Lemuria Bookstore Blog

Roger’s concise to the point Hidden History of Mississippi Blues is condensed in a way that’s appealing to the blues fan and the novice. Interesting facts presented with Lou Bopp‘s fine photos are just enough for this little book. Most importantly Roger’s interviews with current Delta Blues musicians prove that this art form isn’t dying [...]

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When Preston Lauterbach set out to write The Chitlin’ Circuit I’m sure he never intended for it to be a “secret history” of Mississippi, but that’s what it feels like to me. As the dust jacket marketing says, The Chitlin’ Circuit is “The first history of the network of black nightclubs that created Rock ‘N’ [...]

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“A juke house was where anything goes.” – Jimmy “Duck” Holmes There was a time when we went to a juke joint. And we used to go hear live blues and dance until the wee hours. In fact a few pictures of such activities have appeared on this blog. Now days we have little ones [...]

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Bobby Rush showed up unannounced. Yes he did. You should have been there.

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Much of a blues experience is determined by the scene for performing and listening: outside festivals with the state of the art sound systems or venues with music coming from store fronts, sidewalks or alleys. The venue itself often determines what kind of experience is shared by the performer and the listener reflecting with the [...]

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On my travels to hear music throughout Mississippi, I enjoy setting the tone by visiting Mississippi Blues Trail markers. Scott Barretta, author of State of Blues, has written and designed,with Jim O’Neill, many of these blues trail placements. I’ve found it’s fun to slow my journeys, seek out a marker while listening to the music [...]

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As I travel to musical events in the Delta, I enjoy visiting the graves of blues players. It’s my homage and my way to show appreciation and care for the psyche of the makers of this music that I admire and enjoy. A couple of years ago, along with my music buddy and girlfriend Jeanie, [...]

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From the 1981 Muddy Waters King Bee Album, Neil White chose this unforgettable photo for his broadminded catalog of Mississippians. I am a fan of this later years record. Actually, I think I am a fan of every Muddy Waters record that I’ve heard. I often kick myself in the rump for not ever making [...]

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Around 40 years ago, I learned about Son Thomas from Bill Ferris’s research and work. Soon there after, at Patti Black’s Capitol Folk Series, I heard Son live in the restored senate chamber. These two folks have done so much to preserve and guide our education about Mississippi blues. About five years ago, I heard [...]

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Hopson Plantation is the home of the annual Pinetop Perkins Birthday Celebration–taking place this Sunday. Pinetop was the piano player for Muddy Waters’ legendary blues band from Belzoni and drove a tractor on Hopson in the 1940s. With a vibrant and legendary career at the age of 97, Pinetop has recently been honored with a [...]

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