Pressure On A Man

Listen to: Pressure On A Man... I've heard that when you're a child your dad is the smartest man on the planet. It's only when you get to your teens that you realize he might not be. Then when you get to be 18-20 he suddenly gets darn right stupid and stubborn. It's only when you have to go to work everyday and worry about your own bills and mouths to feed that you realize just how smart he is and what he did for you. This is a song I wrote to let my dad know that I finally realize the sacrafices he made to give his family a home. He means the world to me... he's my biggest fan and supporter. This is his favorite song, which says a lot since it was not written by Hank Williams. :-) The last 2 choruses and outro have my granddaughter, Carrie, singing with me. This song means a lot to me... my dad means more.

Count On Man

This song has been in my head for a really long time.Today it came out and was born and I gotta tell you... I love it.If you or someone you care about has learned to not trust someone because of being hurt, this is a song that says somewhere out there there's a real, count-on man.Here are the lyrics:

Baby I know, I know, that you’re really hurting

I can see your tears, through these smoky lights

And counting on another man is the last thing, that you think you’re needing

I hate to admit it baby, but you’re probably right.

Everybody, got somebody sometime let em down

And everybody, got somebody sometime done ‘em wrong

And everybody’s been through the hurt you’re feeling, came out stronger on the other side

Your tears are going to dry up I promise, it’ll just take a little time

When you’re heart is ready and you can count of someone again

I’ll be there for you baby, I’ll be your count on man.

On account of you can trust me baby, for your love I would die

On account of, I’d do anything in this whole wide world, just to see you smile

On account of I’d get down on one knee if you wanted me to make it right

On account of, I’d wake up a happy man, everyday I wake up by your side.

Other guys have held you and left you

Other men have loved you and done you wrong

But baby I’d be glad to show you I’m different, if you’d only let me

When you’re ready for a real man, for a real love, something you can reallycount on....

Listen to the song by clicking this link:

Count On Man

Do we really need so many singing competitions on TV?

How many freaking singing competitions do we really need? Just gave up on watching The Sing Off and pretty close to the same on The X Factor.  I get it... we all watch but geez, how many is enough.

I love to sing... always have. I sang in an a cappella group in high school but things have really changed. Maybe it's because I'm mainly a blues guy at heart but this stuff just comes off as corny now.  Now I just sing from the heart, like here in Georgetown, SC last weekend.  So do you watch these shows? And like them?

Two Shows This Week

For a guy used to playing mostly private events it is cool for me to have two public shows this week. First Friday night I'll be back at Yianni's in Morganton. Then Saturday night I'm honored to be the featured act at the Stonefield Cellars Winery Blues Workshop and Concert. Natalie is such a devoted fan and I can't wait to rock the roof off the place... hope shaking the wine doesn't hurt it. :-)

The One-Man-Boogie-Band Takes First Place In Virginia!!!

Yesterday, on July 16, I took my One-Man-Boogie-Band show and competed against 9 full bands in Roanoke, VA in the Blue Ridge Blues Society's annual blues challenge for a chance to represent them and Virginia in the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The day started early with the drive up I77 and I81. I drew lucky #9 in the rotation of the 10 bands, meaning I was going to be the next to last performer to take the stage. When it was my turn the announcer actually said, man this guy has some big cajones for taking on all these bands with just one guy. To be honest I was thinking the same thing... the bands right before me had been excellent so I started to fear that I'd wasted the day and was about to be the brunt of more one-man-band jokes.

To beat all I had decided to start my show with an a cappela rendition of my new song, Blood Red Moon. As it turns out, that was a great choice. I stood there behind the mic with a shaker in my hand singing this old slave-song-sounding new song of mine. The crowd became still and quiet and after the first verse were clapping along with me. In the words of one the judges afterwards, from the first 15 seconds of my set I had them in the palm of my hand. I then sat down behind the drums, strapped on the guitar and harp and kicked it up a notch. The sound guys had a few issues with weird me, but I played through them. And... when the announcements came for the winners it was announced that this year, for the first time BRBS will be sending a solo/duo act to Memphis. They decided they will also send a band too. Everyone, except maybe my friend John Lowe in Memphis, thought I was crazy for competing against chosen, very good bands. I have to admit I probably did too. But my choice to do all original material and sing the vocal only song Blood Red Moon grabbed the crowd and the judges.

