the beginning of relief operations ... springs, wells, etc. ... All are being reported safe ... Ditto for the nuclear reactor .... but Iwonder, b/c of the Chinese concept of face whether itwould be reported if there were a hazard ...
Eight pandas were moved to a zoo in Beijing ... their living quarters in the panda conservation project also damaged ... so tourists to the Olympics will now be able to see them ... their home territory is Sichuan Province, where the quakes happened .... and the US San Diego Zoo has joined in the panda rescue efforts ... several are missing ... Hong Kong and Taiwan have sent rescue teams ... this is being commented on as indicating and reinforcing Chinese unity ... China declaried a 3 day mourning period nationally one week after the quakes hit ...
At 2:28 pm on Monday May 5th - the moment in which the quake had hit - the country stopped for three minutes ... everyone stood with heads bowed. Everyone - the leaders, governmet offices, businesses, schools cars and trains - stopped everywhere, over the entire country .... very moving ... Iwas teary eyed when Ispoke to my students afterwards ... but they blew sirens! which I found disconcerting ... but it had a mournful sound, which I gather was the point ... All flags are at half mast and it was reported that this was the first time this has been done for ordinary citizens ...
Our students held candlelight vigils for each of the three nights ...
As for me, the images of people being rescued continue to be very distressing, as is the awareness that something so devestating can happen without warning ... one can't help but imagine what it would be like to be going about your daily life and then suddenly be buried under rocks and rubble ... but the relief of being whole and healthy is predominant.
Hug your loved ones.
Yes, you can use whatever communication I send you for whatever purpose you see fit.
Famous has a CD release party tonight ... well tomorrow night your time ... Saturday May 24th ... He's still at it, committed to the music ... wish I could be there.
I'm so happy to hear of the recognition you got at the Handy's ... what an exciting time for you ... all this world travel!! Hopefully our paths will cross somewhere soon.
Take care of yourself my friend, till we meet again ...
Pat
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May 24, 2008
Wow!
We saw Slim at the Pearl in Dallas last night and were blown away!
Absolutely the best live blues performance in a Dallas club since, well forever! We will never miss him again if he is within a 100 miles!
Dave and Nikki
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May 21, 2008
Congratulations and jolts of joy heading your way from across the wide ocean... It was a much needed boost for me to learn of your wonderful victory at the Handy's because, as I'm sure you know, we're in mourning here in China. When I head home this Summer,
I'm still hoping to catch up and get a revitalizing dose of you an your music, (somewhere between hugging my newest granddaughter, Skyler - and the three others - close to my heart and my return to teach here another year)
Got the Wheelman CD here, of course and am enjoying your voice on my Ipod... Hugs to Cliff!
Wow...so great!
Much love.
Patricia.
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May 15, 2008
G'dday Slim
Was mighty pleased to get the info about your awards from a fellow blues traveller who was also at your Auckland show. I enjoyed our chats at "smoke time" and hope you get a gig in the South Island next time you're in New Zealand. Congrats to you and The Workers. It was a memorable gig.
Cheers
Jetwax
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May 14, 2008
Congratulations Bill to you and The Workers for your two awards! You are truly deserving of them. Make sure you tell Cliff, Michael, and Ronnie Mac that I am so proud of them, and what an honor it is to be your friend. I will look forward to you all coming back to Wisconsin this September!
Don Keller
Madison,Wi
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May 14, 2008
Caught your act in Memphis ------- VERY impressive to say the least. Of all the acts we caught, you and Keb were the most impressive to me. Very genuine raw blues ... the way I think the blues should sound but are seldom played. Thanks so much for the great performance.
Don Peterson
AND look foward to seeing you again in Marquette Michigan later in August.
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May 13, 2008
Michael,
It has been a long time since we have written to Bill and the guys. Please pass on our congratulations to them for their winning ways at the BMA's. I am sorry we were not able to be there in person this year but we are looking forward to a reunion soon. We still have that lobster dinner in mind somewhere in Maine.
Thank you Dan Ober and Diana Downs.
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May 13, 2008
Hi Slim,
Please let me know when you are coming to England. My friend Pat (percy) Leggett and I are huge fans. I can sort you out a gig at my pub if you don't mind doing it for free. (only Joking) seriously we would love to see you playing live. The two albums i've got are brilliant.Real Music Best wishes for the future.
Malcolm Mills
The Black Bull
Donington
Spalding
Lincolnshire
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May 12, 2008
Amazing! I'm sure you don't recall, Slim, but we took a few classes together (Shakespeare with Prof. Gough?) at OSU back in 99 or so. I saw you with Fried Okra Jones around Stillwater every chance I had. I moved to St. Louis in 2001 (law school), and hadn't heard of your incredible accomplishments in the meantime. Congratulations on all of your success! I saw "Watermelon Slim" on the bill for the Beale Street Festival and thought "Can that be the Slim from Stillwater?" Sure enough. I also see you're coming to St. Louis in June. I will certainly be there, and I hope to get the chance to say hello.
Will Joyce
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May 9, 2008
Hey guys! Majorly huge sincere congrats to Slim, Cliff, RonnieMack and Cliff for the Album AND Band of the year awards at the Blues Music Awards!! I know y'all won't say it so I will - you guys deserve the awards and the applause.
It's been fun over the years, listening to you perform from the Busted Lift to Famous Dave's and all points in between, like WhiskeyBones a couple weeks ago. Solid sets that night, by the way!
Take care and I'll see y'all down the road sometime.
Greg - Minnesota
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May 9, 2008
Slim,
The official Ennis Texas Watermelon Slim Fan club want to congratulate you and the band on winning 2 Handy's this week. Texas Ray said you might get some of those teeth fixed that got knocked out by that Mississippi "So and So" but we don't think you should mess with your sound. We like when you say CD... " We got a brand new SHE DE just released "
Enjoy,
Ken Isom and Texas crowd
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May 9, 2008
Slim And Company,
CONGRATULATIONS! You didn't get them all, but you got the two "BIGGUNS" last night in Tunica. I had to move on down the line from the area so I didn't make it last night, but between seein' y'all in Clarksdale and again in Memphis last weekend it's been a great Spring so far! Good things come to those who wait, and by the Grace of God it's payin' off for y'all now! Good Luck In The Future And Stay Safe!
See You Soon,
Scott (West Asheville, NC)
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May 6, 2008
Hey Doctor ! Says the salt of the water, to the salt of the earth,
I 'll be there with you in spirit t'morrow ....all the best ,from your compadre'
that's coom parhd !...tkar care ...c'mon up this way some time ! will ya woncha ! Later Gate ...speaking of gate Gatewood also sends his best !
take care bro' ...see you 'round sometime ,Eh? ...from a tubthumper!
