Notes From The Road

Papa Mali on newstands everywhere!

2007-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

This summer, Papa Mali will be featured in several of our favorite national & international periodicals - Blues Revue (pictured), Guitar Player, Downbeat, Relix, Dirty Linen, An Honest Tune and Hittin' The Note for starters. Perfect reading on the airplane, as you fly to your favorite summer festivals, where Papa Mali and his band are likely to be performing!
I am delighted to be getting what some would call "long overdue" press - it seems like a lot of miles, and a lot of shows are finally starting to get peoples attention.
Also credit and thanks go out to my producer, Dan Prothero, for helping me make a record I can be proud of, my manager Brandon Mann and Crescendo Artists for all the behind-the-scenes work that make the business wheels turn, my powerhouse drummer Robb Kidd, for being a good friend and one bad muthafunka, our favorite bands - Galactic, Mofro and Derek Trucks - for believing in us enough to share their audience, and especially to all the fans, DJs, program directors, promoters, journalists, filmakers, photographers and friends...you people are the ones who really have made a difference! Thanks!
See you on the road somewhere soon!
Love,
Papa

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so much has happened

2007-05-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

greetings to all of you, young and old, near and far...

it has been a long time since I checked in.

I think I got writer's block for a while, but it feels like that is behind me and the ideas are beginning to flow.

perhaps it has to do with the season, or maybe it has to do with all the excitement in my world.

or maybe that I was touring nonstop ( four months coast-to-coast with GALACTIC, starting in december '06 and ending in may '07).

to all the fantastic folks who attended those shows, and especially to those of you who opened up their hearts and their homes to us ( you know who you are - LOVE YA!!!) we just want to say thank you!

and a big thanks going out to GALACTIC for their generosity and friendship...you made us feel like family, and you shared your amazing audience with us! believe me, GALACTIC crowds are some of the coolest on earth! we hope to see EACH AND EVERY ONE of you when we come back to your town(s) on our own tour!

as most of you know by now, my new CD, DO YOUR THING was released in january and has been garnering rave reviews and getting tons of airplay all over the country and beyond ( I met a very cool bluesman from Finland the other day who says my records are big over there, too - who knew?).

anyway, it is a record that I am very proud of...Dan Prothero and I worked on it for several years, and the extra attention to detail paid off. several publications of merit have inquired about interviews, some have already conducted interviews and some are already on the stands...

so while you are traveling about this summer, or just hangin' on your front porch, backyard hammock, etc... put on your very own copy of DO YOUR THING, get a tall, cool beverage, pick up a copy of RELIX, GUITAR PLAYER, DOWNBEAT, AN HONEST TUNE, HITTIN' THE NOTE, BLUES REVIEW, DIRTY LINEN...and look for me! perfect light reading for the summertime blues.

lots of cool stuff happening this summer:

just finished incredible shows at NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL - among the many highlights was the INCREDIBLE set by the MIDNITE DISTURBERS at my 3RD ANNUAL STONED SOUL PICNIC! this event just gets bigger and better every year and for those who missed it, all I can say is "YOU BETTER AXE SOMEBODY!!!"

last weekend were a couple of So Cal fests - THE JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FEST and THE DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL ...both offered great lineups, good times and fun in the warm california sun! our sets ( with THE RHYTHM COUNCIL - me, henry butler, robb kidd and kirk joseph) were very well received!

this weekend is the first of several events for KGSR radio, who has been one of our biggest allies - they were the first Triple A radio station to put DO YOUR THING into heavy rotation, which sparked a wave of interest and airplay from other like-minded program directors! thanks to JODY DENBERG, SUSAN CASTLE, BOBBY RAY and all the good folks at KGSR for helping the cause and for all these years of great tunes!

anyway, tomorrow (may 26) is the annual KGSR AUSTIN T_SHIRT PARTY. always well attended and always a blast, it is at STUBB'S outdoor stage and features THE PAPA MALI TRIO with our good friend CAROLYN WONDERLAND opening.

check the calender at: http://www.myspace.com/papamali for times and all future shows, BUT a brief preview of things to come in the IMMEDIATE FUTURE:

WARREN HAYNES MOUNTAIN JAM IN HUNTER MTN, NY (JUNE 1ST)

MIKE ARNONE'S CRAWFISH FESTIVAL IN AUGUSTA, NJ (JUNE 2 & 3)

WAKARUSA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LAWRENCE, KS (JUNE 5-8 )

CHILLI PEPPER AND BREWERS FEST AT SNOWMASS, CO (JUNE 9)

SHADY GROVE, AUSTIN, TX KGSR CONCERT SERIES (JUNE 14)

CLIFFORD BROWN JAZZ FESTIVAL IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (JUNE 19)

PAPA MALI AT BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM (JUL 6)

HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN QUINCY, CA (JULY 7 & 8)

OTTAWA BLUES FEST IN OTTAWA, ONTARIO (JULY 15 )

BIG CITY SUMMERFEST IN ROCHESTER, NY ( JULY 19)

KGSR BLUES ON THE GREEN CONCERT SERIES (JULY 25)

DOGSTOCK FESTIVAL IN MELVERN, KANSAS (JULY 26)

GUITAR TOWN FESTIVAL IN COPPER MTN, COLORADO (JULY 28)

SECOND ANNUAL FUNKFEST IN AUSTIN, TX (JULY 29)

PAPA MALI TOURS EUROPE! THE MAJORITY OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST I WILL BE PLAYING FESTIVALS ON A CO-BILL WITH MY GOOD FRIEND CYRIL NEVILLE ALL ACROSS EUROPE, WITH DATES IN GERMANY, ENGLAND, SWITZERLAND, NETHERLANDS, HUNGARY, AUSTRIA AND MORE TBA...

