Author Archives: J.J. Perry

13 rehearsal videos 1998

Thanks to drummer Eddie Clark, much of 13’s history has been preserved on video, including excellent rehearsal videos of Lester Butler and 13 from 1998.. You should recognize these videos as the source of the “Business in the Street” clips from the 13 Moulin Blues DVD, recorded at YO! Studios, Van Nuyes, California, in MarchContinue reading “13 rehearsal videos 1998”

‘Blast furnace blues’: Dec. 3, 1992, ‘King King’ review

Looking around a few months ago, I found this review of “King King” from the University of Houston Daily Cougar Online archives, Dec. 3, 1992. I really like the exuberance and imagery in this review. As a bonus: A Jeff Healey review! BLOSSOMING BANDS BESTOW PLEASING PLATTERS by Manuel Esparza Daily Cougar Staff How doContinue reading “‘Blast furnace blues’: Dec. 3, 1992, ‘King King’ review”

Live in Bloomington, 1992

Just a few months after first hearing The Red Devils in 1992, I was thrilled to learn the band would be performing just down the street, at Jake’s Nightclub in Bloomington, Indiana. The show — originally Sept. 28 — was rescheduled for Oct. 13, one week ahead of my 21st birthday. A press pass fromContinue reading “Live in Bloomington, 1992”

“Goin’ to the Church” lyrics

“Goin’ to the Church” (Lester Butler), from “King King” I’m goin’ to the church Fall on my knees and pray I’m goin’ to the church Fall on my knees and pray Got a bad old man People I just can’t stay People I just can’t stay People I just can’t stay People I can’t stay

DVD review: Red Devils at Moulin 1993

By the 1993 Moulin Blues Festival, the Red Devils had been touring for several months on end, and the wear and tear can be seen — but not heard — in the three bonus tracks on the DVD. While the band looks beat up, they are as tight a musical unit as one could hopeContinue reading “DVD review: Red Devils at Moulin 1993”

DVD review: Photos show Butler’s private side

Besides the stellar concert, the DVD “Live at Moulin Blues Ospel 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig” boasts a photo gallery totalling about 80 pictures, many of which are never-before-seen personal images of Butler and his family. Over a music bed of 13’s “Pray for Me” and “Way Down South,” the images on the DVDContinue reading “DVD review: Photos show Butler’s private side”

DVD review: Lester Butler at his best

It’s very easy in hindsight to project added significance to the DVD “Live at Moulin Blues Ospel 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig.” Every song choice, every note, every glance can take on a different meaning knowing that Butler would be dead just a week later. The reality is he probably considered it just anotherContinue reading “DVD review: Lester Butler at his best”