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April 26, 2008
hi slim and the workers, we were sorry to miss you in chicago on the 25th just could not get it to work out. we were all so disappointed. looking forward now to oxford michigan in june. come on june!! SLIM . I want to wish you a happy birthday, i read on one of your interviews that you were born in april. we can not wait until the new cd comes out so excited for all of you. saw an author talking about his new book about
the life of william shakespear "WILL IN THE WORLD" author steven greenblatt. he is an english professor. the interview was on cspan's book tv . i know you like SHAKESPEAR thought you would enjoy this book. the grandkids can not wait to see you live in june, they are still singing along with your music. kheagun is improving on his electric guitar, look out ronnie , and ross is learnign the harmonica,
"DON'T LOOK BACK BOYS CAUSE SOMETHING MIGHT BE GAINING ON YOU" ed is a truck driver and he is all over the us highways and is always on the look out for the honey wagon so if a new black volvo tractor gives you a blast on the horn its ed. wishing you safe journeys on all your traveling. your very best fans in In, and ohio the DOHMS ed,patti, jason, tracy, adam, ryan, kheagun, korbin and ross ps, the flask is sterling over pewter if you use it for a slide it might ware off silver, just thought you should know. found it at orvis the old fishing outfitters. hope you get to fish this summer. it is all we do all summer. have a little place ne of angola in.would love to have you up to fish if we c ould work out, or we could just give you the keys and you guys could find a little private time. bye for now best wishes to you all!
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April 25, 2008
Hello Slim....
I've played the hell out of your last two CD's and am THRILLED TO SEE YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER COMING OUT IN jUNE. i'VE ORDERED THE OTHERS YOU HAVE AVAILABLE NOW AND AM ANXIOUSLY WATCHING MY MAILBOX. tHE BLUES HAVE MOVED ME SINCE i GOT MY FIRST hOWLING wOLF CHESS aLBUM IN 1967...AND THE
FLOOD GATES OPENED. i LIVED IN cHICAGO FOR YEARS...AND THEN MOVED TO
mEMPHIS/nORTH mISSISSIPPI hILL cOUNTRY SO i'VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO
HEAR SOME AMAZING PLAYERS. wHEN i SAY YOUR WORK ASTONISHES ME i mEAN
IT AS THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT POSSIBLE.
i AM CURIOUS ABOUT A COMBINED PROJECT i'VE HEARD RUMORED... YOU AND jIMBO mATHUS COLLABORATING( OR CONSPIRING?). i LOVED jIMBO'S kNOCKDOWN sOUTH cd... AND APPRECIATE WHAT HE AND oLGA DID FOR jESSIE mAE hEMPHILL (WHILE SHE WAS STILL HERE TO ENJOY THE TRIBUTE)...ANY INFO YOU COULD GIVE ME ON A COMBINED PROJECT WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
aND AS THE bEAR (AND hENRY) WOULD SAY...
"dON'T FORGET TO BOOGIE"
dONNA bURROWS-hITE
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April 20, 2008
*Bill,*
* *
*What a pleasure it was to be able to spend my first ever evening in Clarksdale with you and the band. We were the only two cats from Asheville, NC in the house at Ground Zero, and by God we let'em know it!
Good luck in Tunica in a couple of weeks...I know y'all will knock'em out!
You need to get back to WNC in the near future...drop me a note and I'll hook you up...there's a couple of new joints to play in now in Asheville.
The Seydel harps are the real deal...the low, low G could pass for chromatic work any day without the hassle of the slide! It's a shame you couldn't have hung around the rest of the weekend...what a blast! You would've really enjoyed drinkin' breakfast with me Sunday morning out at Stovall, but me and the "Mudman" thought about you! Be careful out there, and we'll see you down the line.
Your "Homeboy"...Scott (West Asheville, NC)*
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April 14, 2008
Slim,
Just wanted to take a minute to say how much my sweetheart Jill and I, and our friends Ellen and Raoul, enjoyed your April 11 show at Knuckleheads here in Kansas City. You guys play tighter than the nuts on a new tractor! And as a longtime recovering journalist myself, a very special thank you for honoring my request for "Newspaper Reporter." Your showmanship is most appreciated. Can't wait for the new CD. May the mojo be with you!
Chris Whitley
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April 11, 2008
Hello, Went to your show last night in Tulsa, the music was great, but I am voting for Obama and Dopey is a friend of mine.
Frank Gadberry
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April 10, 2008
Brethren absolutely enjoyed opening the show for yall last night in Hot Springs, AR. Yall are a class act for sure, and salt of the earth. You have made a lasting impression on us. It is such a pleasure to meet such genuinely nice people who also happen to be incredibly talented,
Sincerely Big Papa Binns.
P.S. please approve our friend request on myspace so we can add you to our top 10 list.
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April 5, 2008
Slim,
Looking forward to seeing you again this year at the Blues Music Awards. I just got an email from Joe at the Blues Foundation mentioning your golf outing on May 8th. Unfortunately, I'm not flying in to Memphis until Thursday afternoon. I actually have been looking for someone to golf with on Friday, May 9th and/or Saturday, May 10th so feel free to pass this on to anyone who might be interested. I was thinking of booking a time at Tunica for mid morning on the Friday.
Good luck at the awrds - I know I voted for you at least a couple of times.
See you there,
Kevin Herron
A Canadian fan since the 2005 Awards (including Blues Hall the next night)
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April 1, 2008
Saw you steal the show from Fabulous T-Birds in Lillehammer. (Told you so!) What a performance! You are the new rising King of the Blues!
Cheers! / PG aka Hot Dawg
PS. Hope ye like the Hot Dog Taylor record! DS.
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March 30, 2008
Hi Slim
Just wated to thank You and the workers once again for a magnificent live performance i Odense, Denmark the 27th of March 2008 at PostOne.
We are very happy that we drove 150 km (do not laugh - we are aware of US distances) to see Your band (as we missed You in Esbjerg the nigth before). A powerfull show and also a new blues attitude with blues songs about killing of buddist monks as a good renewal with actual blues'y problems !
Looking forward to see You next time in Denmark
Best wishes to You and Your band - Please carry one !!!
Susanne & Jens Strandgaard
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March 25, 2008
Hey there Blues Fans,
Here we are in Denmark, Copenhagen (Kobenhavn) to be exact, the capital, where we will play our 4th show in as many nights tonight in a club named MOJO. They will particularly like Froggie and the rest of my mojo hands, I bet!
What do you know about Denmark? It's not a country that gets in the news very often because it is a very peaceful, happy place, and that doesn't usually make news. Denmark is a little more than twice the total area of Massachusetts. It is listed at 16,639 square miles, not including the Faeroes Islands and Greenland, which are autonomous regions within the Danish Kingdom. That area is composed of three major pieces of land, which make up the approach to the Baltic Sea, and over 1400 islands, some inhabited. The Queen is the head of state, and has a little more actual authority than the English monarch, within a parliamentary democracy. About 5,475,000 people are Danish citizens.
We longhaul truckers look at the distances involved here as a hop skip and jump. Five hours-- maybe six if you have bad traffic-- takes you from one end of Denmark to the other. Economically, Denmark is listed (according to Wikipedia) as the sixth most prosperous nation, per capita, in the world!
We thought it would be cold here in March-- I brought three pairs of full-wool socks, plus a set of arctic long underwear. However, the temperature has rarely dropped far into the 20s at night, though the wind has been high generally. Nice right now, 39-40 degrees, and wind only a breeze today. Spring isn't here yet, but the end of winter is nigh. Parts of this country, which has a maximum elevation of only 560 feet (except for mountains in Greenland), remind the Workers of Oklahoma east of Tulsa, with much agriculture, including dairy cattle and pigs, across the coutryside everywhere you go.