AND...I AM VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT I HAVE BEEN INVITED ON THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE, WHICH SETS SAIL IN FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA ON JANUARY 13, 2008 AND CRUISES THE CARIBBEAN FOR A WEEK WITH A WHOLE BUNCH OF MY FRIENDS ( RUTHIE FOSTER, CYRIL NEVILLE, MONK BOUDREAUX AND MANY MORE)...WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START OFF THE NEW YEAR!

oh yeah, thanks to all of you folks who helped make ruthie foster one of the breakout success stories of 2007...her record ( which I produced) THE PHENOMENAL RUTHIE FOSTER, more than lives up to it's name, so check it out if you haven't already!

well, that is all for now...

see you on the road somewhere...

big lovin',
papa

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TRAVEL ALERT

2007-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

02 Apr 2007, 16:59
Subject	TRAVELING MUSICIANS SEEK ROAD FRIENDLY ASSISTANCE
Body:	WHASSUP Y'ALL? On the next leg of the tour we join Galactic in Salt Lake City, this time with my main man, Robb Kidd pounding skins and newbie (but old friend and monster bassist) Guno Ronde. We will be out on the road with Galactic for 3 weeks! Looking forward to meeting and greeting y'all - heads up ALERT! WE ARE ON A TIGHT BUDGET AND WILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR HOSPITALITY IN ALL CITIES - COUCHES, BEDS, HOME COOKED MEALS, ETC. - AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG Y'ALL! WE ARE HOUSETRAINED AND MAKE EXCELLENT COMPANIONS! CHECK CALENDAR TO SEE WHEN WE WILL BE IN YOUR TOWN! CAN TRADE PASSES TO SHOW, SCHWAG (MERCH), FRIENDSHIP! CONTACT ME ON MYSPACE. THANK YOU!!!! BIG LOVE, PAPA

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djdot

2006-11-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

djdot, originally uploaded by fleabitejr3.

Rest in Peace, Dorothy Helm Welbourne
August 17, 1923 - November 20, 2006

Deejay Dot, signing off...

2006-11-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

My friends...sad news by telephone as the sun was rising.

My mom, Dorothy Welbourne, passed away this morning, quietly, peacefully...at my sisters house in Shreveport, where she had been hospicing the past several days.

Since her most recent and severe stroke earlier this month left her comatose, it is a blessing to all that she is now at rest.

I will be in Shreveport sometime this week for her service, though I'm not yet sure when. I was there with my daughter Layla for a few days last week and returned to Austin, only when it was clear that there was nothing more we could do.

I am thankful that she had so many good years and hopeful that her, my dad and my grandparents, all deceased, are now reunited somehow.

Until a few weeks ago she was regularly driving herself to go swimming at the gym and to play bridge and visit with a group of women, dear friends that she has known since they were all kids - how many octogenerians can say that? Her social calender was always full and she liked it that way.

As recently as last summer she drove herself and a friend (her age) to Austin for a visit. I was worried about them negotiating the highways, two elderly women on the road.

"Don't be silly..." she said. "I have Mapquest."

Typically, she was thorough, responsible and considerate. And even in death, she had all of her affairs in order. She started by vacating the house she had shared with my dad for many years and tossing all the unwanted stuff they had accumulated. She divided family heirlooms and photos as she saw fit - while she was still alive to tell us why we she wanted us to have them - and spent the better part of her last year at my sisters house, with whom she was always very close. Her cremation and very modest memorial service are already planned and paid for - she even wrote her own obituary.

The only factor that threatened her dignified escape plan was an unforeseen and unpredictable malady - one exactly like the debilitating stroke she suffered.

But, fortunately she thought of that, too - her living will was mailed to me, my siblings and her physician long ago and specifically called for all life support systems to be removed once her normal, cohesive brain activity ceased to function as it always had - sharply, lovingly and logically.

She did not wish to ever be a burden on others in life or beyond, and she succeeded.

I sat alone in her favorite easy chair a few nights ago, after visiting her in the hospital. My sister, Donna and her husband Dicky had spared no expense in remodelling their two story house to make her feel more at home. In fact they had turned the entire upstairs into an lovely apartment that was like a smaller version of her house, furnished with her belongings and complete with kitchenette, den (with cable & internet), seperate comfy bedroom and full bath with all the amenities that a senior might appreciate - walk-in shower with a bench and safety rails - they even had a elevator chair installed on their staircase, even though mom was fairly mobile for someone her age.

Mom had a computer and was online several years before I took the plunge into the 21st century and acquired a laptop in the spring of 2000. It was something she had encouraged me to do for a long time. I had never been a post office frequenter or a dutiful long distance caller, but suddenly, with email my mother and I had a relationship, once again.

I was amused to learn that her online handle was 'Deejay Dot' - the 'Dot' from her lifelong nickname, 'Dotty' and the 'Deeejay' from the fact that she has been making mixtapes for her friends and family since the sixties - long before the phrase 'mixtape' was coined.

I know because I used to help her make them. In 1963 it was no easy task - we would experiment with the placement of the little microphone on her reel-to-reel tape recorder, placing it the right distance from her console hi-fi record player speaker until the playback sounded, to her ear, the way it was supposed to. I suppose you could say it was my first producer/engineer gig. It was fun.

She would spend days making the playlists (culled from her huge record collection), which often had themes and usually included personal, insider/wink-wink references to the intended recipients. Of course not everyone had a reel-to-reel player, but she would host get-togethers where she would serve sherry, dessert and play her tapes. As a result, she was asked to do this on occasion for larger social events - class and sorority reunions, P.E.O. conventions, church suppers and her beloved bridge club, which spanned decades and at one point included about a dozen or more couples.

In the seventies, when commercial 8-track and then casette player/recorders came along she was one of the first to buy one and the mixtapes became more involved and came more often. And by the time I got my computer a few years ago, she already had a small, but worldwide network of friends in cyberspace that were enjoying her musical tastes on mp3 playlists - a mixture of mostly nostalgia and classics - big band, swing, showtunes, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, opera, Andy Williams, Tony Bennet, Elvis, Jim Reeves, Roy Orbison, Chet Atkins, Beatles, Willie Nelson, Ray Price and so many more - occasionally interspersed with a few modern artists that she happened upon and liked.

I sat there in her easy chair, looking around the room, which was decorated in a style that can only be referred to as 'Tasteful and Comprehensive Shrine to Family and Friends' - framed photos of everyone she loved, every grandchild, all their awards, oil paintings by her late father (and my namesake, Malcolm Helm) and watercolors by her lifelong friend, Marie Butler (or 'Sista Wolf' as she was called by their increasingly small circle of eighty-something-year-old 'Gals From the 'Hood').

And as I sat there, surrounded by the mementos of a life well-lived, my eyes drifted toward a pad of paper and pen sitting on the small table under the lamp...it was definitely her handwriting, still neat and graceful, with perfect spelling and punctuation, as always. Could it be something she was working on just before she had to be taken to the hospital... perhaps her last written words?

It was a playlist. I had to smile.

