by Lannie Fiegenschuh, OBS Board Member

This recording is just what the title says. No false advertising here. The second line is also very true; this is definitely "an Oklahoma Blues Heritage CD."

In this recording's liner notes Kerry Kudlacek talks about the Oklahoma/Texas contribution to the blues and "The Texas Hot Box Style." He explains how this style is different from other regional styles from places like Mississippi and the eastern seaboard. He asserts that the region's style runs from Blind Lemon Jefferson's 78's through Lightning Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulsom, Freddy King, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan's playing. That's a lot of territory.

The seven guitarists battling it out on this recording all come from "The Texas Hot Box" tradition. Some of them have played with blues and rhythm and blues legends. They all come from Oklahoma.

The Dusk 'Til Dawn Blues Festival is also a regional tradition. D.C. Minner hosts this blowout on land his grandparents bought years ago by raising cotton and running mama Lura's Cozy Corner Juke Joint.

In the guitar show down Larry Johnson comes out on top with Tony Matthews and Flash Terry tieing for second. The other players are: Berry Harris, Herbie Welch, Donald Dunn and D.C. Minner. However, the real winners are the children in the 549 School Districts across Oklahoma that received this CD through the auspices of 6 sponsoring arts and community organizations.

It's nice to see projects like this receive support. Also hats off to D.C. Minner & Selby for the support they've provided for the blues tradition in Oklahoma. Don't forget the Dusk 'Til Dawn Blues Festival in Rentiesville held every Labor Day weekend. A recording of an event is never as exciting as being in the middle of it all.

Back to Music Page
Order Now