If you read Hagar the Horrible in the comics section, you are laughing about a Dane, most likely. Danish Vikings, like Hagar is always doing, invaded and settled parts of England, France and Ireland.
So far, the Workers have played in Sonderborg, down by the German border in the south, Aalborg, up north by Sweden, and Syderup, over near the west coast. Danish crowds have been extremely appreciative, especially given that they can understand everything we say or sing, because English is universal, among people less than at least my age. Most Danes speak at least Danish and English, and many speak German in addition, as well as the other two Scandinavian languages. Danish, Swedish and Norwegian are all similar. Finnish, however (Finland is the most northerly-easterly nation in the Scandinavian peninsula) is significantly different from the other three.
Last night, in Syderup, we had a dual bill, full house natch, with Magic Slim and the Teardrops. Although we have been honored to have Slim come play with us in Lincoln and elsewhere, this is the first time that we have gotten to play with the Teardrops at THEIR gig. Standing Os and encores have been the order of the tour. We will be going back to Norway atv the end of the month, and thence to Barcelona. But we will be always remember the magnificent hospitality we have enjoyed here. Special thanks must go to Flemming, Jan and Birgit, who have arranged our itinerary here, and made sure we got there!
God bless Denmark, and Danes! Already we are looking forward to our next trip here! And we'll see y'all back in the US again soon,
Watermelon Slim
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March 25, 2008
Slim, You and the Workers were outstanding last Saturday night 3/15/08 at the Marietta, OH Festival. First time I've seen you in person and I really enjoyed talking to you before the show. I brought a musician friend with me who had not really listened to you much before and he said that you were the best slide guitarist he'd ever heard or seen.
What a great show you put on - can't wait until you come to Ohio again and I will bring more W Slim novices to the next show.
Frank
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March 21, 2008
hi slim and the wonderful workers, saw you at gillys dayton last friday, had a wonderful time. you guys were awsome as usual. my son jason and daughterinlaw tracy were with us. it was a combo bd and anniversary outing. thanks for the harp happy birthday solo its the best happy bd song i have ever had. i was the designated driver on the way back to nw ohio and we got into a sobriety check point. passed of coarse with flying colors but mentioned we were in town to see watermelon slim. no reaction, so we told them all about you. any thing to help out our boys in blue or black . thanks agin for all the fun can't wait till the new cd is out, the grandchildren can't either they love your music. they can
finally meet you in ft wayne in june.
patti dohm
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March 17, 2008
*Just thought I would write you and let you know that you and the workers rocked the joint Friday night at Gillys in Dayton,Ohio*
**
*we sure look forward to you coming back.*
*Jeff*
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March 15, 2008
Hi, I've just taken the time to read some of the blog about the time Watermelon Slim and the Workers appeared in Auckland New Zealand last year. This message therfore is probably dated somewhat. We (my wife and a friend from the South Island) travelled up from Wellington for this Blues Festival (3 nights of concerts). I had already purchased both CDs and was already a huge fan of Bill and his music/writing. Blues is by far my preferred genre (that word!) and I particularly seek out the less well known artists Not that Watermelon is less well known eh ? !
What surprised me at Auckland were the small audiences. That was a shame as along with Watermelon (and that alone well justified me travelling that far) there were two other superb international performers as well as the well known (to me anyway) New Zealand artists Midge Marsden Bullfrog Rata and Hammond Gamble and a band I had recently heard led by Darcy Perry. What a great time we had ! Hopefully Bill you were encouraged (by the enthusiasm of 'us few') to come back sometime - even if it's just the world class trout fishing that attracts you. (if you do you must try the South Island - dry fly and nymph - THE BEST !).
I'll be there (at the concert) if you do come back.
Looking foward to your June release!
Cheers
Geoff
(ps it was great to meet you and have the quick chat)
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March 14, 2008
Just wanted to say thanks for coming to Maryville, TN last night. After my band's rehearsal ended, my drummer & I came over and caught your show at Brackin's and really enjoyed you all. GREAT BAND! Here's wishing you all many safe journeys and hoping that you all will come back to Maryville soon!
David Yocom, Bass Guitar/Vocals
Smoke-n-Mirrors
Lost & Found
Dirty Pool
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March 11, 2008
Boozhoo Watermelon Slim and the Workers,
I really can't believe it has been over a month since you blew into town with that blizzard in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our drive to get there was over an hour and we live about 35 minutes out - so in a sense it was the true blues who turned out on that snowy night on Feb 9, 2008. I just wanted to say that show was one of the most intense and don't mean to knock the spiritual but in a sense the spirit of blues made it into Billy's and didn't get let out until way after everyone made their way home and then some. We all enjoyed the gift you gave us - the performance and the show's level of intensity left everyone fueled for at least a week. You truly are a healer and the Workers are definitely co-conspirators in your particular brand of medicine. Dave and I felt the gift of the "Chief of the Blues" is deserving of your home (enjibaa - or where your spirit resides). The Chief is Ike Pelcher and he is Saginaw Chippewa from Mt. Pleasant. The postcard the image is dated from is 1954. Our family is humbled our gift is in such an honored place in your home.
I read the blog today and feel compelled to write before you head out "over the pond" to welcome the sun back in Denmark and Norway. We still plan on coming down to Memphis for the Beale Street Blues Festival in May and perhaps making our way to Tunica for the Blues Music Awards.
We will look for more blues runs as we consider what 2008 has in store for us...physically, emotionally, spiritually and acknowledge your health in our way of communicating with the powers and spirits that be. We know we are still doing, if we're still casting a shadow...so until the next gig - baa maa pii giiga waabimin (until we see one another again.)
In Respect - The Shananaquet's - Dave, Punkin, Paul, & Carly
The kids loved your show - your magik with the young people exists...Paul continues to play the harp you gave him.
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March 6, 2008
Hey Slim,
......to answer your questions. Yes and Yes... I ordered with your initials engraved on it, and it is Sterling. And that was my father in law that was keeping you on time to Juke Joint Woman. Hey is a Hoot!!! I am very happy that you are using the flack in many ways. 151 proof rum at 8:45 in the Morning. WOW!!! that is GREAT!! We will be in Dayton, OH to see you on the 14th, and can not wait. During break stop over and see us and I will buy a round of shots. Hey Have you ever tried Torguga Rum?? it is from the Cayman Islands. It rock. Not as hard as you 151 proof. I gotta tell you the full story of how we became Slim junkies, roadies,freeks, ect...
Here it goes. Last Fall my mother in law-Patti(you have meet her at skip's twice) was listening to car talk and heard trucking driving mama on it. Well, that opened up the can of worms so to speak. She looked you up on the web and ordered your CD's. Well she gave us the CD to listen to and to be honest with you, we were like who the heck is this GUY!!!???
Well, I started to listen to it and feel in love with "Oklahoma Blue" and Then "why they call me Watermelon Slim" ....Well the Boys (My Kids 14, 12 and 7) would get into the car and demand that I play.... call me watermelon slim!! I still think that have not figured out the "REAL" meaning behind the song! hahaha..and then song to song that would memorize them.