And not suprisingly, there alongside her nostalgic choices for what would have been her final mixtape, 'Deejay Dot's Swan Song', was a selection by a slightly more recent artist who she loved enough to include with her all-time favorites.

It was track #3 off of my Thunder Chicken CD, 'Man of Many Words'.

I love you too, Mom.

And there are no words that can express just how much I always have and always will.

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Greetings friends! It has been way, way too long...

2006-11-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends!

It has been way, way too long since I checked in. To all the faithful: my everlasting gratitude for your loyalty, patience and support. You have my ongoing love and respect.

And if you are a newbie...welcome!

There is much to catch up on. Sit yo'self down. Chill for a while. I'll make the coffee and you twist one up.

Okay....The big news is the new CD. That's right! I said it!

Do Your Thing, recorded in New Orleans (pre-Katrina) and San Francisco and produced by Dan Prothero for Fog City Records is finally ready for public comsumption, so come and get yo'self a heapin' helpin of this musical grits-n-gravy with a side of down-home collard green grooves while it is hot off the stove! Have you ever tasted something so soul satisfyin' and righteously persuasive that afterwards, you wondered if grampa's been puttin' mushrooms in the moonshine again? Well, this one will rattle the neighbor's china cabinet. It will make the Jehovah's Witnesses stop coming to your door and make the pretty woman in the upstairs apartment grind and moan. Then, when you least expect it...it will make you see things...in the air...spirits and such. Oh they're there, alright...been there all along. You just gotta know how to conjure 'em...they are really quite friendly once you get to know them.

"How do I alter my reality in such a grown up fashion?", you might ask.

The answer is simple and direct, friends. Preview and order my new CD NOW at: http://fogworld.com/papamali/doyourthing/

...and remember, the holidays are here. So order a few extra for your friends. They would like to have their funky-ass world rocked, too.

Did I mention that this enhanced CD includes video footage from the recording session, shot in the studio with Kirk Joseph, Henry Butler and Robb Kidd as well as a live performance from world famous Preservation Hall in New Orleans and featuring myself along with JJ Grey and George Sluppick (MOFRO) and Robert Walter?

So whatchoo waitin' for?

OK, then! Let's move on.

I now have my hands firmly on the wheel of my myspace page - up until now, the good folks at my management, who initially set it up, have been occasionally updating it...but mostly letting it sit idle. Until two days ago I DID NOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO LOG ON! ( I swear! Someone else held my password!)

SO...if you have sent me a mesage, requested to be added to my friends, etc...chances are, you never heard from me. You were probably thinking: "Why that no good so-and-so! Just who do he think he is?" And you had every right to think that...nobody likes to be ignored. But it's a new day, people and I want to be your myspace friend. So drop by and say 'Wha'sup, Papa?' at www.myspace.com/papamali ...and this time, I won't leave you hangin'!

I have lots of activity planned in the upcoming months including:

a show tonight (11/16) in Austin at The Parrish. Doors at 9pm. Topaz and his excellent band (feat. my old sparring podnahs, Neil Pederson on keys & Dave 'Sniz' Robinson on drums) start the show, followed by the always gritty Greyhounds. Then at midnite, I take the stage with one of the greatest rhythm sections in rock&roll history, Chris Layton (drums) and Tommy Shannon (bass) better known as DOUBLE TROUBLE!!! Now, before you start thinking that I am just one of millions who would aspire to be the next SRV....forget it. There will never be 'a next SRV'! He was one of a kind. Period. But I will say this. Whenever I have had the extreme pleasure and honor to perform with Chris and Tommy (btw...two of the nicest, down-home cats you will ever meet) it is a special show. Their presence just makes me want to be my absolute best!

Saturday (11/18) I open for the great Johnny Winter at La Zona Rosa. This time I'll be solo, acoustic. So arrive early and shout out requests!

Then it's the holidaze, and I have a few things planned with my good friend Cyril Neville as well as some holiday road shows with the good and funky brothers from another mutha, GALACTIC!

So check my calender often, order the new CD and drop by myspace.

Later, Y'all!

Love, Papa

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New Papa Mali CD!

2006-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Friends....

How can mere words convey the gravity of the imminent appearance of THE NEW PAPA MALI RECORD? How can you describe the raucus, floor-rattling grooves and explain how, somehow, this funky good time actually proves to be meaningful and even a little thoughtful, like the kind of thing you'd like to go back and listen to a few dozen more times just to get your head around it. How do we get this across to you? Well, let's put it this way. Imagine yourself on some random night out that turns into a chance encounter with an outrageous special someone, where somehow things get real naughty and, you know, things are said and done to the point where you might even be a little embarrassed and you aren't sure if you can both still respect each other, and then just when you're wondering if it's cool to call them they go ahead and call YOU, and you end up dating for a long, long time. Oh yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Well, the new Papa Mali record is kind of like that. Except it's a record.

Click on the link below to see what we mean. Oh, and be sure and check the video clip!

http://fogworld.com/papamali/doyourthing/

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me&clifford 001

2006-05-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

me&clifford 001, originally uploaded by fleabitejr3.

Clifford Antone died yesterday at the age of 56 and will be missed by music lovers and humanitarians everywhere.

In 1975 he opened his first namesake nightclub in Austin, Texas so his friends - Kim Wilson, Jimmy Vaughn, Stevie Ray Vaughn and other young blues freaks - would have a place to play.

And wouldn't it be cool if these youngsters could get Muddy Waters to play there? And Albert King and Clifton Chenier and John Lee Hooker? And wouldn't it be even cooler if these kids could meet and hang out and play with their blues heroes?

Clifford Antone not only thought it was a cool idea. He made it his living, breathing, everyday, ass-busting, blues-loving reality. He made it his world. He put his name on it and believed in it until those blues freak kids became blues heroes and legends in their own right.
And in the process, he became a hero himself, perhaps the biggest hero of them all.

Later on, Cliff... I know you are with all your friends, man. You know... all them cats who passed on before you, those hard-livin', hard-drinkin', rainy night howlers and guitar moaners - I know they've been missing you. After all, you were one of the only people on this earth that really and truly understood what they'd been saying all along - that the blues ain't nothin' but a good man or good woman feelin' bad...and a bluesman's job is to make those folks feel better, if only for a while.
And even in death, Clifford - you will always be a bluesman... through and through.

Uploaded by fleabitejr3 on 24 May '06, 1.49pm PDT.

