The true story of ‘Louisiana Blues’ and the birth of The Red Devils

Thirty-five years ago, The Blue Shadows recorded “Louisiana Blues,” marking a pivotal moment in their transition to The Red Devils. With the addition of Paul Size and the interest of Rick Rubin, the band became The Red Devils.

Listen: Chris Masterson live with Lester Butler in Santa Monica

Lester Butler showcased the California version of 13 with guitarist Chris Masterson at 14 Below on March 29, 1998. Check out two live cuts from that show: “Automatic” and “Devil Woman.”

King Ernest rides with Lester Butler on 1997’s ‘Black Bag Blues’

Lester Butler contributed the song “Black Bag Blues,” and his distinctive harmonica playing, to California soul singer King Ernest’s 1997 release “King of Hearts.”

Kid Ramos tears it up in 1989 Blue Shadows videos

Back in December, Kid Ramos posted three very cool videos a version of The Blue Shadows from 1989 — Bill Bateman, Jonny Ray Bartel, Dave Lee Bartel, Lester Butler and, well, the first “Kid” on guitar. Well, videos of videos. Is this the earliest recording out there of the core of The Blue Shadows/Red Devils, beforeContinue reading “Kid Ramos tears it up in 1989 Blue Shadows videos”

3 live bonus tracks on 13 reissue

The “13 featuring Lester Butler” reissue will include three live bonus cuts from the Tamines Festival in 1997. The tracklist for the disc, out March 22, was revealed today in a news release and e-mail exchange with RockBeat Records, a division of S’More Entertainment: 13 FEATURING LESTER BUTLER There are very few white blues bandsContinue reading “3 live bonus tracks on 13 reissue”

More Netherlands ticket stubs, 1993-97

We are continuing to sift through Feelgood’s fantastic collection of Red Devils and 13 memorabilia. He’s sent us a lot of great stuff to look at, including images of several ticket stubs, and the really cool handbill at right. It is from the Nov. 18, 1993, gig at Schaaf, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Appears that PaulContinue reading “More Netherlands ticket stubs, 1993-97”