So... We saw you at Skip in Angola in October of 2007 and it was like WOW, and I have not listen to the Radio and or anyone else since then!!!! AND THAT SHOULD BE A HUGE HONOR, BECAUSE I AM A HUGH KENNEY CHESNEY FAN!!!!! COUNTRY AS WELL, and to be honest with you I could not even tell what song are playing on the radio. The Boys pretty much know every slim song. and my 7 year old has a voice from Hell!!! His favorite song is Red, White and Blues. And at the end when you say HEEEEEEEEEEEEERE with the Red, White and Bluuuues. My son can hit that note every time and hold it out as long as you do!!! My other son is taking guitar lesson and we have to burn a couple of song for him to take in and learn, as well. and NOW here my other son want a Bass guitar for his birthday, Thanks to Cliff for that one....
Well that is the story and We love you guys and Can not wait to see you on the 14th of March in Dayton.......AND.....Slim stay Healthy , Because We wanna see you on the 19th of June in Ft. Wayne In. at Ribfest. The Boys will be able to see you and I will be Great Birthday Gift for ME as well.
Take and I love to read about me in your blogs, it's FUN.
God Bless
Tracy Dohm
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February 21, 2008
Well, Blues Fans,
that's reassuring-- I already wrote up Notodden, and Billings, Montana too. I am going to put off Australia one more entry, and tell everybody (particularly our Canadian fans) thank you all so very much for voting for me and the Workers for all these awards we've been nominated for.
For those who didn't carefully check out the Home Page here at my website, we were named BB King International Artist at the Maple Awards in toronto! this is extremely prestigious, and when you look at who we were named instead of, it's even more a miracle to me.
Putting it in perspective: before there were anything like awards, W.C.
Handys or any of this stuff, the reward for a bluesman/woman was having a pocketful of money from the night's gig, a warm place to stay the night (even company occasionally), and the knowledge that you have another night's gig tomorrow. tell ya what, sometimes ANY job-- even this one that I do-- seems like just a job. But I am a blessed man, to have SOOO much inspiration, variety, and LOVE all around me while I do my job. YAAA-AYY!!
Portland, Maine, Piermont, New York, Knucklehead's in Kansas City (KCMO had a HUGE week at the IBC in Memphis. Knucklehead's won the KBA Award for best blues club 2007, and the KC band trampled Underfoot won the IBC band competition). We ran our @$$e$ off last year. 182 gigs, by my count, way more than 200 days over-the-road and in the air. It took a physical toll on me, and so I have been kind of resting, but we did a week's club gigs in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky last week, and next swing, March 11-15, it's Ohio and tennessee (will be checking in wih my fishing buddy Bill Russell, heh heh), including the Marietta Blues Fest. While hanging around Memphis for the IBC, I realized that more people told us they had seen us in Marietta (where my transmission gave up the ghost, lost another in Indianapolis-- damn Ford's been pretty reliable but for those), Kalamazoo, or Wheeling, West Virginia than any other places. Naturally, we sure hope to get back to those last two places as well!
My health, though, as some of you know, has not been the very best this year. I am not going to be doing as many gigs this year as in 2007. And I'm going to be playing a lot higher percentage of solo appearances, including a several-day trip to England in July, Yes, blokes, I'm finally coming back. I hope I get to see you folks from Birmingham again. About bloody time, I can hear some of you saying. Hear, hear!
So much more to relate, so few brain cells left to do it with. One little thing before I go: I understand I may have started a new fad at the Subiaco Academy, a Catholic boys' high school in Subiaco, Arkansas, at a Benedictine monastery. You boys be careful of that Monk Sauce, hear? Just 'cause I can drink it straight out of the bottle doesn't necessarily mean YOU can. It has been great spending some time playing for you Razorbacks. the Blue Collar Fest, at Mounain Home, and the Bayou, in Rogers, were really, really fun. too bad about the weather for the last scheduled night at the Bayou; I see we've got another date already. thank you, thank you! I will get out and fish for trout around Mountain Home one day. I really had no idea that there was world-class trout fishing in L'il Ol' Arkansas!
Enough for today, I'll be back at it tomorrow,
God Bless You,
Watermelon Slim
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February 21, 2008
Y'all have probably wondered if I would ever write again. Well, I was always intending to. First, I must say a general "thank you" to everyone who has come out and supported live music ,the blues, and Watermelon Slim and the Workers. Money's been tight, and yet we play to many full houses, and no deserted ones. Bravo to all you fans, the stars of the show!
Now, specifically, I must immediately thank tracy Dohm and family for this magnificent present, which, as you mentioned, I used for a slide that night in Grand Rapids. I used it the next two nights too, in toledo and in Louisville. It's now an integral part of my equipment, being both mojo hand and slide at the same time, as several of my slides are. Works to drink from too, of course (101 ways to use your mojo); at the moment it contains a small amount of 151 proof rum. I gotta ask two questions.
Is that really a sterling mark on the bottom edge? And were the initials "WS" already on the flask when you got it, or did you actually go to the length of having it engraved for me? God bless you folks, and keep those boys practicing (doesn't sound like any parental prressure is required!). I'm taking a sip right now, regardless that it is 8:45 in the morning, in y'all's honor!
Not for a moment to be outdone, I must also thank Dave, plus Punkin and the Shananaquet family, for the magnificent painting I now have placed in a place of honor on my wall. Who is the "Blue Indian"? At first, I thought Red Cloud, but then I went and found a pic of Red Cloud and it doesn't look at all like him.
How about New Zealand and Australia, I know you're all wondering. How about Norway? Well, we just had a BALL in all those places, and discovered (no surprise) yet again that these "furriners" sure know how to run bluesfests, just like Canada. Highlights are too many to mention, even if I could sit here all day and rack my brains. In New Zealand, I watched my guitarist, Ronnie Mac, jump-- twice!-- off the highest controlled-baseline (as opposed to mere bungee) jump in the world. You all know that New Zealand invented the bungee jump, don't you?? After bass player Cliff had bugged me enough about doing it (I really didn't want to spend the money, for several days, and I don't really like heights), yours truly plopped down the cash, donned the jump suit, and very, very carefully edged myself out on the platform 619 feet above the ground, as the attendant finished hooking me up to the baseline harness.
It works like this: you get hooked up, and then they have you lean forward, , toes over the edge of the platform, and the mechanism pulls you out over space. the attendant says, "count to three, and let go of the side poles", and when you do, the machine pulls you out and simultaneously drops you, and a video camera on a separate but connected line follows you down in the initial 30-foot drop. After you have been photographed dangling in space 590 feet above the ground, the machine drops you, and 11 seconds or so later you land on a platform with a target painted in the middle. Some people swing themselves around during the drop, and I saw one jumper almost miss the floor of the platform and hit the railing around it. But no harm done. For my part, I made a 10-score Mary Lou Retton landing, dead in the middle of the target, flat on both feet. Now, Cliff says he will never be talked into taking this plunge, but trust me, he will never hear the end of it, especially the next time we get to go play New Zealand.
Besides this excitement, I also got to go about half an hour out of Auckland and have a lovely lunch and "walkabout" (as they call going out int the outback, kind of the same thing as a Native American vision
quest) in green beautiful sheep country. I marveled at the natural fauna and flora-- the parrots were spectacular, as were the multitude of trees and flowers completely unfamiliar to me.