The Rhythm Council at KGSRs Blues On the Green Concert

2006-05-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Friends, it is with great pride and eager anticipation that I invite you all to the debut performance of THE RHYTHM COUNCIL, to take place in Austin, Texas at Zilker Park on Wednesday, June 28 at 7pm. The event is part of KGSR's annual Blues on the Green concert series and is free to the public. These concerts typically draw between 4000 - 6000 people, so get there early, bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, blankets, snacks and bottled water.

Now, let me introduce you if I may, to THE RHYTHM COUNCIL. If you are reading this, then presumably, you know who I am. But did you know that I have formed a band with my friends Henry Butler, Kirk Joseph and Robb Kidd?

What does it all mean? Well, for starters, it does not mean that I will be giving up my own band, The Papa Mali Trio which, of course features the amazing Robb Kidd on drums. Nor, does it mean that Henry Butler will stop doing his own thing, which in Henry's case involves being one of the world's greatest musical geniuses, touring the world and representing the entire legacy of New Orleans piano players . It certainly does not mean that Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove will cease to exist, nor does it mean that The Dirty Dozen will be looking to replace their pioneering funky sousaphonist.

What it does mean is this: We are performing a few festivals and select clubdates this summer, kicking off with the Blues On the Green concert in Austin, and including the High Sierra Music Festival in Northern California and the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon. We have played together before, but always sitting-in ...impromptu ...or should I say, not in an official capacity. We even recorded a tune, Honeybee, the standout track on my upcoming Fog City Records release, Papa Mali - Do Your Thing, which I am happy to report is finally - after several false starts and hurdles- set to be released this fall.

And, starting in a couple of weeks, listen for Honeybee on KGSR 107.1 FM (in Austin). Then you will understand just why I am so excited! For more details visit this site often and stay tuned...

Thanks,

The Stone Soul Picnic

2006-05-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

...had many highlights, but my personal favorites were when percussionist, vibrophonist, Hairy Ape, Frog Brigadier and GarageATrois-ist - of course, I could ONLY be referring to the inimitable Mike Dillon - instigated a musical conversation with piano genius, Henry Butler that had the two exchanging a rapid fire series of mind-boggling passages at lightning speed back and forth, like some otherworldly, fluent foriegn language from another galaxy. We were hard pressed to follow that one but Big Sam and his crew managed to up the ante just when the stakes were high and the dice was loaded! Big Sam, I hope you see this and know that I got your back, anytime, anyplace! You got a heart as big as your big, bad Funky Nation! Much love and respect! PM

eddiebo

2006-05-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

eddiebo, originally uploaded by fleabitejr3.

On Thursday, May 4, 2006 at DBA on Frenchman St., in New Orleans, La., just as the second weekend of Jazz Fest was kicking off, Fog City Records presented ' An Evening with Eddie Bo, Papa Mali, Kirk Joseph and Robb Kidd ' as part 2 of their 10th Anniversary celebrations.

Folks, I gotta tell you - I have had many, many amazing adventures and numerous highlights throughout my 30 plus years of musical travels. I have collaborated with legends, heroes and leading lights in every genre that has captured my hungry ear and I have had the extreme pleasure to stand, in awe and on stage, with many giants in their respective fields.

But playing, singing and just hanging out with Eddie Bo has set a new standard of funky elegance and down-home genius, roots authority and sweet inspiration!

Big shout out to Dan Prothero for making it happen and especially to all of you who attended - give yourself a righteous soul-clap for knowing a good thing when you see it! Thanks largely to your insider instincts, and your sly way of putting the word out on the street, the show was a massive success on many levels - not the least of which was musical!

After a couple of warm up tunes with me, Kirk and Robbie... it was STAR TIME! Eddie was clearly in his element from the moment he stepped on stage, and when he reached into his big bag of R&B chestnuts, soul classics and funky miracles, the capacity crowd simply surrendered to the groove and let it all hang out!
" Check Your Bucket ", " The Hook and Sling" and "Check Mr. Popeye" all elicited whoops and hollers from the mostly young crowd, many of whom were seeing this legendary performer in person for the first time.

But it was somewhere during the nearly 15 minute version of Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" that I felt one of those rare, magical moments - where band, song, venue and audience became one pulsating, gyrating, swaying, undulating, heaving, breathing mass of sweat, sex and rhythm! I swear, it felt as though the floorboards, walls and ceiling in the historic, divided shotgun-style room were moving in and out in time with Kirk Joseph's always deep and funky sousaphone lines!

Meanwhile, Eddie - a very young seventy-something master of the piano and singer extraordinaire - is still a ladykiller, as evidenced by the line of beautiful girls passing their phone numbers onto the bandstand! Some things never change, and something tells me that this is all in a day's work for Eddie Bo. Too cool to fade, the man got no choice but to burn brightly!

And, as if that weren't enough, a guest appearance by my good friend Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of The Golden Eagles, did the seemingly impossible feat of taking it up another couple of notches! It was clear by the look on Eddie's face when Monk walked in the backstage area before showtime that these two go waaaaaay back and enjoy a long-standing simpatico. And when Monk hit the stage, these two masters smiled knowingly at one another as if to say : "OK...you want some of this? Come and get it!"

Earlier, Monk had invited me to play with him and The Golden Eagles the following day on the Congo Square stage ( see photo below ). I am always honored and humbled to share the stage with The Big Chief , but it was especially rich to share in the tradition, history and visual splendor of their Jazz Fest '06 fairgrounds performance, where they pulled out all the stops and mesmerized the huge crowd with material that was ancient, timely, thought-provoking and profoundly emotional in this post-Katrina environment. Many historians and musicologists have rightly observed that the cultural contributions of the Mardi Gras Indians (as well as the social and pleasure clubs) have always set the trends, pointed the future and been the heartbeat and pulse of New Orleans. If Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles are any indication, then watchout world! Because the real-deal, nitty gritty soul of New Orleans is coming back with a vengeance...and all the hell, high water and land-grabbing developers in Babylon, D.C. can't stop it !

There were so many musical high points at this year's Jazz Fest! Galactic just gets better every time I see them, which is no easy feat, let me tell you! These guys have really been good friends to me, too, and earned my respect a long time ago...always giving props to their influences and eager to share the spotlight with the musicians who have inspired them. During their blazing set at Tipitina's annual 'Instruments-A-Coming' fundraiser, they called me up to join in on guitar as they proceeded to pay tribute to Monk and Bo Dollis ( who had just minutes before been honored with a Tip's sidewalk 'star of fame'). So there I was, onstage at Tipitina's with Galactic, Big Chiefs Bo Dollis and Donald Harrison, Leo Nocentelli, Henry Butler and the amazing, teenage Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews...playing - what else? - the late Earl King anthem "Big Chief"!
I could've died right then and there - Lord knows, I was already in heaven! Thanks, fellas!