After the technical difficulties I thought my chances were over. In fact when they made the announcement that I'd won Lynn didn't even have the cameras out. We were chatting about who we thought was going to take home the prize and were floored when they called my name. Even then, when they announced the band I thought, that's cool they're going to let me go too. But, afterwards amongst the autograph signings the scorekeeper came up to me with a bear hug and grins. It was then that I learned that if they had only sent one group it would have been me... I had outscored every band there as a solo. I know my buddy John is grinning about this and we are too. I can't wait to get back to Memphis again in 2012. It feels great to know I'm heading back.

I want to thank all the new fans and friends I made yesterday. Before they announced the winner they did a "by show of applause" who do you think won with the crowd. Up until my name was called there were some light applause for most and great applause for the band winner Skinny Velvet. Then when my name was called the place erupted. That would have been enough for me even if I hadn't won. I appreciate all the love and support you kind folks in Virginia gave me. I also appreciate so many of you from NC making the trek to see me there. I was shocked and honored. One young fan came up to me afterwards with a Carolina Blues Festival shirt on and said, I know your name... it's on my shirt and you signed it. That made my day even better.

So here's to being the 2011 Blue Ridge Blue Society's IBC Solo/Duo champion and another winter of preparations for competing against the very best musicians in the world in February. I can't wait.

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Location:Roanoke, VA

SC, here we come... Gaffney Concert Thursday Evening

If you've driven through Gaffney, SC on Interstate 85 I'm sure you've seen this famous landmark... the SC Peach! When they first started painting this a long time ago I thought it was a big butt... but that's another story for another time. This Thursday, from 6:30 until 9:00 I will be in Gaffney for the New Harmonies Celebrating American Roots Music Concert series at the Michael Gaffney Cabin in Historic Downtown Gaffney. If you're coming to this let me know so I can say hello... and bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Then Friday night I have a toes-in-the-sand wedding and reception party in Myrtle Beach. After that I have other private and corporate events in Myrtle Beach area so that's going to be home for about a month. All my dates there are not filled yet so if you know of a venue that needs music, I'd very much appreciate it if you'd turn me on to them. As luck would have it, I'm booked several times back in the Charlotte or Raleigh area so we'll still have to do a little traveling but we're excited about being at the coast for a month... what a treat.

Location:Little Mountain Ch Rd,North Wilkesboro,United States

Great Day With Heather and Joseph

So when you travel a lot due to your job you get used to lots of things being a little "different". Like this morning we woke up in a somewhat familiar place that many of you would consider different unless you travel in a motorhome, a Wal-mart parking lot. What I learned this time is Sunday mornings around 3am are when they vacuum the parking lots... vacuum is not a true picture... imagine a couple of 747 jets... that's closer to the sound. Reminded me of one of my favorite ramblings of the Grinch.. the Noise, noise, noise... :-) Sleeping was close to impossible.

We then met Heather and Joseph for a belated birthday lunch for Heather at Carraba's. After lunch we got to see their new apartment, which we loved and our "grand puppy". They followed us to Jordan Lake State Park where we checked in to stay for a few days. Our spot is great... right on the water... perfect sunsets. Super quiet and peaceful place. Cloe loved the water and would have chased sticks into the lake forever if someone kept throwing them.

Many times Lynn and I have moments where we say to each other that "we're lucky". This afternoon and evening with Heather and Joseph were one of those times. Tomorrow we'll get to see them again, including spending the day with Heather as Joe works. I'm betting it will be another "we're lucky" day. I hope yours is too.

PS. To those of you that got to spend 4 days at Merle Fest, including my doctor and friend Joel, I'm jealous. We're thinking of blocking off next year and just sticking around to hear some great music. Would have loved to have heard Lyall Lovett and The Doobie Brothers.

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Location:Apex, NC

A New Song About My Grandfather...

Those of you who know me well, my closest friends, know how much my late grandfather, CJ "Tebo" Poteat, meant to me. He was much more than a grandfather to me... he was a true friend and had a major impact on who I have become. Back in February when we were in Memphis I got a chance to talk to Paul Thorn about his song about Seasons, which is really just a bunch of words his mother used to say... Lynn said I should start writing down all the weird but precious things Poppa said, so I started trying to remember them. I'm sure I've left some off, but I've been thinking about them for some time now and have been wanting to write a song to honor that memory. Yesterday morning, while at Tanglewood, I woke up at 5am with the song playing back in my head. Sounds weird but this happens all the time, and sadly most of the time I just roll over and fall back asleep and most of the time these "gifts" go unrecorded. But not this time.
I got up and grabbed my iPad and started writing down everything I could remember. My grandfather was a "hoot"... I don't know how else to say it. He was a "character". If he was dear to you too and you have other Tebo'isms please get them to me so I can try to add them in some way.

