Living Blues #281 November/December 2022

WHAT'S INSIDE:

When You Can Sing . . .

A Conversation with Irma Thomas

By Robert H. Cataliotti

It has been 26 years since the Soul Queen of New Orleans has graced the cover of Living Blues. We sat down with Irma Thomas earlier this year and talked about her career, Katrina, and life at age 81. 

Merle Perkins

Still Percolating

By Alex McCarthy

Chicago drummer Merle Perkins has played behind everyone from Freddie King to Eddy Clearwater and put in decades fronting his own band, the Perkolators. His lyrical “talking drum” solos are legendary while his relaxed drumming style has won him fans worldwide.

D.K. Harrell

Adding Myself to It

By Scott Barretta

Twenty-four-year-old D.K. Harrell was turned on to the blues by his mother and grandparents but watching YouTube is how he learned to play the guitar. Enamored with B.B. King early on, Harrell does an amazingly good rendition of the legend. As his career grows, he in stepping out and finding his own voice.

Let It Roll

Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy, Chess Records, Chicago, September 1963

By Jas Obrecht

One of the great blues recordings of the post-1960s is Muddy Waters’ Folk Singer on Chess Records. Featuring Waters, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, and Clifton James, the recording captures the intimacy of four masters doing what they do best. 

Record Reviews:

• New Releases: John Primer, Lee Fields, and Kirk Fletcher
• Reissues: Cleo Page, Lefty Dizz & Johnny “Big Moose” Walker, and Lil’ Son Jackson

Editorial

Blues News

LB Talks To Matt Stubbs of GA-20

Obituaries

Remembering Paul Garon

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Brenda Ladd: Irma Thomas performing a tribute to Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 28, 2019.