Author Archives: J.J. Perry

Roll ’em, Gene: Boogie woogie master Gene Taylor dies in Austin, Texas

Gene Taylor, whose fiery boogie woogie and classic blues piano graced decades worth of classic albums and stages around the world, died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. According to social media posts from family and friends, Taylor, who lived in Austin, Texas, had been without heat or water for days during the devastating winter storm thisContinue reading “Roll ’em, Gene: Boogie woogie master Gene Taylor dies in Austin, Texas”

Paul Size solo album pre-order up + Bateman/Bartel streaming live tonight

Lots of Red Devils-related stuff going on this weekend. Let’s jump into it: ‘Can’t Lose Playing the Blues’ The debut solo album from Paul Size, “Can’t Lose Playing the Blues,” is available for pre-order now on Bandcamp. The digital album will be up on March 5; physical CDs will be shipped March 5. Both areContinue reading “Paul Size solo album pre-order up + Bateman/Bartel streaming live tonight”

‘A rowdy presentation of the blues’ … Dave Lee Bartel in 1992

From the Sept. 3, 1992, Des Moines (Iowa) Register, we get this interview with Dave Lee Bartel. The occasion was a gig the next week, Sept. 9, at the Iowa State State Memorial Union’s Maintenance Shop (“M-Shop”) venue in Ames, Iowa. Tickets reasonably priced at $2 ($3 day of show). Where did the Devils play?Continue reading “‘A rowdy presentation of the blues’ … Dave Lee Bartel in 1992”

From Screamin’ Jay to Icepick James to 13 … the birth of a ‘Plague’

The recent health news of James Harman has reminded me, again, of the cyclical nature of the blues, and the passing down of music from one to another. Lester Butler was (in)famous for partaking in this tradition. What many probably don’t know is that the most notorious song on “13 Featuring Lester Butler” is notContinue reading “From Screamin’ Jay to Icepick James to 13 … the birth of a ‘Plague’”

11 favorite moments on ‘King King’

Having lived with “King King” for the last 28 years, I believe I know this record better than any other I’ve heard. It gets at least one annual “I’m obsessed with this” turn in the car or earbuds, not to mention all of the other times it crops up on various playlists. We all haveContinue reading “11 favorite moments on ‘King King’”

Video: Ride With the Devils Tonight

It’s Black Friday in the United States today, but No Fightin’ brings you some rare, unheard Red Devils for free. “Ridin’ in the Moonlight,” “Ride With Your Daddy Tonight,” “Pretty Baby” … whatever you call it, it’s The Red Devils Live at the King King club in Hollywood, California, 28 years ago, Nov. 30, 1992.Continue reading “Video: Ride With the Devils Tonight”

Rick Rubin: ‘I hope Mick Jagger/Red Devils comes out’

With the recent reissue of Mick Jagger’s four solo albums on 180 gram vinyl, it’s time again for everyone to lament that the Mick Jagger/Red Devils 1992 blues sessions have still not been issued officially. Everyone including Jagger’s producer. “It’s incredible, (but) it’s up to Mick,” Rick Rubin said in an Ultimate Classic Rock storyContinue reading “Rick Rubin: ‘I hope Mick Jagger/Red Devils comes out’”