The song is not complete but here's what I have so far:

Polyester pants and a pink cotton golf shirt
spray painted hat and Red Man stained teeth
With a heart as big as Texas, and hands as big as my feet
He knew that I loved him, and I knew he loved me.

From the day that I could talk I called him Poppa
From the day that I could walk I was by his side
I was his first and oldest grandchild, he was my first and oldest idol
His knee was my pony, and he'd say ride cowboy ride.

And there was something about his smile, the way he'd laugh,
the way he'd stand...
He left his mark on everyone that he loved.
His white shiny hair, an old spray painted chair
The things he'd say are just one of the things I miss about the man.
Like...
90% of those putts you leave short, are never going in
When you get where you're going, make sure you remember where you've been.
This little piggy and peas porridge hot, I think it's your nose that I got
Let's take a shortcut and walk across the land
I wouldn't shit you son, cuz you're my favorite terd,
we'll just wing it without a plan.
The things he'd say are just one of the things I miss about the man

He bought me my first fishing pole, 20 gauge shotgun and golf clubs
He taught me how to play while he was teaching me how to love
I loved that he'd take me with him and it never mattered what we did.
Now the eyes that I use to see the world, I swear that they're his.

And there was something about his smile, the way he'd laugh,
the way he'd stand...
He left his mark on everyone that he loved.
His white shiny hair, an old spray painted chair
The things he'd say are just one of the things I miss about the man.

90% of those putts you leave short, are never going in
When you get where you're going, make sure you remember where you've been.
This little piggy and peas porridge hot,
I know I'm talking I recognize the voice I just heard
I wouldn't shit you son, you can count on that, cuz you're my favorite terd.

Yeah pintos would be just fine, We'll be back when you smell us coming
I'll be here, come see a fat old man, we'll play a little golf if it's sunny.
This little piggy went to market, and this one peed in my hand.
The things he'd say are just one of the things I miss about the man.
I didn't know it then, but I know now, I think it was part of his plan
The things I say are just one of the things I miss about the man


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Raleigh, NC

Hearing "Me" on the radio is a Make-You-Smile-Moment

Wow! 2 nights in a row I've heard my music on the radio. When you're growing up with music in your soul you long for that day when you hear "you" on the radio. It's a real make-you-smile moment I have to say. Thanks Bill Hunt, aka Billy Blues, for spinning my version of Tumbleweed tonight on 90.9. I appreciate the love.  Doing music full time now gives me time to really work hard at it and hearing my music and the gracious comments on the radio is just a hoot!  Also, have you heard the radio spot for the festival yet?  That's so cool to hear that thing while driving down the road.  Life is good you know... 

On the radio and Live in Greensboro

In the WQFS studio

First of all, thanks Chris Roulhac for having me live on WQFS.  I had a blast and loved the experience.  I came in thinking I would play one song and maybe spin another and was very happy to play 3 and hear 2 more spinning.  I love you for it... mean it!  Your support always floors me.

Love my Lowebow Cigarbox!

Then it was off to Cafe Europa in uptown Greensboro for the kickoff party for the 25th annual Carolina Blues Festival.  It was so cool to play there for all the great blues fans in the area.  What a crowd! I honestly wish I could take you guys with me everywhere I go.  Once again at this show the cigarbox guitar was the big draw.  I couldn't believe all the pictures and videos folks were making, with so many of you taking pictures of just the cigarbox.  That's so cool.  It's such a fun instrument to play and I love the crowd reaction.

Many thanks the staff of Cafe Europa for all the help and support during the show.  It was perfect to play there and be able to look out the window and see the "big" stage that I'll be on for the festival on May 7th.  I can't wait  and hope I see you there.

Here's the Blues Festival poster, which was revealed yesterday:

Great Fun Night at Yianni's Friday Night...

Amber Ward (Randy's better  half)

Friday night was the debut night for my  LoweBow cigarbox guitar.  Man, it rocked.  Some of the comments from the crowd were kind of expected but good to hear.  "That thing sounds different than I expected... it's like a rock-and-roll smokin' guitar", "I couldn't wait to hear you play that thing... wasn't sure what it was but man, it sounds great", "What a show!".