But thank goodness I didn't pass on quite yet, as I would have missed my own fete', 'Papa Mali's Second Annual Stoned Soul Picnic' , which was a smash success and featured The Soul Rebels Brass Band, Henry Butler, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Kirk Joseph, my own Papa Mali Trio ( featuring Robb Kidd drums, Kevin T. White bass ) and surprise appearances by Big Sam ( phenomenal! ), Maurice Brown, Gary Brown, Harold Wilson and Smokey Greenwell (WAR) and Marc Stone. The music started at 11pm and went until 7am without a break! Thanks to the Blue Nile on Frenchman St. for hosting this event and my manager, Brandon Mann for helping to organize everything(on my birthday, no less)! Nicely done!

Over the 10 days I spent in New Orleans I also had nice musical sit-ins with friends The Radiators, David Egan, Anders Osborne, Tim Green, Eric Bolivar, John Gros and Ivan Neville. I had lovely visits with old friends Kevin O'Day, George Porter Jr., Keith Abel ( thanks for the hospitality, buddy), Zigaboo Modeliste, Flavorman and many more...and of course I ate like a king everyday.

Well I better get going. I got to finish Ruthie Foster's record before hitting the road for a summer full of excitement ( including a brief tour with The Rhythm Council, a new band featuring Henry Butler, Kirk Joseph, Robbie Kidd and me!).

And it is official! The new record will be released, at long last, this fall on Fog City Records! Produced by Dan Prothero and recorded in New Orleans and San Francisco, it contains some songs most of you have never heard, a few songs that you have heard and guest appearances from a few of the folks I have been talking about throughout this column, including Monk and The Rhythm Council.

That's all for now...see you soon!

Love,
PM

pmpreshall

2006-05-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

pmpreshall, originally uploaded by fleabitejr3.

Sunday, April 30, 2006 - Papa Mali performed at Fog City Records 10th Anniversary celebration, Fog Fest... with labelmates Robert Walter, JJ Grey and George Sluppick (MOFRO). The event was held during the first weekend of New Orleans Jazz Fest at historic Preservation Hall and featured all four artists joining forces for the first time on their favorite selections from the 'southern soul songbook'. Thanks and kudos to Fog City's Dan Prothero for putting together this memorable evening of music and camraderie!

pmgldneagles

2006-05-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

pmgldneagles, originally uploaded by fleabitejr3.

Jazzfest 2006 - Fog Fest, Eddie Bo, Stone Soul Picnic and so much mo'....

2006-04-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...

Hard to believe, but it is THAT time - the time of year when thoughts turn to oyster patties, crawfish sacks , soft-shell crab po-boys...and funky, soul-infused, R&B, gospel, blues, jazz and rock n' roll as can be found in only one location on planet Earth.

That's right cuz, 'cause before you can say 'andouile', Jazzfest '06 is wrappin' itself all over 'The City That Could' like a honeysuckle vine on a chain link fence.

To say that New Orleans has had a rough year is like saying that Muhammed Ali was a boxer. But you can't keep a champion down when the whole wide world knows they are The Greatest.

I am officially kickin' it off this weekend with a performance at Earth Jam in Salem, MO on Thursday 4/20, followed by two shows Friday and Saturday 4/21 & 22 at the Roxy in Atlanta with my musical soul bruthas from anutha, Galactic ( OK, so I am a week early for Jazzfest...I figure it will take me at least a week to come down when it's all over, too ).

Then things really get heated up the following Thursday 4/27, at world famous Tipitina's, again with the mighty Galactic headlining and me and my band opening. Hold on tight, y'all....we rollin' now!

Friday and Saturday 4/28 & 29, I will see you at the fairgrounds - no I am not playin' the Acura Stage, Congo Square, Blues Stage, Lagniappe Stage or the Jazz Tent ( can somebody...anybody... tell me... what a homeboy got to do? )...but you can bet I will be eatin' some Crawfish Monica, artichoke/oyster soup and sweet potato pone, whilst I soak it up - the vibe, the memories both old and new, the heavenly aromas and the pure, unadulterated fonkiness of it all. I can't wait to see Bob Dylan and Dr. John back to back.

Sunday 4/30 is a show I am really looking forward to: Fog Fest(part I) at Preservation Hall (early show) w/JJ Grey and George Sluppick (MOFRO), Robert Walter and yours truly - performing ' selections from the southern soul songbook'. This is the first show of Fog Fest. (More on part II later in this entry.) Buy tix at: http://tinyurl.com/rm89z (early show) and http://tinyurl.com/qtnpd

(late show)

Tuesday 5/2 at 8pm you can catch me playin' an instore at Louisiana Music Factory. I'd best be careful not to spend all my money there - you know I have the malady known in some circles as 'Vinyl Compulsive Disorder'.

Wednesday 5/3 I'll be rehearsing for what promises to be an unforgetable night in this lifetime of music:

Fog Fest Part II at DBA on Thursday 5/4, An Evening With Eddie Bo, Papa Mali, Kirk Joseph and Robb Kidd with a very special guest appearance by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux!!! Now just in case some of you out there DON"T know who Eddie Bo is...where do I begin?

Piano/keyboard virtuoso, New Orleans legend, figurehead and singer on par w/Fess, Booker, Dr. John and Toussaint ( all of whom have worked with and/or been influenced by Eddie Bo). Producer of some of the funkiest music to ever come out of the funkiest city ever. Hook and Sling. Check Mr. Popeye. And whilst you're at it, ya better Check Your Bucket. And ask somebody who has a clue ( Google turned up over 5 million entries). His own modest website www.eddiebo.com is a cool place to visit, but to get a brief overview of how this musical genius is viewed by funkjunkies and record collectors worldwide (and click on the groovy, full color icon/reproductions of the many, many funky labels Eddie has worked with), here is a good place to start: http://www.soulgeneration.co.uk/bodiscography.htm

Don't miss this show. I repeat, DON"T MISS THIS SHOW! Besides the obvious reasons for being there, it is also the 10th anniversary celebration of Fog City Records, who as you know by now is the San Francisco based boutique label that released debut recordings by Galactic, Stanton Moore, Garage A Trois, MOFRO, Robert Walter, Tim Bluhm, Ettiene de Rocher and some guy from Shreveport-by-way-of-Austin named Papa Mali. Let's pack this show, people... and show the legendary Eddie Bo that his beloved city is still home and host to the hippest audience alive. Tickets are ONLY TEN BUCKS!!! Buy 'em in advance at: http://tinyurl.com/o9orw

Friday 5/5, still floating from the night before, I am honored to be part of an all-star revue at Howlin Wolf's Bayou Rendevous. This features many musicians that I am lucky enough to call my friends and is for a good cause. My set is scheduled for 10:30pm.

