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”

Paul Size now offering guitar lessons

For the past several years, Paul Size has carved a niche for himself as the guitarist for the blues-soul-party combo Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Size’s chops remain top-notch since leaving The Red Devils, as I can attest personally, having seen Hoy and the boys here in Bloomington a few years ago. Those of youContinue reading “Paul Size now offering guitar lessons”

Moulin DVD highlight reel

The Web site that brought us the 13 Moulin Blues DVD, http://www.bluesdvd.nl, now has a YouTube channel. Of interest to us: A great quality highlight reel of the 13 DVD. If you’ve been on the fence about getting this concert, watch this video and get going!

Another fan weighs in on Moulin 1998 DVD

More than a year after its release — and more than 11 since the gig — the Lester Butler DVD, “Live at Moulin Blues Ospel 1998 — Lester’s Legendary Last Gig,” is still being discovered by fans. A review posted today by “Slidin’ Slim” from Sweden underlines some of what we’ve been saying about thisContinue reading “Another fan weighs in on Moulin 1998 DVD”

Doghouse Lords unleashed in California

For all your Bill Bateman needs, look no further than The Doghouse Lords, with dates next week in California. As an added bonus, it looks like Bateman and John Bazz are pulling double duty with The Blasters on a couple of these gigs. Doghouse Lords guitarist Chopper Franklin (late of The Cramps) tells nofightin.com thatContinue reading “Doghouse Lords unleashed in California”

Found! ‘Louisiana Blues’ rare promo tape 1992

After years of myths, faded memories, lost opportunities and cold trails, the rarest of Red Devils recordings is discovered, recasting the band as a semi-acoustic traditional blues combo. Even after the package arrived in the mail, it was still hard to believe the search was over. In our hands was the much-rumored “Louisiana Blues” promoContinue reading “Found! ‘Louisiana Blues’ rare promo tape 1992”