kudzurunner
4313 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:24 AM
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I'm happy to share the news here first. I've just signed a licensing deal with Right Recordings, a UK indy label headed by John Kaufman. They've picked up KICK AND STOMP and will have worldwide rights for the next three years.
What will this mean in practical terms? Licensing means that I retain ownership of the masters. I also retain my own publishing, although RR will administer it--seeking placement for my songs in films, etc., and taking a small fee for that service. More importantly, RR will manufacture and distribute a lot of CDs across the UK--followed, if things play out as planned, by the rest of Europe, Japan, and then the US. (CDs still account, according to Kaufman, for 85% of pop music sales in the UK.)
Even more importantly, Right Recordings will seek promotional opportunities--not just the expected blues radio shows, but a much larger array of outlets, including the Jools Holland show. I wasn't familiar with that show, but I gather that it is part of the star-making machinery in the UK. Certainly it's reasonable to assume that I'll end up in some festivals next summer.
On its YouTube page, I found the following description of Right Recordings: "An independent record label based in London. Artists include: Shirley Bassey, Kiki Dee, The Move, Melanie Brown, Elkie Brooks, Sham '69, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, The Jive Aces and many more...."
The key thing is the Right Recordings is NOT a blues label, or even a roots label. It's a pop label. Kaufman made clear that he is not particularly looking to introduce me to a blues harmonica audience in the UK (he assumes that they pretty much know who I am) or a broader blues audience, although both audiences would hopefully be interested in what I'm doing. His interest is in finding the sort of roots/pop audience--if such a term makes sense--that helped Seasick Steve become much more visible after his 2006 appearance on Jools Holland's show:
I made quite clear that I'm no Seasick Steve. I may have played with Satan on the streets of Harlem, but I wasn't a hobo and I don't look or talk like a meth dealer. Kaufman would not be dissuaded. So we worked through the details and signed the deal.
The gist of all this is that you folks in the UK are likely, although not certain, to be hearing a bit more about me, and perhaps seeing a bit more of me live, over the next little while. Only a fool, sitting where I'm sitting, would assume that a fairy tale is about to come true--a fairy tale being a live appearance on Jools Holland followed by album sales of 100,000, lots of festival appearances, and four million hits on the YouTube clip. In popular mythology, musicians live to have their hopes dashed by the promises of record executives. I get all that. But there's essentially no downside risk here. For now, Right Recordings won't have a hand in any other of my albums, including the Blues Doctors album I'm about to release. KICK AND STOMP has been out for three years and has already made back its recording costs several times over. I've done about as much with K&S, on my own, as I can do. When an offer like this comes along, out of the blue, I take it seriously. I'm not much of a gambling man, but I'm not afraid to try something new.
So I'm delighted to share the news. How it will all play out over the next three years remains unclear. But I do look forward to seeing a few of my UK friends next summer--and sharing a pint or two, hopefully.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Oct 19, 2013 6:33 AM
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harpdude61
1868 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:28 AM
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HUGE congrats! Earned and well deserved! I've watched many of the Jools Holland shows on my "on demand" cable system so that will bring more U.S. exposure as well.
Really happy for you Adam!
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jawbone
535 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:35 AM
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Hey Congrats Adam!!!! In the words of Rompin' Ronny - "The big time is just around the corner"
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If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
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Frank
3036 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:44 AM
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Congratulations Adam...You always have my head spinning with all the incredible things you have going on - where you find the time and energy to live such a full life like you do is an amazing feat in and of it self - regardless what happens with this or any deal - YOU are in my eyes a role model of SUCCESS :)
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harmonicanick
2061 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:55 AM
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Adam, looking forward to meeting you here, congratulations on your deal and all the best
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Barley Nectar
138 posts
Oct 19, 2013
7:20 AM
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That's quite a complement when they seek you out. You deserve this for all your tallent and helpfull manner. Your already a PRO so the way I see it this is iceing on the cake. Cheers Mate...BN AKA Goose
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MindTheGap
18 posts
Oct 19, 2013
7:33 AM
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Adam, this is fantastic news. You have been a regular guest on our computer screens at home, and seeing you playing live on Jools would be something really special. Fingers crossed, and please keep us posted on developments.
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Stevelegh
866 posts
Oct 19, 2013
7:41 AM
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Superb!
Look forward to seeing you on Jools. If you get invited, let us know when so we can get tickets.
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walterharp
1201 posts
Oct 19, 2013
7:49 AM
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congrats!
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Greg Heumann
2421 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:11 AM
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Congratulations, Adam - a nice feather in your cap. I hope it translates to feathering your nest!
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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barbequebob
2353 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:19 AM
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Congratulations!!!