Saturday 5/6 at The Blue Nile on Frenchman St., Papa Mali's 2nd Annual Stoned Soul Picnic falls on my birthday this year and is sure to be a great night of music and fun featuring: (from last year's SSP lineup) Henry Butler, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Kirk Joseph and The Papa Mali Trio.

Also added to this year's lineup: Soul Rebels (kickin' it off around 11pm) and singer/songwriter Victoria Williams, who I grew up with in Shreveport and has resided for years with her dogs in the desert outside of Joshua Tree. I have known her since we were both youngsters, and, like Henry, Kirk and Monk she is a guest on my upcoming Fog City release, due later this year. Just a few people who have covered her songs and/or sung her praises over the years: Neil Young, Lou Reed, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Lucinda Williams (no relation). Need I say more? We gonna go all night or until everybody falls out, whichever comes first...that's just the way we roll on Frenchman St. Tickets available soon online and at the door. Also more artists TBA...Check this site for details.

OK, it's Sunday...whew! That's enough activity for one Jazzfest...besides, I gotsta get back out to the fairgrounds and get some relaxation medication for my funked-up, fried and frazzled braincell. The prescribed remedy? Community coffee, a fried oyster po-boy and jambalaya with lotsa Crystal hot sauce, a mango freeze...and an hour in the Gospel Tent. Hallelujah, people! I think it's gonna be alright.

"All the love that a lowdown blues busta can musta"...

Papa

Fw: Emailing: pm1%2eJPG

2006-04-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

-----Original Message----- From: Malcolm <papamali1@hotmail.com> To: papamali@tmail.com Subject: Emailing: pm1%2eJPG Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 18:15:43 -0500

Ruthie Foster on Tour

2006-04-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Ruthie Foster, the amazing soul and folk blues singer that I am producing is on tour in California this week. You really owe it to yourself! Check tour dates @ www.ruthiefoster.com PM

Fw: I'm back! (and givin' big props)

2006-03-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

-----Original Message----- From: Malcolm Welbourne <papamali1@hotmail.com> To: papamali@tmail.com Subject: I'm back! (and givin' big props) Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:28:03 -0600

Greetings, all you faithful!

Well, I did it again...how long has it been? Too long, that's how long.

It is just way too easy for me to slip into a time warp when I have just a tiny bit of downtime.

And by this I mean: time not spent driving down the road.

Real downtime...what's that? When I do have a little time off, I am busier than many - producing records by artists like the amazing Ruthie Foster (more to come on this subject) and playing with my Austin friends and side projects ( like Cyril Neville and Tribe 13 and The Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers).

Don't get me wrong - I continue to play all over the country these days, mostly flying out to distant locales for a week or so at a time.

But this still feels like downtime by comparison - for the last three years (as those of you who have followed this sojurn already know) I have been relentless in my road dog mentality. My credo: "Take the music to the far corners of the universe....play, and they will come...no drive too far, no audience too distant." Over 200,000 miles of coast-to-coast touring by van ( not counting fly miles) and over 200 shows a year.

The reward? All of the love and support I receive from the fans - music lovers, like yourself, who just can't seem to get enough. Y'all truly are the best!

So forgive me for falling behind in my correspondence - when I get a tiny bit of freetime, I have a tendency to turn off the cell phone and avoid the computer to make time for really important things...like fishing....and hanging out with old friends and loved ones...and digging around thrift stores for old vinyl...and cooking. And of course there is the vast, consuming love of the guitar, the endless quest for the magic in a song and all the things that go along with it...

Anyway, spring has arrived and since I last checked in there have been lots of cool gigs, friendly people and now, with SXSW in the recent rearview mirror and Jazzfest on the near horizon I am gearing up for what promises to be an action packed year of serving up some fonky and freak-a-fied soul food for your fried and frazzled badselves.

Helping me along the way is the usual cast of characters - the great Robb Kidd on drums, Kevin T. White on bass, producer Dan Prothero ( who promises that the long-awaited follow-up to Thunder Chicken is getting the final, finishing touches and is just around the bend....no, really) and a never-ending parade of the best musicians and fans on the planet...

Also deserving special mention is my manager, Brandon Mann, who has done the impossible task of raising my national profile significantly in the last couple of years without any new product. Thanks, my brother! Good things come to those who wait. I know...I know...

Now, at the risk of sounding like a name-dropping, starstruck punk (I prefer to think of it as friendly shout-out to my peeps, although there is a side of me that is 'the eternal fan', even with artists who have been my friend for years), here are some recent highlights and previews, starting with:

The Christmas show last December at the Boulder Theatre w/Otis Taylor, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Butler and The Motet. It was an honor to be on such a stellar bill and to play with my old friends Henry and Otis and new friend Charlie.

Jamcruise...wow, what an adventure. Thanks to Annabelle for making it happen and giving me the chance to meet and perform with some musicians whom I have long admired from afar ( Karl Denson, Chris Littlefield, Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno, Will Bernard) and jam with some old pals ( Robert Walter, Galactic, Brad Houser, New Monsoon ). And as always, it's the fans that make it an event to remember.

Galactic. The tour i did with these guys was illuminating for me. After ten years together, these guys not only continue to pack 'em in, night after night, delivering their unique brand of sweaty, post-retro-yet-modern, edgy, improv-driven funk (as only a New Orleans band can)... but, perhaps more importantly, they still treat each other like brothers. And check this out. They treat others like brothers. Their crew that is loyal to the end. Their fans. Even me. I was prepared to rent a car and follow them from town-to-town, which is standard procedure for an opening act. But "No way" they said..." you're riding the tour bus with us!" And ride we did. And share our music and our stories and our laughs and our kicks. Thanks, guys. I am really looking forward to The Roxy in Atlanta and Tipitina's during Jazzfest. (see schedule and check the links page)

The Derek Trucks Band. I cannot say enough good things about this extraordinary group of talented and giving musicians and the friendly and accomodating people that are their crew.

