I have been a rubboard player and percussionist since 1966, although started out on drums when I was 12. Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and now live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My first band was "The Original, Low-Class, Half-Fast, Jug & Blues Band." I have performed with many types of musicians and bands; Blues, Zydeco, Irish, Ukranian, Folk, Bluegrass, Reggae, Caribbean, Polka, and everything inbetween.
I have played all over the world with legendary bluesman, Lazy Lester, who I managed and booked for over 30 years. Also, went on many trips to Europe with other blues artists. I love to play, so if you need a rubboard player for your gig, get in touch with me.
I am also booking SIR MACK RICE, SUGAR CHILE ROBINSON, CHARLES WILSON, TRAVELIN' BLUES, STEVE NARDELLA, MIKE 'EASTSIDE' SMITH, Caribbean group - NITE FLIGHT and STEVEN SPRINGER. The name of my company is BLACK KETTLE PRODUCTIONS.
The name Black Kettle was actually named after the American Indian Chief, who along with his family and most of the tribe, was massacred by Custer and his men. The story always touched me, so back in the early 1970s, I named my record label, Black Kettle Records and the name was always there, as a record store, label, management, booking, and publishing.
I have been researching the music of Saginaw, Michigan, from 1857 - 1957, which should be published sometime soon. Also, have been working for years researching the History of the Blues in Detroit, as I booked gigs for, and interviewed a number of the greats: Baby Boy Warren, Boogie Woogie Red, Bobo Jenkins, Dr. Ross, Washboard Willie, Eddie Burns, Little Daddy Walton, 'Rabbit' Johnson, Arthur Gunter, Lightnin' Slim, Lazy Lester, and later, Chicago Pete, Sir Mack Rice, Robert Jones, Johnny 'Yard Dog' Jones, Calvin Cooke,and from Saginaw, Larry McCray and Sharrie Williams. From Toledo, the Griswold Brothers, Just began working with the former 1940s child prodigy, pianist, FRANK 'SUGAR CHILE' ROBINSON. In late November of 2007, he was booked at the British, Rhythm Riot Festival,which was the first time in over 50 years, since his last appearance in that country.
I have also been into the music of the Caribbean, first as a 10 year old listening to the 45rpm boxed-set of Harry Belefonte classic calpysos; second, listening to the early reggae/rock steady groups and especially Bob Marley & the Wailers, while in England in 1972. After moving to Ann Arbor I began a friendship with Hugh Borde of the world-famous, Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band. Going to Trinidad with him in 1994 was one of the greatest musical experiences in my life. I have to do it again. Also, that year took part in the release of their album on the Schoolkids Record label. Today I love playing with the Caribbean band, NITE FLIGHT, and STEVEN SPRINGER, when my rubboard becomes a scratcher and I am the 'scratcherman.'
For more information:
http://www.blackkettleproductions.com
Nite Flight Caribbean Band: How The West Was Won
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVCL-Yd2JGk
Lazy Lester & Loaded Dice - If you Think I Lost You (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiuddZC7in4
Lazy Lester & Loaded Dice - Rainin' In My Heart (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqow7Th3A10
Calvin Cooke's Birthday Celebration 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rytb3TwsfDg
This was was the final jam at the party
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