I am a fisherman, as anyone who has kept up with this blog knows. I had intended to do a LOt of fishing on my trip down under. But as things went, I only got on the water twice, and only for a morning's time each.
the first time was a disaster of sorts. two big fans took me out, and when we had been sitting in the middle of Auckland Harbor for awhile, getting no bites (we were hoping for snapper or kingfish), the lady who owned the boat decided we'd move. Aaargh, the boat wouldn't start! I felt so embarrassed for the lady (and her mother, a personal friend of BB King, who had decided to come for the ride) when she had to call the harbor patrol and have us towed in to the dock. Back there, the disaster compunded when the owner realized that she had filled the tank with diesel fuel instead of gasoline! Only the fact that gasoline is heavier than diesel kept the engine from being damaged. I felt so sorry for the lady (luckily for her, she was good friends with the harbormaster, who came along on our towboat).
However, the next time I went out with New Zealand blues band leader Darcy Perry and his harp player, and although we couldn't stay too long, I did at least get hooked up. I thought it was the bottom, but Darcy said, "nope, that's a ray. He's going to do his best to stay on the bottom right where he is." It was a magnificent fight, as the ray (it turned out to be an eagle ray of some 20-25 pounds) was still taking line off my reel 10 minutes after the hooking. there was no horsing this fish. But eventually, I got him to the side of the boat, where we saw that he was securely, but not deeply, hooked, Darcy cut the line, and the ray, who had plenty of strength left, plunged for the bottom. Later, that night, I played one of my several impromptu gigs at a local club with the Darcy Perry Band. the others had been at an Irish pub I stumbled into (well, walked. One night out of the three I played there I kind of stumbled out. Damn Kiwis-- and Irishmen who were also
there-- plied me with strong drink and had me playing at 3:30 in the morning). I played with an acoustic duo-- "(Somebody) and All the Daves"
(there was only one Dave) who could keep time in a hurricane. Great stuff!
Darcy and his band, Eric Lindell and HIS Louisiana-based band (whom I met later in Australia, more on that to follow), and I are very big on the idea of a Blues FISHING Cruise!
I have also spoken to Super Chikan (James Johnson) and other bluespeople I know, and we sure would like to get something of ths nature going.
Obviously, we won't have the pockets to hire something like the MS Westerdam, but I just think it would be as cool as a moose in February in Saskatchewan to take a couple of bands, several other artists to play with them, and a couple of hundred rabid blues AND fishing enthusiasts out for 2-3 days in, say, the Gulf of Mexico. I'm open to ideas, including funding schemes, about this.
My special thanks, first, to Brian, the promoter of our visit to Auckland and Wellington. Without his resourcefulness, I literally could not have played the tour, because I was seriously, SERIOUSLY spinally misaligned. But Brian knew a good chiropractor, and less than 24 hours after getting to the island, I had been snapped, crackled and popped (I had at least five vertebra misaligned, cervical, thoracic and lumbar). After one trip to him, I could bend over and tie my shoes again. After a repeat visit, I felt good enough to jump off the Sky tower! My thanks also to Ronny, a lovely lady who works for Air New Zealand, and who put in countless hours of volunteeer time making sure that logistics for all the artists arriving and leaving were properly taken care of. Loved the book, dear! When you see ths, would you please give me a shout? I lost your email, or I'd have been in touch long before now.
I'm going to take a break, and then I will plough on through Australia.
Notodden will be huge, and so even though we did that (and Fredericton,
too) before Down Under, I've got so much catching up to do that it is a daunting task, and I promise you all I'm going to work hard to catch up.
If I should fail to personally thank anyone that truly deserves acknowledgement, I apologize; if I had been less lazy about this, I'd be better able to give it to y'all in some kind of decent order.
God Bless You All, from the Workers, and
Watermelon Slim
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February 11, 2008
My Husband and I (along with his family) decided while Slim and the workers were in our area for a while, we would like to take in a COUPLE of shows. SO WE DID!!!! We saw his in Angola, In. and Grand Rapids, MI.
as well. The Band and Slim just amaze me beyond belief. WOW.... is all I know how to say after you see them preform. We gave slim a flask, but he thought it would be a great slide. He used it for Devil's Cadillac.
AWESOME. I even Got my father in law to dance with me and take part of juke joint woman chorus line. I have to say the hands down or hands up ......I AM THE BIGGEST FAN of Slim and the Worker. My days does not start till I have Youtubed them and watch a couple of videos and then continuing to listen to them in the cd player for the rest of the day.
THANK GOD, I am my own boss. I can not wait till June 20th to see them in Ft Wayne, In. at the Ribfest. It will be 2 days before my birthday and I can think of a better place to be, but Rocking with them!!!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Tracy Dohm
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February 8, 2008
WOW!!!!!
What a Great Show in Angola!!! You ALL rocked!! You Guys Sounded Fresh and stunning!! Had a great time dancing and scratching Slim's back of course:) We are traveling to Grand Rapids on Saturday to see you play there as well!! You Guys ROCK!! Love the new songs and I will be one of the first fans to buy.
See you Saturday
Tracy Dohm
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February 4, 2008
Hey Roadies,
It is Monday the 4th of February and Slim and the worker will be playing in my area in 2 Days!!!!!! I am soooooooo excited to see them. All of my family will be coming in for every to see them play at Skip's. My Boys who are 13, 11 and 7 are mighty mad at Mom and Dad . They want to see the band play. my youngest in a great blues singer at the ripe age of 7. He loves the red, white and Blues song.
Have a safe trip and See you on Wednesday
Tracy from Indiana
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January 23, 2008
Hey Slim,
Congratulations on your win at The Maple Blues Awards! It was well deserved. Hopefully it's a good omen for Mississippi in May and that little bag of mojo you picked up at the crossroads will work it's magic.
Can't wait for the new CD & DVD to come out later this year. Looking forward to seeing you and The Workers up here in the Big Smoke in June.
I met you and caught your show in Hamilton last July. All I can say is that you are one cool dude and without a doubt you are the "real deal".
Richard
Toronto, Ontario
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January 22, 2008
Just wanted to congratulate you guys for your win last night for the MapleBlues BBKing International award.....
LOOKS GOOD ON YA'S. You deserve it...congrats.
Moe
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January 20, 2008
Hi Slim - My wife and I saw you last night, Jan 19 2008, in Mountain Home, AR and we wanted to say what a pleasure it was to hear you in person. We love your CD's and have introduced you to family and friends. You might remember me because I said I was the one that "laid out the crooked roads in Arkansas!".
Dana and Cindy Mountain Home, Arkansas
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January 19, 2008
Just listen to the opening solo riff of "*/Newspaper Reporter/*" on Slim's "*Wheel Man*" CD and you realize how much Blues music is about tension and resolution. Any harp player or harp music lover gets gets to hear to the finest example of blues harp tension and resolution I've ever heard in my thirty years of harp playing. Each time I hear the song, I repeat the opening riff portion several times, and if I happen to be in the car, I can only imagine what drivers around me must think as they observe my face consternation's reacting to each note, followed by another wail of tension and at last, working on down to the final /low /note of resolution, a complete octave lower. Talk about creating an emotional roller coaster! NOW THIS IS SOME GREAT HARP PLAYING SLIM.