I loved playing it and I agree... it rocks.  The sound is so unique and is in no way wimpy.  The guitar sound along with the deep, deep bass lines it produces are so cool.  I also enjoyed the modifications I've made to my Silvertone.  Adding the bass line sub-frequencies to that sound was awesome.  It gave me such a much fuller sound... don't know how to describe it.  But it was awesome.  I started the night out with an "unplugged" sound with my Takamine cedar top.  I still haven't figured out the mic'ing of this guitar. It's one of my favorites and I love playing her.  The sound unplugged is awesome. The sound plugged in is boomy and a little thin.  I'll keep working on it and try a few more things.  I'm now leaning towards a G-Tar piezo split system for her... maybe soon...

Many of you guys responded to my Facebook invitation and showed up.  Randy and Amber drove all the way from Lake Norman to see me  and guys I really appreciate that.  Many of you from the Morganton area came out and I love the love.  Yianni's is such a different place to play.  It starts out light with folks eating all around the stage (which is kinda strange too with my back to most of the folks due to the way it faces the bar), then as the dinner crowd thins out and the bar crowd shuffles in there's an "almost rocking" time where I almost crank it up but still keep it a little calmer.  Then  the 3rd set is Katie bar the doors.  I like being able to show off some diversity of styles at this venue and love being there on the 1st Friday of every month.

This weekend I'm busy again with weddings, providing the music for a wedding reception in Columbia, SC.  Last week a couple of shows at Classics Bar and Grille were added.  One for April 22nd and one for July 2nd.

What An Experience

Wow! What an experience.  The musicians I met and formed a kinship with were so talented and so open about what they do and how they do it.  So even though I did not win, I learned a lot... about me... about my music.. and about what the IBC considers "Blues". I'll post a few more blogs about those topics later, but for now I wanted to thank all those that helped me get ready.  I feel I did my very best at this competition.  I didn't miss a chord, didn't miss a note on my harp solos and most importantly, didn't miss a word while singing.  Being at the infamous WC Handy Blue's Hall was a treat.  It's one of the oldest Juke Joints around and the history just oozes from the walls.  Memphis in February is cold... I mean cold even for a guy that lives in the mountains.

So what's next?  Well for me it's back to earning a living with  my music.  As spring starts to creep in I'm busy getting ready for a busy calendar of wedding, private and public events through the summer.  This was my first trip to the IBC, but I'm hoping it will not be my last.  I'd like to take the knowledge I gained from the experience and use that to tweak what I do there.  What I learned is I'd be better suited by just being me.  My brand of mountain-music blues would have rocked the place there but I instead chose to do a more modern style of music.  In an old town it turns out that old music works best.  For an old guy  that plays in an old style that's a great thing to learn.

Thanks again to all that supported me.  I do know that I'll "shop around" next year if I compete in contests to represent an association in the IBC.  I learned from my new friends there that many of the affiliates take really,  really good care of their representatives.  The PBPS was great to work with and have been really good to me.  But after hearing the packages some of the guys got to go represent their sponsors I was shocked at the difference.  I'm  lucky to be in a position to pay my own way to go to this special place and that's about what I did... but many of the other solo/duos were put up in hotels for 6 days, flown in, rented equipment and given significant money for "fun".  There were many there like me that got very little money from their sponsors but there were lots of guys that had the time of their lives and were paid very well to do that.  Again, a learning experience for me.

We Leave Tomorrow For Memphis...

Wow!  How could the days have flown by so quickly.  We leave tomorrow for Memphis by way of Nashville for a few days.  Each day for the last 3 weeks has been filled with practice, practice, practice.  I feel fortunate to be in a position that allows me to lock away, as we call it, and really concentrate on my music.  Last weekend I had a blast meeting lots of you at the PBPS Memphis or Bust event in Greensboro.  The on Saturday I was surprised by how many of you showed up at Basin Creek. Lots of folks have offered advice, helped me choose songs, etc.  Lots of folks ask, are you ready? I guess the answer is we'll see.  I think I'm as ready as I could be.  I keep over-analyzing song selection and order of songs but other than that the last few times through each set has been as close to perfect as I can do it. Now that the technical portion is over I just need to remember to stay slow and play with feeling.  One of my music buddies from Greensboro told me a few days ago that I should not worry... you can't loose... heck, you made it to Memphis.  :-) I guess he's right and I feel honored to be among 83 of the best solo/duo acts around.

So today will be full of packing for the trip, a trip to load everything on the motorhome and de-winterize it and one final day of practice.  Where did the days go?  :-)  I can remember when I started this BLOG I had over 100 days to prepare.

Thanks for reading, for your words of encouragement, your financial support and for being part of this journey.  I truly appreciate each and every one of you.  By the way, if you're coming to Memphis, please call me and let me know you're there... I'd like to make sure I get to see you.  Until then...