Derek is without peers, in my humble opinion. I could watch this guy play for years and never be less-than-inspired. We have joined them on tour three times now, and each time it just gets better. Special thanks for the sit-ins at the San Francisco shows. I was so upset to hear recently that they lost much of their treasured vintage gear to thieves. If anyone out there hears anything or has any info, please contact the band at: www.derektrucksband.com [http://www.derektrucksband.com]

...or, if you are not familiar with this genius of the slide guitar and his fantastic band and music, do yourself a favor and visit the site anyway - it is good for what ails you.

Double Trouble. Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon. Better known as the band that provided the drums and bass muscle for the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn's rise to international stardom.

And guess what? Lately they have been doing a series of shows at world famous nightclub, Antones in Austin, Tx. Each week they invite a special guest to front what is surely one of the most well-respected rhythm sections in rock and roll history. Guests have included guitar great Eric Johnson, legendary vocalist Lou Ann Barton and West Texas troubador, Joe Ely.

I have now had the honor to fill that slot not once, but twice, with talk of more shows in weeks and months to come. I cannot begin to express what a dream-come-true this has been to play and sing my material with these giants. Also providing stellar keyboards and assisting with vocals on these shows was the great Ivan Neville, who between his duties with The Neville Brothers and Keith Richards leads his own incredible group, Dumpstaphunk, which also features Ian Neville on guitar and the unbelievable rhythm section of Tony Hall and Raymond Weber (recently seen backing Dave Matthews and Trey Anastasio).

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The founding fathers of second-line brass band funk (who played at my wedding when we were all much younger) were in Austin this week recording a new record. So naturally, my podnah Kirk Joseph ( the innovative sousaphonist and founding member of the 'Dozen, now back after a long hiatus) calls me up to fall by the studio and check it out. We cook up a gig on short notice at The Velvet Spade with my friend and former drummer Dave 'Sniz' Robinson. 'Dozen frontman/wildman/trumpeter E.T. says he'll be there...at showtime suddenly baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis is there...and Peanut on trombone... and next thing ya' know we got us an bonafide, impromptu Papa Mali and the Dirty Dozen gig, goin' down live and direct in front of a half-full club that cannot believe their eyes and ears! This didn't stop a lot of thoughtful fans from whipping out their cell phones to let friends know what was happenin', and within 20 minutes the place was packed! Nice goin'!

Jazzfest is coming right up and I am so excited to tell you about this show: on Thursday May 4, at DBA on Frenchman St., I will be performing for the very first time onstage and in collaboration with the daddy of 'em all, R&B and N'awlins funk legend of legends, Eddie Bo!!! This show is part of the Fog City Records 10th Anniversary celebrations and will feature 'an evening with' intimate setting of Eddie on vocal and piano, me on vocal and guitar, the aforementioned Kirk Joseph on sousaphone and Robb Kidd on drums. Tickets are on sale and are sure to sell out, so buy 'em early. Also, as part of the Fog City festivites is a show the previous Sunday( April 30) at Preservation Hall with JJ Grey (MOFRO) , Robert Walter, George Sluppick and yours truly.

And of course there is the big Galactic/Papa Mali show at Tipitina's on Thursday April 27.

More Jazzfest dates TBA soon, including 'Papa Mali's Second Annual Stone Soul Picnic'.

Last but certainly not least:

I am thrilled to have recently been inducted into The Austin Music Hall of Fame, as the founding member of The Killer Bees. This is a most cherished moment in my long career, made especially meaningful by the fact that this award is voted on by the citizens of Austin, and by the legendary status of previous inductees and the proud heritage they bring to the award and its' recipients. To be listed alongside many of my greatest heroes - Leadbelly, Freddie King, Willie Nelson, T-Bone Walker, Ornette Coleman, Lightnin Hopkins, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Mance Lipscomb, Buddy Holly, Doug Sahm...to name but a few - well, it feels alright! Thank you, thank you and thank you! PM

Denver Gold

2006-02-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

What's happenin', y'all?

Got a minute? Take a load off, and set yo'self down...I'll put the coffee on, you can twist one up, if you wanna...

Hoping for some some 'Sunshine On My Shoulders' tomorrow. Why? Because 'I'm Leavin' On A Jet Plane' for some 'Rocky Mountain High' - dates in Colorado. ( click on Papa Mali, then calender).

'Thank God I'm A Country Boy'!

...hey, John Denver might not have been the hippest cat on the scene in his day, but check out Toots and the Maytals version of 'Country Roads(Take Me Home)' and tell me you didn't sing along on the chorus - you know you did...I know it, too. Awesome...or as JD would say "FAR OUT!"

And speaking of Toots, there is a killer version of his 'Sailin' On' on the new Derek Trucks Band CD, Songlines, which I strongly suggest you buy (not burn) immediately. Hearing it live is the best, so go see 'em when they come to a venue near you - and pick up Cds, T shirts while you're there! You can tell 'em I sent you...

This week has been relaxing...in the studio working on the newest Ruthie Foster CD, which also features George Sluppick (MOFRO) on drums, Anthony Farrell (Greyhounds) on keys and the amazing Glen Fukunaga on upright and electric bass. Also making a guest appearance on vibes and percussion is the omnipresent and multi-talented Mike Dillon ( Garage A Trois, Les Claypool, Hairy Apes BMX and so many more). Yours truly is producing and playing some guitar, but there is no doubt who is at the center of this group of gifted musicians - thats right, it's (spell it out loud with me):

R--U--T--H--I--E....F--O--S--T--E--R...

Got it?

Good. Now remember the name, because it is one YOU WILL BE HEARING in the not-too-distant future, people. I kid you not. This girl got SOUL! And I'm talkin' the kind of real deal, nitty gritty, southern, gospel influenced, old school soul most people would pimp their mama out to the devil for.

But Ruthie don't play that. Never has, never will. She is a shining example of what is still right in the world and the sound of her voice reminds me of a time when strong, proud black women with one name ruled the airwaves - names like...Aretha, Mavis, Chaka...( if you STILL don't know who, YOU BETTER ASK SOMEBODY - QUICK!). Stay tuned...I am so excited about this one!

I hope all my friends and family in New Orleans are having the time of their lives, because it is CARNIVAL TIME! Wishin' I was there, don't you know it!

