I have been fooling with distributing the band’s music on USB flash drives. The problem has been the cost. I bought 30 assorted flash drives from a site called SurplusComputers.com. I’ve had great luck with this. The 256 meg flash drives cost $29.99 for a ten pack with free shipping. This is $3 each. I’ve been bringing 9 or 10 to each gig and selling out. I think I could charge $10 each. I can crowd 8 songs onto each drive, but I am experimenting with using a higher compression rate for the files to fit 12 songs. It’s either that or have shorter solos in each song.

The fans love it. They just plug them into their computer, and either import them into iTunes or just play them off the flash drive. They can copy the files off and use the drive for other things.

This is the wave of the future people! It is a little more expensive than burning CDs, but takes less time. There is no cover art to fool with and they sell to a different group of people than the CD crowd. Techy fans who would not consider the CD are drawn to the flash drive, seeing that it has value over and above the songs on it.

The new Hohner Hoodoo line has hit the retail outlets. I just ordered one from Coast2CoastMusic.com. I am a traditionalist, so I prefer the JT-30, but I like gadgets, too, so I want to try this out. I have a couple of wireless rigs, but I have never seen the advantage. This has a “ring” mic, so it might work out well.

Hohner Hoodoo Hand Wireless Microphone System

Consisting of a bodypack transmitter with belt clip, a dual diversity UHF receiver, and the innovative Hoodoo Ring microphone, this system frees you from being tethered to your microphone.

The Hoodoo Hand system allows you to use your natural hand cupping and playing techniques while eliminating the need to deal with bulky bullet-style wired microphones. The patented Hoodoo Ring Microphone is a tiny lavalier mic that’s been tweaked to produce the low-fi, overdriven sound most blues players crave, while still being capable of producing relatively clean output when the music or your style requires it. The mic nestles in a clip with two finger holes that slip over your middle and ring fingers. Hohner includes two clips with different finger hole diameters to fit a wide range of finger sizes. The beauty of the design becomes obvious the moment you begin playing. Without a bulky mic occupying most of the cavity formed by your cupped hands, an acoustic space is created for producing a wide range of effects like flutters and tremolos. And because it’s easy to create a tight seal between your hands and mouth, your sound has all the punch and dynamics you could hope for.

The dual-diversity UHF-band receiver has both 1/4 inch and balanced XLR outputs so you can send your signal to either an amp or the PA. The front panel has a convenient rotary volume knob for fast onstage adjustments and indicators for power, normal and peak signal levels, and lights that indicate which antenna is in use.

The system comes in a durable plastic travel case and includes a magic Hoodoo drawstring bag for accessories.

Hohner Hoodoo Hand Harmonica Wireless Microphone System Features:

Transmitter
* Wireless mic system optimized for harmonica
* Special lavaliere mic tuned for harmonica
* Unique Hoodoo Ring mic clips (2 sizes supplied)
* Supports and enhances cupping techniques
* Offers complete freedom of movement
* Powered by 2 AA batteries
* Rechargeable battery jack
* 3-position sensitivity switch
* Bodypack dimensions: 2-5/8W x 3-5/16H x 7/8D

Receiver
* UHF band dual-diversity receiver
* Operates at 630.200MHz
* 1/4 inch unbalanced output
* XLR balanced output
* 12V DC input (adapter included)
* Dual antennas
* Rotary front-panel volume knob
* Indicator lights for power, antenna, normal and peak signal
* Receiver dimensions: 9-1/4 inches W x 2 inches H x 4-1/2 inches D

Includes molded case, accessory pouch, 48 inch 1/4 inch cable, 40 inch mic cable.

I came across this blurb about an upcoming movie about the lives of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and other Blues greats who recorded at Chess studios in the 1950s. It is due out in 2009 and I will go see it.

The story is about Leonard Chess, the legendary founder of the South Side Chicago blues label Chess Records. The period piece follows the rise and fall of Chess Records, which launched the careers of such R&B greats as Muddy Waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Chess, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, scoured the South, checking out the various blues scenes and selling records from the back of his Cadillac.

According to the book ‘Can’t Be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters’ by Robert Gordon, Geneva Wade was Muddy Waters’ girlfriend in the late 1940s. She would later become Mrs. Muddy Waters, Geneva Morganfield. Muddy’s real name was McKinley Morganfield. Her kids through another relationship were raised by her and Muddy. The song ‘Little Geneva’ was based on her. The book states that Muddy was quoted as saying ‘When I met her, even though I was a recording success, there were still people who scorned my music. Geneva encouraged me to ignore them and fight for what I wanted to accomplish. I’ll never be able to put words the way I feel about her.’

Directed by Darnell Martin, the film also stars Adrian Brody as Leonard Chess, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Beyonce Knowles as Etta James, Eamonn Walker as Howlin’ Wolf, Columbus Short as Little Walter and Mos Def confirmed as Chuck Berry.

Currently filming in New Jersey, Sony BMG will release ‘Cadillac Records’ in 2009.

Gabrielle Union Cast In ‘Cadillac Records’ As Geneva Wade, Muddy Waters’ Girlfriend

Here’s a nice link to a Brazilian harp player an mic designer.Carlos May & The Fast Jumpers

I missed this last week, but Little Walter made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s too bad he didn’t make it to the after show party. I wonder if Madonna would have sung Dead Presidents with him on the harp. I know, it’s only Rock and Roll.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces its Inductees for 2008: “Little Walter (May 1, 1930 – February 15, 1968) Although Little Walter might not have been the first person to amplify the harmonica, his pioneering use of the microphone helped establish the modern blues harmonica. With a mike clasped to his harp, Little Walter created echoing, moaning, hornlike sounds that redefined the capabilities of the instrument. Walter Jacobs had fourteen top ten hits on the R&B charts in the 1950′s including two number #1 songs “Juke” and “My Babe.” Little Walter toured and recorded extensively with blues great Muddy Waters in the 1950′s. He also recorded with Jimmy Rogers, Memphis Minnie, Otis Rush and Bo Diddley. Little Walter’s influence was pervasive, especially in England where the next generation of harp players such as Mick Jagger listened to his records over and over.”

Bill Rhoades is one of the acts at The First ‘Save the Trees’ Event to Occur on Arbor Day Weekend (4/26-27)

Want to rescue trees? Sing the Blues!

Bill Rhoades:

Known as the ‘Godfather of the Northwest Blues,’ Bill Rhoades is on every must hear list for Blues Harp. Not only is he a much awarded Hall of Fame inductee, he is an acclaimed Blues scholar and keeper of the true Flame. Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings are the acknowledged Masters of Chicago-style Blues and Texas Blues, adding their own distinct color to the palette. And that color is pure, straight no chaser, Blues.