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Gnarly
729 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:24 AM
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@Greg, +1
@Kudzu, you will know it's working when you have to quit your day job LOL
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Frank
3041 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:42 AM
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"you will know it's working when you have to quit your day job"
and you arrive in the Caribbean on a private jet, a limo pulls up and scurries you off to Jimmy Buffet's villa were you will be entertaining his cronies - you end up meeting JayZ who invites you to perform with him at an intimate Presidential Hoopla. From there your whisked away to an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine to discuss your CD's -and finally you finish the Evening sipping bourbon with BB king in suite in New York discussing multiple tours with him in 2014, with the last gig set for Carnegie Hall in January of 2015...But wait, there is more...a month before the Carnegie Hall gig you get a call from Dick Clarke Enterprises and they want you to be the one who counts down the dropping of the ball in NYC and from there you will be escorted by playboy bunnies to be apart of a live broadcasting of a jam session with some of the greatest blues musicians on the planet - then the following day Jan 1st of 2015 you open for BB King at Carnegie Hall. At the end of the show your invited up to play the last song with BB King and as your jamming away Mr. Satan is secretly brought out on to the stage and you two do a Stomp and Romp that is greeted with explosive applause...There Is an after party thrown by the Rolling Stones and they make you an offer to tour with them and go into the studio - you end up being featured on the record and create some masterful harp solo's that surpass Sugar Blues and for the next 150 years radio listeners will hear your music played around the world :)
Last Edited by Frank on Oct 19, 2013 9:41 AM
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sonny3
56 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:55 AM
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Congrats! Does Seasick Steve talk like a Meth dealer?
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nacoran
7239 posts
Oct 19, 2013
9:27 AM
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Woohoo!!! :) :) :)
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
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tookatooka
3550 posts
Oct 19, 2013
10:03 AM
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Congratulations Adam. I'm a great fan of the "Later, with Jools Holland" show. Jools is a fantastic pianist and has his own Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. I believe Paul McCartney will be appearing on his show very soon. Jools loves music and tries to share his enthusiasm for it by introducing viewers to many of the groups and performers who are excellent but not in the mainstream of the music industry. I remember seeing Brendan Power doing a few numbers on there a couple of years ago. Keeping my fingers crossed that you will be a guest on there too. It would be great.
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kudzurunner
4314 posts
Oct 19, 2013
10:56 AM
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sonny3: I've never actually met a meth dealer, but that's my general impression, yes.
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John95683
122 posts
Oct 19, 2013
11:09 AM
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Congrats, Adam. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you at your workshop in Campbell, and to hear you play in person that night. I wish you much success.
John
Last Edited by John95683 on Oct 19, 2013 11:10 AM
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Gipsy
34 posts
Oct 19, 2013
12:32 PM
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Many congratulations, and well deserved.
Later with Jules Holland is a well respected TV programme, that showcases many different genres of music. It's all live, and with serious musicians. It's definitely not a pop record promoting show. It's much more a place to bring your A game and show it to an appreciative audience. I'm sure you'll have a ball.
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MindTheGap
19 posts
Oct 19, 2013
12:50 PM
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Not wanting to focus just on Jools Holland, but he also does the big new year's eve show, which everyone in the UK has to watch by law - or so it seems :) If you can get on that, then almost everyone here will see you!
The number of festivals have grown enormously over the last few years, so I hope we can see you at one or more of those too. My lads seem to spend half the summer going to or recovering from festivals.
I thought that Seasick Steve always comes across as polite and kindly in his performances here. Maybe he has a different image in the US?
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Oct 19, 2013 12:52 PM
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stokeblues
57 posts
Oct 19, 2013
12:51 PM
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do you realize how bigger show Jools Holland is??? new set of underpants dude!!!!!
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jimbo-G
189 posts
Oct 19, 2013
2:22 PM
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YES!!! Congrats man, don't forget about wee old Scotland when your gigging.
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Aussiesucker
1343 posts
Oct 19, 2013
2:33 PM
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Congratulations.
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HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
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JInx
589 posts
Oct 19, 2013
4:24 PM
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Damn, why you gotta through seasick under the bus?
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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kudzurunner
4315 posts
Oct 19, 2013
4:34 PM
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Jinx, I'm SO so sorry. You're absolutely right. I've been beastly. I take it back. Seasick is a perfect gentleman. Horrible of me, really. I promise I won't throw him under the bus again. He grew up there, he lives there, his whole rap in the video I posted is about stuff like that--growing up as a guy whom people tossed under the bus--but it was rude and unfair of me to characterize him in the way I did. I've never done meth and I'm sure that he never did that sort of thing, either--even if he was a hobo who worked late nights in a recording studio in the Pacific Northwest and hung out with all the grunge musicians.
