Reviews for 1997’s “13 featuring Lester Butler” were collected at the time by Jasper Heikens for the Lester Butler Tribute Site. These long-lost reviews provide a snapshot of a moment in time when Butler was still breaking ground, “the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion meets Little Walter.”
Tag Archives: 13
Bukowski, drug busts and blues: Inside Lester Butler’s ‘lost year’ (1995)
In 1995, Lester Butler found himself picking up gigs and living with a “family” of bohemian creatives in Sherman Oaks. Rob Neighbors takes us inside.
Lester Butler tributes in Netherlands, California
It seems we’re heading into a little Lester Butler renaissance. Not only is “13 featuring Lester Butler” being reissued on March 22, but two tribute shows are set up featuring many of the musicians heard on that record. First up is Lester Butler Tribute Night March 25, 2011, with the Lester Butler Tribute Band atContinue reading “Lester Butler tributes in Netherlands, California”
Lester Butler & G. Love on VPRO’s “Lola Da Musica” 1998
Certainly one of Lester Butler’s last televised appearances was made on the March 6, 1998, edition of VPRO’s “Lola Da Musica” program in The Netherlands. Just two months later, Butler would die in L.A. The program — featuring Butler co-billed with folk-hop jammer G. Love — has been widely distributed by fans of both forContinue reading “Lester Butler & G. Love on VPRO’s “Lola Da Musica” 1998″
Review: Johnny Mastro’s “Beautiful Chaos”
L.A.’s Johnny Mastro and Mama’s Boys spare no grease or grit on their new disc “Beautiful Chaos.” Fans of 13 will find much to enjoy here; Mama’s Boys even feature 13 touring bassist Mike Hightower playing behind harp man Mastro (also notable is special guest Kirk Fletcher on guitar). Produced in Detroit by Jim DiamondContinue reading “Review: Johnny Mastro’s “Beautiful Chaos””
Mannish Boys go “Way Down South” on new CD
Get a rotating cast of blues legends and superior players, a lineup of classic-but-not-beat-to-death tunes, mix in some excellent production and a loose vibe, and you get The Mannish Boys, one of the coolest concepts in modern blues. The Boys (with a foundation of Finis Tasby and Bobby Jones on vocals, Randy Chortkoff on harmonica,Continue reading “Mannish Boys go “Way Down South” on new CD”
nofightin.com on YouTube
For those who haven’t seen it on the righthand side of the page, nofightin.com is now on YouTube as nofightindotcom. Right now, we’ve gathered some of the best Red Devils, 13 and Lester Butler clips in easy-to-use playlists, so you can hear things like Pinkpop all in one sitting (and in the right order). IfContinue reading “nofightin.com on YouTube”
DVD: Live at Moulin 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig
It’s rare for any “new” Lester Butler or Red Devils material to be released now, more than 10 years since Butler’s passing. Which is why the 2008 DVD “Live at Moulin Blues Ospel 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig” is such a special document. Recorded at Butler’s last gig, just a week before his untimelyContinue reading “DVD: Live at Moulin 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig”
Lester Butler — 13 with a bullet!
One of the best interviews with Lester Butler floating on the Internet is a 1997 Q&A with New Zealand music magazine The Real Groove called “13 with a bullet!” It touches on blues, drugs, religion and spirituality, tattoos, death, rehab and more. The interview is getting harder to find on the web, so here itContinue reading “Lester Butler — 13 with a bullet!”
Timeline added: Tours, albums, festivals, more
We’ve added a Red Devils/Lester Butler timeline to nofightin.com. The timeline will focus specifically on The Red Devils proper, along with Lester Butler and 13. This will be a perpetual work in progress, with corrections and additions coming when appropriate. I’ve trolled the web to find opening slots and tour dates, along with other importantContinue reading “Timeline added: Tours, albums, festivals, more”
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