I'll see you in Grand Rapids, MI in a few weeks.
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January 17, 2008
Howdy Mr SLIM!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !! and CONGRATS! To you and the Worker's from Harrison Hot Springs !!! Yup! Rusty Harper here!!!! Heehaw!! what a blast I had last year chasing the band from here to Vancouver then to Edmonton!! Hope you make it back this year I've spoke with quite a few people here in Harrison who are wishing the same!! Hi also to Michael,Mack,and of course Cliff-man That skunks cold nose touched my toes!!!
Cheers again Gang,
Rusty&Yvonne
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January 2, 2008
Happy New Year, Mr. Slim! Congrats to you and the Workers for drivin' it home with The Wheelman! How sweet it is to see all of the praise and love from the fans on the Slim blog. And it looks like you cracked open another 6 pack of Blues Music Award nominations, along with all of your other blues acclaim! I'm holding good thoughts that 2008 will be "THE YEAR OF THE WATERMELON" as far as the BMA "Handy" awards go. (After all, Charlie Musselwhite and John Lee Hooker Jr. didn't make the nominee list this year!) Your Colorado fans will be "caucusing," Iowa-style, for you this May.
I hope all is well with you and the family, Mike, Cliff, Ronnie, Ike, and the crew. Drop me a line when y'all pass through Colorado again; we suffering the low down Watermelon withdrawals out here.
- Craig
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December 30, 2007
Hi Slim,
Congratulations on six nominations again this year! The girls and I had a blast with you in Davenport last month doing the "back scratch" I got the e-mail that you're playing in KC on New Years Eve-evidently, I must go and see you, Mike, Cliff and Ronnie on my way down to Pittsburg, KS.
Did you have your surgery yet? It doesn't appear the schedule has allowed it yet, but if it has I hope to see you feeling well. Take care and I can't wait to see and hear you guys!
Say hi to Michael McClune for me...
Take care,
Lori
IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Publicist
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December 22, 2007
my family and i want to wish slim, michael, ronnie and cliff a very merry christmas and a happy safe new year. we love your music and can't wait to see you at skips in angola indiana in feb. hope you enjoy your time at home with your families you work so hard all year and we appriciate it believe me.
patti
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December 13, 2007
Hey Wheel Man,
Congratulations for the six nominee's for The Wheel Man! You are truly deserving of them. I want to wish you and The Workers and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Your Buddy in Wisconsin,
Don
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December 9, 2007
hey slim
apparently you and i exchanged pleasantries on a certain political forum. sure would like to see you and the workers on the west coast some day. decided to come and czech out your website. just now in the process of downloading the free song. (blue freightliner). it's slow going at 56.6 kbps (37 minutes remaining).
hope you're well from that dentist thing
"comrade N"
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December 7, 2007
Congrats!! I just saw Amazon.com Top Ten Blues CDS of 2007. Number Two!!
I hope your Holidays are great. Vickie says "hey". Memphis in May!
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December 2, 2007
Slim,Michael,Cliff,Ronnie,et al,
Take a holiday break guys. You all deserve it after the great shows and tour you had. Luckily I got to catch the show in Michigan a couple of times. Knocked my socks off it did.
Hope to see you again in Michigan in February.
Bluesman Paul
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November 25, 2007
Slim-Sure was a treat seeing you and the Workers last week in Cambridge. Some of the young guys we dragged along were a little unsure about the Blues...Well my friend you did an fine job of showing them that the Blues is Alright. You now have some fans playing your CDs on campus in Amherst. Great show, you gotta be the hardest workin' man in show biz....
your old friend Roy
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November 21, 2007
Howdy Slim and The Workers,
Hope you are well and having a great time playing lately! We really appreciated your hospitality at Famous Dave's in Minneapolis and I had a great time dancing with you and groovin to the tunes! I love the new cd and listen to it often. We are in Arkansas this week visiting family for Turkey Day and will be out in Rogers at the Bayou to see you again on Friday. Kevin and I are bringing my mom and her husband (Dawn and Jerry) along. They love the blues too and are looking forward to seeing y'all. I hope to say Hey and have another dance with you. I will always be glad to scratch your back! Take care and see you soon.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all,
Heather & Kevin
--
Be with wonderment!
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November 13, 2007
*Report of Veterans' Day Activities from Watermelon Slim*
I played Veterans' Day in Rochester, Minnesota-- not in Milwaukee, as I had hoped, but there will be other opportunities-- at the Whiskey Bones Roadhouse, for a sparse Sunday night crowd. People apologized for the slight turnout, but the Vikings had lost to the Packers 34-0, and people were staying home licking their wounds.
Before playing the first number of the evening, I announced that it was Veterans' Day, and Veterans' Day gives me the blues. I told 'em there was a very important thing we needed to do, asked that everyone please remove their hats, "and for those of us who know the meaning of the words, Present Arms". After "taps" and Order Arms, I merely said, "for our fallen heroes. My brothers and sisters." One solemnity that seems to offend no one is to honor the dead. I've been playing "taps" regularly at gigs in America and Canada since Canada lost its first combat casualty since Korea back in March of 2006. they've since lost over 70 in Afghanistan...
Later in the gig, before my song "Black Water" (listen to track 3 on my latest CD, /the Wheel Man/), I asked the question I've been asking audiences nationwide for the last year. Declaring the question's particular relevance on Veterans' Day, I asked the crowd why, if our nation has 2.73 or so billion dollars per week to spend on a war that's killed and wounded tens of thousands and has created hundreds of thousands more combat veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan, why don't we have 2.73 billion a week to spend on the restoration and rehabilitation of the Gulf Coast of the United States of America?
I shall continue to ask this in your name, my brothers and sisters of the current war. God bless us all, Happy thanksgiving,
Watermelon Slim
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November 13, 2007
Slim and the Workers played a great show in Eau Claire Wisconsin on Nov. 9th. I want to Thank them for making our group of Bluesfesters wanting more. Slim is a showman and made 1 of our group feel very special. Kaye is still all giddy after Slim's performance. I hear you were still talking about it when you played Bev's in Superior on Saturday night. We all can't wait till you get the area again. Mike, Ronnie and Cliff are one of my favorite bands. You keep Slim working.
Thank you
Mark
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November 11, 2007
From one 'Slim' to another- you ARE the business!
You are the REAL thing!
Just purchased all of your CD's - You make the hairs on my neck stand on end. When are you coming over to the UK?
Best wishes
The 'Big Slim'
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November 5, 2007
Dear Slim and The Workers,
I know why you guys are called the Workers.Boy,do you guys give 100%!!Slim,thanks for sitting in front of me while I opened the show for you on October 27th,2007!! That meant a lot to me,more than you will know.I really enjoyed your show.I have opened for many of the greats in blues at The Stanhope House but your show was the most memorable.I hope we can meet again and play some Dobro or Nationals together.I wish you great sucess,
Best Wishes,
Mike Esposito
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October 29, 2007
Last night as I was driving into the city, to Barnes&Noble before they closed, I was listening to Dan Aykroyd and the house of blues. He played Devil's Cadillac by Watermelon Slim & The Workers. It was almost a full moon and it seemed all the stars were out with only wisps of clouds occasionally passing over the moon. Since it was Sunday night the roads were practically deserted...even in the city. Slim's song just seemed to complete the scene, my mood, and just that moment in time last night as I was driving. The guitar in that song was just mesmerizing.