It was evil of me to talk about his down-and-out-and-dangerous appearance and way of talking through the proxy of meth, and I promise that I won't do it again. In my own defense, I should not that I never claimed that he actually sold or used meth. I said that he LOOKED like a guy who did. And he does. He looks quite a bit like the most famous meth dealer in America, only somewhat rougher:
http://images.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/1267206274_top-10-fictional-drug-dealers_6.jpg
Seasick plays a mean three-string guitar and in the video that made his reputation (above), he tells a great story about the hardships of his life. The story is mostly true, and it's a great story regardless.
My point, in any case, and one that you seem to have missed, is that I DON'T look like a meth dealer, or a hobo. Much to my chagrin, from a blues perspective, I'm as clean-cut as Joe Bonamassa. That's the point I was trying to convey to John Kaufman, as a way of disabusing him of the idea that I could somehow replicate Seasick Steve's career trajectory. Then again, I'm Satan's cussed apprentice--a bit of a crank--and so there's still hope.
Gimme a hit of that pipe, somebody. Satan's boy incoming.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Oct 19, 2013 5:02 PM
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blueswannabe
314 posts
Oct 19, 2013
4:42 PM
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Congratulations!! I wish you the best of success and prosperity! I bet you can't wait for the world tour!
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JInx
590 posts
Oct 19, 2013
4:53 PM
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Its ok kudzu...you're gonna be fine. Good luckwith your big deal!, just don't let it go to your head...oops too late. ;-)
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
Last Edited by JInx on Oct 19, 2013 5:22 PM
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tookatooka
3551 posts
Oct 19, 2013
4:57 PM
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I'd pay good money to see Adam and Seasick playing as a duo :) That would be something.
I watched a documentary about Seasick and he came across as a very humble, nice man. He couldn't get over the fact that people actually enjoyed his music and were willing to pay him to perform. Although he'd made it big in the UK all he wanted was to get a new John Deere baseball cap.
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kudzurunner
4316 posts
Oct 19, 2013
5:03 PM
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Tooka, I'm sure SS is a great guy, and I meant no harm. I hope I'm lucky enough to share a stage with him.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Oct 19, 2013 5:13 PM
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timeistight
1407 posts
Oct 19, 2013
5:15 PM
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Maybe Seasick Steve's a Harvard man and Dr. Gussow was continuing the ancient Princeton/Harvard feud.
The meth dealers I knew talked just like everybody else.
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bigd
488 posts
Oct 19, 2013
5:21 PM
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Congrats! To both yourself and Seasick (and anyone else who makes a few bucks and gets a little fame doing what they do organically) p.s. The Jules show is a great big versatile music celebration. d
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Facebook
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sonny3
58 posts
Oct 19, 2013
5:30 PM
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Steve does have a cool thing going on.Would love to see him and doc gussow play together.Anyone watch Breaking Bad?
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kudzurunner
4317 posts
Oct 19, 2013
5:40 PM
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How about if we let the meth thing go, everybody? It was a stupid thing of me to say.
Thanks to all for your positive vibes. I'll keep you posted as the journey continues.
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KingoBad
1404 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:32 PM
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Awesome!!!
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Danny
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Rubes
769 posts
Oct 20, 2013
3:38 AM
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Good stuff mate! Jools only gets the BEST!!!
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Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
Benny and Rubes at Reverbnation
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The Iceman
1224 posts
Oct 20, 2013
5:47 AM
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That record label is in the business of making money, so they must feel that kudzu has something to offer.
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The Iceman
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Mojokane
720 posts
Oct 20, 2013
6:41 AM
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Fascinating thread. You are so fortunate!
And you earned it, too. You are amongst friends, on this thread.
More power to you!
Remember to mind your tongue.
That's how the fish got caught!(he opened his mouth). What's that line about the fool?...leaving them guessing..//
It hit me like a brick. So unlike you. Funny how shit like that comes out. I feel for you, that's all. Good lesson here folks.
And a hearty congratulations!
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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robbert
249 posts
Oct 20, 2013
8:27 AM
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I love that you got signed. And that its sort of gravy in a way. How much more fun could that be? It's inspiring. And it'll be interesting to see along what byways you travel with this. All the best!
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Calvin
33 posts
Oct 20, 2013
9:57 AM
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Congrats!
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florida-trader
382 posts
Oct 20, 2013
10:10 AM
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Congratulations Adam. You do an a lot for the music world and in particular the harmonica community. It is only fitting that you are rewarded.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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1847
1220 posts
Oct 20, 2013
10:12 AM
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I remember when I signed my first deal with a record label.
