(memphis blues) [CD] Mick Kolassa - Ghosts Of The Riverside Hotel - 2015, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

www.mimsmick.com

I called this album “Ghosts of the Riverside Hotel” because the spirits of those who passed through those doors are still there, they can be felt. Those blues greats have made my life so much better through their music, and I hope to honor them with this record. As with my past record, this one was made possible through Jeff Jensen’s considerable talents as a musician, manager, and thoughtful producer. Jeff’s band, with longtime bass playing buddy Bill Ruffino and drummer Robinson Bridgeforth, were the musical backbone of this record, and we were joined by Chris Stephenson on the B3 organ to round it out. What a team to start with! We were joined by large group of amazingly talented friends to finish the songs.

THE SONGS

The songs on this album were chosen with love, and cover a wide range of blues styles. There are three covers and nine originals, recoding them was a wonderful experience – I hope you enjoy them.

Ramblin Man (Hank Williams Sr)

I have always been a fan of Hank Williams, I believe that his music is as much blues as much of what we think of as traditional blues music. I have sung this song for many years, and chose to open it with the traditional arrangement, which includes yodels. We then brought it into the 21st century with a very different arrangement. Jeff’s playing of the tremolo guitar on this song is evocative of some of the rock solos of the mid to late 60s – simple and intense. Although I don’t think “Hank done it this way” I’m pretty sure he would be happy to have new ears hear this great tune.

Grapes & Greens (Kolassa)

Grapes & Greens is my way of honoring Muddy Waters. His song “Champagne and Reefer” has always been a favorite, and a tune I sing that always is a crowd pleaser. I chose to arrange this to sound as much like Muddy’s earlier work as I could, and the Hughes brothers really made that happen. Eric’s harp and Walter’s slide guitar were just what I was hoping for on this tune.

One Meatball (Lou Singer, Hy Zaret)

When I first heard Josh White’s version of this song I was blown away, it’s such an amazing song. Since then I’ve heard several versions, most of which were jocular and lighthearted, almost none treated it with seriousness of White, who seemed to really feel for the main character who couldn’t afford the cost of a full meal. I hope that my interpretation of the song helps listeners to hear it with a sympathetic ear. Victor Wainwright’s piano on this track is stunning, he put every emotion he had into it. Reba Russell’s backing vocals on this song are simply a pleasure, and a clear example of why I value her contributions so much.

I Always Meant to Love You (Kolassa)

This song is my response to “You Were Always on My Mind” which basically says “I was running all over the world while you sat at home, but I thought about you” – not exactly the most romantic message! This song is about a man who regrets not making better choices. I chose to do it as a “West Coast” style song.

Trouble (Todd Snider)

Todd Snider is an amazing songwriter. He isn’t a bluesman but his songs are definitely worth hearing. This song, which I have always enjoyed, slipped easily into a basic blues style. And it is just plain fun!

Nothin Left to Lose (Robin’s Blues) (Kolassa)

Robin Williams’ suicide left me wondering how a mind that brilliant could see suicide as his only solution. My attempt to understand his state of mind brought me to this song. Kirk Smothers’ sax on this song is fantastic, he captured the spirit of the song and took it right where it needed to go.

If I Ain’t Fishin (Kolassa)

This song was inspired by a telephone conversation – it describes the break that everyone needs! This is a mostly acoustic track, meant to be laid back and enjoyable. Have fun, that’s what it’s about!

Mama Told me Not to Come (Randy Newman)

Randy Newman reportedly wrote this song for Eric Burdon, intending it to have a more bluesy sound. Three Dog Night made it sound fun, but Newman’s own versions of it show that he saw the party as something more edgy, even dangerous. We tried to bring that sense of the party to the listeners.

Whiskey Woman (Kolassa)

On this song we were joined by some wonderful guests. Logan and Cole Layman are two young blues musicians who are making their mark in a hurry. Logan is a great bass player and vocalist, and Cole is an amazing your guitarist. We were joined in the studio by two lovely ladies, Annika Chambers and Tracey K Masteler, who together with Logan did backing vocals. Tracey did double duty as the vocal arranger on this tune, helping the ladies to find just the right notes to bring this tune together.

Walkin (Dead) Blues (Kolassa)

Why not have a zombie blues song? I mean, life ain’t easy for a flesh eating undead person! My only regret about this song is that Brandon and Jeff play some amazing stuff that might be missed because of the lyrics. Listen closely to their interplay.

Mama’s Got a Mojo (Kolassa)

I have always loved rhumba-based blues and when I got the idea for this song I knew that it needed to be a rhumba. The band stepped up and really delivered on this.

Delta Town (Kolassa)

Clarksdale Mississippi is an iconic town, the epicenter of the blues. Every year in April Clarksdale hosts the Juke Joint Festival, which inspired this song. There is blues music everywhere you look and listen. It is my favorite time of year. We were joined on this tune by Watermelon Slim, a Clarksdale resident who is a fantastic blues artist and wonderful (and colorful) human being. His slide guitar and harp made this tune very special to me, and so very Clarksdale!

In the song I talk about the Riverside Hotel, a magical place in Clarksdale. The Riverside was originally the G.T. Thomas Hospital – the region’s African American Hospital. It is the hospital in which Bessie Smith died after a tragic car crash. In 1944 it was closed and converted into a hotel, and for the next 50 years it is where blues musicians stayed when in Clarksdale. The greats, including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, the Blind Boys of Mississippi, and many others slept soundly in those rooms after playing local gigs. Ike Turner and his band worked out the arrangement for Rocket 88 before going to Memphis to record it – the first Rock and Roll song – at Sun Studios.

The Riverside is now operated by Zee, the third generation of management. There is a magic there that you can feel. The Riverside is a National Treasure!

Mick Kolassa - Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar

Jeff Jensen - Principal electric & Acoustic Guitars
Bill Ruffino - Bass (except # 09)
Robinson Bridgeforth - Drums
Chris Stephenson - Organ
Victor Wainwright - Piano (## 03, 04, 07)
Brandon Santini - Harmonica (## 05, 08, 10)
Eric Hughes - Harmonica (## 02, 07)
Watermelon Slim - Dobro & Harmonica (# 12)
Walter Hughes - Slide Guitar (# 02)
Reba Russell - Backing Vocals (## 03, 05, 08)
Logan Layman - Bass & Backing Vocals (# 09)
Cole Layman - Guitar (# 09)
Tracey K. Masteler - Backing Vocals & Vocal Arrangement (# 09)
Annika Chambers - Backing Vocals (# 09)
James Cunningham - Added Percussion
Kirk Smothers - Tenor & Baritone Saxophone (## 04, 06)

Produced by Jeff Jensen
Arrangements by Mick Kolassa and Jeff Jensen
Executive Producer: Ted Todd
Recorded and Engineered by Adam Hill at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN, January 2015
Additional Tracking at Soul Sway Studios, Memphis, TN and Engineered by James Bennett, February 2015
Mixing Engineer: Jeff Bakos, Bakos Amp Works, Atlanta, GA
Mastered by Brad Blackwood at Eupohonic Masters, Memphis, TN