But it is an honor and priveledge to be bringin' the Mardi Gras vibe to the good peoples in the Rockies this week...so if you are in Boulder (Friday 2/24 @ Redfish), Denver/Arvada (Saturday 2/25 @ The D-Note), Keystone (Fat Tuesday 2/28 afternoon concert) and/or Vail ( Fat Tuesday 2/28 night show @ 8150)...get ready to party like you are on Frenchman St and the sun is coming up, taking you by surprise, yet again - you rascal, you.

Favorite newly aquired record (vinyl, natch): Cold Shot! by The Johnny Otis Show, featuring Mighty Mouth Evans on vocal and a teenage Shuggie Otis on guitar and bass. I'm guessing by the nehru jacket, floral prints, afros and peace signs they be sportin' on the cover, that this record was released in '68 (on the Kent label). But don't let the groovy threads fool ya'...this is a slice of downhome fonky soul biscuit - with pork chop gravy on the side for dippin'. Hard to find, but worth it! Favorite cuts: "Country Girl", "Signifyin' Monkey" and the title track( not the SRV song of the same name).

And coming soon: Some Tribe 13 dates in March... this is the post-Katrina band that features me and the legendary Cyril Neville of Neville Brothers/Meters fame, now an Austin resident, as well as Courtney Audain ( who plays bass on my Thunder Chicken CD) and Cyril's nephews, Ricky and Norman - better known as The Ceasar Brothers.

'Til next time...don't let your love grow cold...spread it around, and watch the fire glow.

Big and large...

Papa

Pacific Northwest Sunshine...

2006-02-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hey hey! What's shakin'? Pull up a chair and check this out...

Love is all around....

I am in a rental SUV, riding shotgun.

...Robbie, Kevin and I are bathed in golden rays of afternoon West Coast sunshine, as we motor south on I-5 through Oregon to Eureka, Ca, (Kelley Stolz' 'BELOW THE BRANCHES' plays on the stereo) after a modestly attended, but inspired headlining set @ the Tractor Tavern monday night in Seattle and a relaxing Valentines Day spent with my beautiful daughters in the town that brought you grunge, coffee-as-a-lifestyle, and more recently, Seahawk fever, post-punk popsters The Intelligence and the fabulously glamorous Atomic Bombshells. I've known it for years, but just gotta say it...Seattle has it. That indescribable, intangible 'it' factor... for days. Can't wait to get back.

Here's to the new friends we made - thanks to the Tractor, Andy and Dija for loaning us the amps - and a special shoutout to Ben @ Hazelwood's - keep on rockin' in the free world. Neil felt you rock it and so did we.

...tonight is the last of the tourdates w/Derek Trucks and his band in Eureka, CA ( in the heart of beautiful Humboldt County, where it is never far from 4:20) It is always a pleasure to hang out with those guys and an inspiration to hear them. On this tour they have been asking me to join them for a song or two most nights, making for some memorable musical highlights.

Coming up soon: Colorado shows(Feb 24 - Mar 1 ) followed by a fest in St. Louis (thanks Seth!) 2 big nights in Atlanta w/Galactic, and more...(see calendar).

For the 3rd consecutive year, we have been booked to play the Wakarusa Festival in June, held just outside of Lawrence, KS. By now you have heard that this is one of the premiere events of the festival season. Watch for more summer fest dates to be added soon.

And don't forget to sign on as a My Space friend...its easy and everyone is doing it - just click on 'Papa Mali' (to your right), then click on 'guestbook'.

Yours truly and unruly - in the cyberworld, in the material world, in the spiritworld and beyond...

Don't be a stranger. (Just listen to the Stranglers - I feel really dumb for just 'discovering' this great band that has been around for 30 yrs) Also been digging the 'Broken Flowers' soundtrack (and I liked the film), the new debut from Etienne de Rocher on Fog City Records (see 'links' page) and the usual ocean of (mostly 60s pop and soul) vinyl.

'Til then. PM

Feb 11, 2006

2006-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome, friend. It is so nice to see you. Have a sit. Lets catch up - s'been too long.

If I slip, catch me before I fall.

San Francisco is nice this time of year. Presumably here to play some shows - 2 nights at the Boom Boom Room (last weekend) and a handful of support dates w/Derek Trucks, there is always meaning and intent hiding within the grooves. Sometimes you have to play them backward to hear them. Sometimes you have to slow the record down to 78 rpm. After a recap of this weeks events, which include a delerious, death-defying headbonk on the icy pavement in Tahoe ( only minutes before I came dangerously close to choking on a bite of food the size of a small house payment) I have determined that Chinese New Year is a good time for me to watch my ass.

But if death came a knockin' and I was less than receptive to its' eventual certainty, it should come as no suprise to anyone who knows what's up in Maliworld.

Besides the obvious - I have a powerful blessing from my Medicine Man, the Rev. Goat Carson, that basically says ' look busy Papa...we AIN'T goin' out like THAT' - besides that, there are too many things on my plate that need to be finished. Good works, these. I simply need to take smaller bites and chew them a bit more.

Playing with Derek is a joy that is hard to fathom. One day I hope to fully comprehend the range of emotions that his playing ignites in my musical soul. For now, I am content to just soak it in and dig the moment. Two openers this past week, two more next week and sit-ins last night and again tonight. Watch for Derek on the upcoming Clapton worldtour, and keep your fingers crossed for some " assorted love songs". Did I mention that he, his band and his crew are the nicest people in the entire music biz?

Robbie Kidd is back on drums. Need I say more? In fact I do, because for most of this year (beyond?) we are joined by Bay Area bassman and badass gentleman, Kevin T. White, on extended loan from our buddy, the over-talented Chuck Prophet. This is the trio as God intended it - with equal parts stoopid and swagger, tension and thunder, menace and manna... and enough grease to deep-fry your frazzled, thumpin' and bumpin' brain into submission. Do not try to adjust your set. We are controlling this transmission.

There are some Atlanta shows with Galactic coming up (to be posted soon) - and so much more.

And check this column, too, as I will be weighing in regularly about all manner of things, including:

What I am listening to currently (lots of 60s vinyl).

Pawn shop guitar/studio gear and thrift store finds.

Decent places to eat while traveling.

Ruthie Foster (see Links), whose new record I am produci

Summer Festivals and where I will be playing (see Calender).

And just what the hell IS going on with my new record.

Stay posted. Big love, Papa

Hey yall

2006-02-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to posting thoughts on my ongoing tour. Bookmark this page and check back every so often...