The first record was .99 cents
And I got the next 11 for free!
I had to agree to purchase 6 more at the regular price
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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kudzurunner
4319 posts
Oct 20, 2013
11:48 AM
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"I made quite clear that I'm no Seasick Steve. I may have played with Satan on the streets of Harlem, but I wasn't a hobo and I don't look or talk like a meth dealer."
That's what I wrote. It was meant to poke fun at myself for being notably more clean cut--and thus, in terms of public image, notably less bluesy--than Seasick Steve, who has made a point of playing up his lifelong down-and-outness as a way of establishing his blues cred. In particular, I was thinking of the character played by Bryan Cranston in the just-concluded hit TV series, "Breaking Bad." He, like Steve, has a lot of facial hair and an intimidating demeanor. I was also thinking of one of my former harmonica students back in NYC--a biker and pot dealer who got sent away to a federal pen in upstate NY for a good long time. Seasick Steve is a dead ringer for him. I wasn't slandering Steve, I was mocking my own complete and utter lack of bad-boy cred. If that's what's required to cross over in the English roots/pop market, I told Right Recordings (and suggested here), I'm not your guy. I"m just an intense, highly motivated harmonica player who makes a lot of noise with his feet and likes to fill space with sound. If I can fly with that toolkit, great! End of story.
It was "a stupid thing of me to say," I should clarify (meaning my apology above), because I should have learned by now that a lot of folks around here have no sense of humor, which is to say no sense of proportion. I think Seasick Steve himself would find the whole thing hysterical. I look forward to buying him a tall tankard of English ale when we finally meet--and getting blasted on some rock, if he's got any left. It's going to take some heavy and sustained self-abuse to wash away the memory of my public pillaging here. :(...................(@$&!@@)
Mojokane: If you think that the occasional puckish/spiky attempt at humor is "so unlike me," you don't know me as well as you think you do. I am an edgy guy. My dear wife will attest to that. I will continue, from time to time, to try and entertain.
I hope that we may now all relax and have some fun.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Oct 20, 2013 12:00 PM
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JInx
593 posts
Oct 20, 2013
1:47 PM
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A good label mate rivalry is almost as entertaining as band mate rivalry. You are off to a good start, make the most of it.
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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jbone
1389 posts
Oct 21, 2013
4:18 AM
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Adam my congrats to you! This may not be the gates to Candyland opening but it is a big feather in your cap as a musician.
Your hours of help provided both on youtube and here at the forum you put together have helped countless harp players world wide. A lot of us are very appreciative of that gesture alone. A few years ago you did a one day seminar here in the Little Rock area that I like to think helped us locals and you as well in different ways.
To be picked up by a label must be some very nice validation of hard work and passion getting a bit paid back. I'm still hoping to get you and a couple of other pros back here to do weekend seminars for the local players and any who would come from other places as well. My own career and music endeavors, and maybe lack of skill at organizing, have kept that idea on a back burner. But when I DO get to a place where I can do a clinic, I will definitely be polling you as one of a few pros who I'd love to have teach us here.
Again, congrats on this latest thing. It must feel good!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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HarpNinja
3530 posts
Oct 21, 2013
5:33 AM
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Congrats, Adam!
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
My Website
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arnenym
226 posts
Oct 21, 2013
5:33 AM
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Congratulations Adam.
Take this thing seriously and let the beard and hair grow before you visit Jools Holland show..
;D :D Lol...
once in the beginning of my career it was a man who said: Arne. If you gonna do a presentation in front of a bunch of journalists. Check your clothes and every hair on your head. because if it is one hair falling the wrong way or one button missed. Be shure they don't write anything about what you said. The will only see the hair or the missed button and write about the scandal.
I believe there is a lot of retired journalists on this forum.
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Bb
338 posts
Oct 21, 2013
7:36 AM
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I think we should all pitch in for Adam to get a neck tattoo.
-Bob
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http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Bourbon-Bleach/161722307208585
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bloozefish
130 posts
Oct 21, 2013
2:57 PM
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couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy..congrats, Prof!
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BronzeWailer
1160 posts
Oct 21, 2013
10:14 PM
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Congrats!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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Shaganappi
49 posts
Oct 22, 2013
5:33 AM
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A testament to talent, hard work, a down to earth honest approach, and not thinking small. Let's see - years on the street with Stirling - the YouTube give away - MBH & the forum - books & related - CD's - festivals - teaching seminars including HCH - networking - likely lots more. Other musicians do some of these - but doing so much and yet not falling apart? An amazing example to how to succeed (keep your shit together, stay focused, etc.). No one trick magic bullet thing here. And this is with a family and day job? Sometimes nice guys make it. Very inspiring. Congrats.
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