It's something I won't soon forget.
Thanks to Watermelon Slim & The Workers for the laid-back tune, and thanks to Dan Aykroyd for playing it.
Michelle - Michigan
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October 26, 2007
Hey Gang,
My Family saw you play in Skips Lounge in Angola Indiana In October. Since then my children (3 boys) have been listening to you and my 11 year old son especially loves your music, he just starts shaking in his seat. He now walks around the house singing your songs. What a riot!!!! What a great time we had watching your show and I took tons on photographs of Slim. Hopefully I could get them on your website!!!
God Bless
Tracy Dohm
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October 26, 2007
Yo brother Bill,
Sending a heartfelt and sincere request you find your way to the D.C.
area. I missed the Richmond gig as I wasn't dialed into the tour info on the website and I tried to make Moondog's and am wishing and a hoping to make the West Virginia date, but it's a tough nut to travel when you are a single Dad. Keep the rubber down and the blues real. Look out for those oversized dumpsters on the road of life.
Yours in concrete,
Joe in Southern Maryland
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October 25, 2007
Hey Slim -
Me, Tink, Bubba, 'Brook, Rich & Joe needed to thank you for one of the all-time blues club experiences the other night at the Turning Point.
Now, we might not have "seen them all", but we sure have seen many big-time blues players and we do know a little bit about the blues.
We agreed to a man that your show the other night was up there with the best. Seriously. Everything about it was very special, including the preview of your new stuff (like Dad in the Distance). I doubt fans at many of your shows will have the chance we did to hang with you and your talented band. Those who do will no doubt come away with the same feeling we did - you guys are very serious players and good folk. It made the weeknight trip to Piermont, NY very well worth it. (And big-time thanks to the owner of the Turning Point for doing what he needed to do to get you guys there & keep his place going.)
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October 20, 2007
Had a chance to see Slim play in person, and WOW was it great. First time blue listener. My mother in Law..Patti recently had her hip replaced and this was a celebration for her 6 weeks later. All of her boys(3) came to the show with her. 2 from Toledo and 1 from Auburn Indiana. WOW we all loved the show at Skip's.
Man can SLIM sing. I have found a new love for music. WATERMELON SLIM AND THE WORKERS. We were very impressed with how personable all of the band members were. GREAT PEOPLE.
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October 11, 2007
Great reviews from the folks down under. We are spending our 10th wedding anniversary on the North Shore and we'll be wrapping up our week by stopping by Bev's Juke Joint on Nov 10TH to enjoy your fine music.
Can't wait.
See you then
Vickie and Dan Sheehan
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October 9, 2007
Hi Slim.
I am an uber fan of yours and your fantastic band, the Workers. I picked up a cd a few months ago and it gets almost daily play! I am coming out to see you at Famous Dave's in Minneapolis this Thursday night and I can hardly wait. I am from the south as well. I was born in Tulsa and raised in Fayetteville, Ar. I saw on your site that you played the King Biscuit Blues Festival. I also see that you often dance with the ladies! I am so hoping to get a spin with you too!
I am starting fresh at the tender young age of 41 and your bio is very inspiring. I earned my masters degree well into my 30's and tho I have enjoyed working with mentally ill folks as a counselor, I am ready for a change. I love music and singing, writing and other creative pursuits.
I am told I have a great voice and really want to try and get to some jams here in Mpls to try it out. I also taught myself how to play bass guitar and am learning drums now. Percussion seems to be my gig. I feel like I am beginning my life really and your music is a big part of what keeps me taking steps to be the person I am meant to be.
Just wanted you to know how much you and your music are loved here in the great white north (Land of the Bland I say, but nice enough folks.
I do miss my roots tho down home in the hills.) I'll see you there and will be wearing my cowgirl hat, singing and dancing along, and will give you the high praise you so deserve--a big holler and yeehawwww! Be well!
Your newest fan,
Heather Martin
--
Be with wonderment!
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October 9, 2007
Hi from Narooma, just wanted to thank the guys for a great time and gig in Narooma....hope to see them back next year....love to them all from all at La Salle Motel....and Slim I did put in a good word for you but no need we all loved the show...we want you back.......
Rhonda xx
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October 5, 2007
Dear Chris Wick
Would luv it if you could pass this image onto Watermelon Slim I'm the one in the red shirt, I have a gallery in Mogo NSW Australia where I sell RAW ART & BLUES MUSIC.
My gallery is just up the road from Narooma where we watched the AMAZING.... THE FANTASTIC MR SLIM do his thing ......... Took me ta heaven and back luv the man!!!!!!
I have been selling his CD's at my gallery since last year after seeing a little video on UTUBE, sold many since & quite a few since the festival many people have been turned on by his charismatic charm
I put on an exhibition of portraits by j.d.Sipe a bass player with the Hoodoo's from Albuquerque New Mexico which included a portrait of Watermelon Slim we met him and Cliff Belcher at the signing tent after their gig on Sat he may remember me and my brother in law Tav the two hyped up boys totally turned on by the MAN
We told him he was on the wall between two other heroes Skip James and Robert Pete Williams (3 Kings together) he seemed impressed at the time
Anyway would luv it if you could pass this on ...... To top it off I caught his songs with the Holmes Brothers on Sunday night he was in another zone and took us all with him ........... Watermelon Slim you are etched on my heart forever THANKS MATE!!!!!!!!
Kind regards
Steve Fox
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October 4, 2007
My vote for best band at Australia's Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival (28 - 30 September 2007) goes to Watermelon Slim and the boys!
I was drawn in by the first performance and blown away by the second gig (in the afternoon no less). Loud, authentic and moving - and what showmanship. T-shirt one day, three piece suit with cufflinks the next no less.
To top it off, bought the new The Wheel Man CD and had it autographed by the band. Slim took the time to fill me in on their first trip to Australia and mingled in the crowd. I happened to mention that the band is as good as Little Charlie & the Nightcats, which was accepted as one of the highest forms of praise.
Been playing the CD loudly all this week and I think it is great, particularly the opening three tracks. Some of the strongest, tightest playing you could ever hope for, and a wide range of styles. I'll be off to get hold of another album by the band in the near future.
Make sure the band is on the Festival's program for next year and do at least a couple of gigs in Sydney, including The Basement. I'll bring the many other converts along ..............
Best wishes and thanks a million.
David Anderson
Sydney Australia
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October 3, 2007
Hi there,
just a quick note to let you all know that Bill and the Workers were fantastic here, and please let them know that we want them to come back when they can. They now have thousands of fans here.
Best wishes
Dave Allen
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October 3, 2007
Saw the shows at the Narooma Blues festival, very tight work. Was also good to catch up for a few cans and "Smokes" with Ronnie after the gig on Sunday. Hope the flight home was ok, and also hope to catch you back in Australia sometime soon. Tell your booker to get you a Sydney Gig next time!!!!
*Paul*
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October 2, 2007
*Caught Watermelon Slim & The Workers at The Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival in Narooma, NSW, Australia on September 29 & 30.*
**
*Slim & the band, take another bow. Both sets were absolutely fantastic.
A genuine repoire with the crowd, guys, and we want to see you back again real soon!*
**
*Hope you managed to get that spot of fishing in down there, and yes...
that really was a cow's ass hangin' from the roof of the tent!*
**
*(That cow got well n truly milked on the weekend) ;-)*
**
*Cheers & best wishes*
*Jimsintoblues*
**
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September 24, 2007
Hello from middle earth...
I travelled form the central north island Taupo, to Auckland, it a four hour drive, never heard of this guy before went to mainly see the support band, Midge Marsden and Bullfrog Rata.
Well what a shock... watermellon slim & the band were great, I am so glad i went along...
After the show, he was avialable to sign Cd's I was so impressedby his talent,.. I purchased one, happy to share it with my friends who i know will be impressed.
We would love to have him here to tour the country and at the same time enjoy a good holiday with some of the best ever fishing in the world and awesome kiwi hospiatily... more than happy to help out here if required.
Any way was so impressed ,I looked you up over the net and wanted to leave a comment ,positive feed back
Sure hope he makes it back down under, and here to middle earth (Taupo) New Zealand.
Regards Karen
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September 23, 2007
I just caught Slim and the Workers at the Opera House in Wellington, New Zealand. You gentlemen are the real deal - you blew the Mighty Flyers away
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September 23, 2007
Hey, we came across Watermelon Slim in a small Pub in Auckland early hours of Sunday morning (23 sept), we heard this awesome music as we were walking back to our hotel after being in a not so good bar and decided to go in and wished we had come along earlier. Watermelon Slim - we just thought you were great and it just finished off our evening nicely. It was a nice surprise and the music was just great.
Hope you come back to New Zealand again as we would love to see you in concert. If we had only known early
Cheers
Sheryl
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September 22, 2007
Hiya Slim! The whole gang here at the Detroit Blues Society is excited about the show on October 19th at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak. We are going to have some big fun that night. Feel free to contact me at sallen8961@aol.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Steve Allen
Detroit Blues Society
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September 14, 2007
Just came through the door at home from your one of your Fredericton shows.. Brilliant!
Working with the locals and other from the festival was incredible. I know it's the blues, but I am still grinning. Thanks for a wonderful show.
*/ /*
*Don Whitty***
*Fredericton, NB Canada*
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September 14, 2007
Just as short note to say hey from Iowa. I was surfin on the tube and heard you sing dark genius. I googled you and read your bio and and your and inspiration, I can relate... thankyou. Im fixin to buy you CD's. I was a cowboy in Wyoming when Bush called me back into the Army for Desert Storm (Medic, 1st Infantry Division)in 1990 after 3 years active duty and ended up back here in Iowa where I grew up. I inteneded to get back to cowboying which I Love with all my heart, but the good Lord had other plans. So Im raising these 2 kids best we can and I pick alittle flat top and when I can. I try to write a bit too. I got the calf pen in the barn set up with a drum set, amps and guitars, gut bucket, dulcimer, fiddle, all kinds a shit. All junk, but work just fine. Had the neighbor kids over last night for an hour or two and we made a hell ofa racket!
The damn horse nearly tore off the door trying to get their heads _/in/_ to watch. My oldest Daughter finally opened the top door so they could watch. Strange huh! Its suprised me as much noise as we made. It was quite a picture! One kid shows potential on the drums. Good to hear your a driver. Truckers for a few generations on both sides of my family. Im getting Uncle Mike Which ever CD has Blue Freightliner.
Ill let you go. Hope you get to Iowa some time and we will see you.
Thanks you so much for sharing your gift with us.
Take care
Kelly Mishak
Alta Vista, Iowa
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September 9, 2007
Watermelon:
You and the Workers turned in a great set last night at the Bull Durham Blues Festival, it was great to hear some of the material off the new CD - live!!!! Wheel Man , Blackwater etc.
Be sure to come back to the Raleigh/Durham area soon - we would love to catch a full 2-3 hours in a local club with the Workers.
Enjoy the fishing,err , I mean tour down under this month. And we'll look forward to some new material maybe next year :)
Best,
JB Zydeco
Raleigh NC
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September 2, 2007
*Just a note to tell you I really enjoyed your show in Peoria. You were fantastic! I heard a message similar to one I hear in a fellowship I belong to, very Spiritual. Thanks for sharing your talents with Peoria!
You were awesome.*
* *
** **
**
**RT Roling**
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September 2, 2007
Hey Slim & The Workers
I attended your amazing/wicked sessions at the Calgary Folk Music Festival Sat. Jly 28th and had you autograph my CD. I suggested I was from Edmonton and Cliff B. checked his Blackberry to give me the dates you were performing here. Unfortunately we had a previous engagement for that weekend and could not attend. However I remember saying at the time that Edmonton audiences/blues fans rock and judging from your letter to the Edmonton Journal you had an amazing experience. I'm so glad you had a good time in Canada and hope you do come back soon!!! I'm playing your CD often and telling friends about the group. Thank you so much for coming to Canada and treating us to your amazing performance.
Wendy Z.
Edmonton, AB Canada
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August 31, 2007
Hi Slim, I was at the Edmonton Blues festival, yourself and band were flawless and tight, I had the chance to see you in St Louis in April at BB's, I knew from that moment I would have to see you again, when the line up became public in May I couldn't believe it
Your military acknowledgement was very touching and professional - well done
Your fan response in person and in the Edmonton Sun newspaper was also well accepted and very professional. I hope you and band can make it back up this way, say for a week long stint at the Blues on White blues bar, you would pack them in every night
Thanks for a great show
"
Brian Beaupre
Edmonton
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August 31, 2007
Hey Slim! Hey guys! My son and I were fortunate enough to experience you and the Workers in action at the Edmonton Labbatts Blues Festival this past weekend. Wow!! what a weekend- your mojo did the trick and the good weather held , for the most part and what a diverse range of blues to enjoy! Your performance was our first exposure to your music ( I'm embarassed to say) but we are converts now..My 17 yr.old picked up all your Cd's and you were kind enough to sign one for him. You were also good enough to pose for a picture with him. Thank you for that- he was quite excited . I would also like to say that I really enjoyed the part where you and Fiona Boyes joined forces. She is quite something, isn't she?
Lastly, I want to thank you , from the bottom of my heart for your acknowledgment and your tribute to our fallen troops in a war so far away. Personally, I found that lone harp so haunting. Your country has suffered far greater losses of young men and women and regardless of ones' politics and opinions of that war (for or against), we must support our troops who are fighting the fight and dying for their respective country. They do need our support.
Sorry, I've digressed- I hope that you and the Workers had a good time and I hope you felt the crowds' appreciation and respect for your music. From my perspective, you had the place jumping. Hope to see
you real soon.
David & Nicholas --Edmonton
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August 30, 2007
LOVIN' that Watermelon Slim BLUES!
Just finished this years edition of the Edmonton Blues Festival...