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It's Sunday the 30th. Just 2 days from our departure to Korea.
Laurie & I had a duo gig at Beale St. Saturday night so we're a little tired buta quick shower and we will be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the send off party at Brick Street in Grand Blanc.
Mike Jablonski, owner of the place was kind enough to offer to do this as a Bon Voyage and fund raiser for our families.
Armed Forces Entertainment is a volunteer organization and although they cover all travel expenses and accomodations they don't pay a lot. ($75 a day)
All of us are self employed so basically 2 weeks on tour means two weeks without income at home to help pay the bills and feed the family.
Brick Street is a marvelous Club/Restaurant and with good weather we will be playing outside on the patio in the rock garden.
I'll put up some pics and video tomorrow.
Not much else to say at the moment. I must admit the excitement and the "nerves" are building up. 2 days till lift off.
I better hit the showers.
Talk to ya'll soon,
Rusty
Aug 30, 2009
Aug 27, 2009
The Europeans get it!!!
Just got this review yesterday from BLUES MATTERS. They are the biggest Blues style music magazine in Western Europe. Here's what they had to say...
YEA BUDDY! That really put a smile on my face. I've always thought the Europeans were far more open minded about music. In the late 70s and early 80s they were the first to go nuts for Metal and have been strong lovers of American style music since the early Jazz days.
I guess the old saying "You're never a hero in your home town" is true for the whole country at least in the eyes of the press. We've gotten little love from the American Magazines and been downright snubbed by a lot of the "Blues Snob" crowd. But that's their loss. The people who come to see us and hear the music have become fans and they're the only folks that matter. I and the rest of the band make no apologies for our talent and our desire to fuse blues based music with other genres or to experiment. That's just our way of adding our own soul into the mix. I think it was Muddy Waters who said. Take the blues where you find it and then take it a little farther. I think he was trying to say don't let this music, this expression of the soul stagnate and die.
To be honest I fear that many folks in an effort to "preserve the past" have unknowingly stifled the musical future of the music. They get so intent on the authenticity of the sound that they lose sight of the emotion it should carry. But of course that's not everybody. There are still folks who can see the broad musical spectrum and are cool with it.
I guess we need to go play for the Europeans next. It looks like they and our fan base here really get it.
6 Days till Korea!
Rusty
RUSTY WRIGHT BAND
Playin’ With Fire
Sadson Music
Rarely does one give an unequivocal recommendation on first listening, but I have no hesitation in giving this the “just buy it” seal of approval.
From the start, this brilliant album exhibits all that is great about US blues/rock. From the wonderful guitar solos and smooth vocals of Michigan-based band leader Rusty Wright, through the harmonies and vocals of his wife Laurie LaCross Wright, classic keyboard accompaniment to rock solid rhythms and occasional horns parts, this is simply marvellous. In all styles, whether it is southern rock (‘World Upside Down’), Blues ballads (‘Messin’ Round’ and ‘Make A Liar Out Of Me’), blistering Aerosmith-type rock (‘Last Days Of Whitey Malone’), done-me-wrong Blues (‘You Ain’t Thinkin’ ‘Bout Me’) or the sensational energy of ‘What A Ride’, this band has all the chops.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s influence is plain to see in a ‘A Change In The Weather’, so much so, I half expected to hear Van Zant’s vocals! The blistering rave-up conclusion is the title track of the album. This truly is powerful stuff!
BLUES MATTERSYEA BUDDY! That really put a smile on my face. I've always thought the Europeans were far more open minded about music. In the late 70s and early 80s they were the first to go nuts for Metal and have been strong lovers of American style music since the early Jazz days.
I guess the old saying "You're never a hero in your home town" is true for the whole country at least in the eyes of the press. We've gotten little love from the American Magazines and been downright snubbed by a lot of the "Blues Snob" crowd. But that's their loss. The people who come to see us and hear the music have become fans and they're the only folks that matter. I and the rest of the band make no apologies for our talent and our desire to fuse blues based music with other genres or to experiment. That's just our way of adding our own soul into the mix. I think it was Muddy Waters who said. Take the blues where you find it and then take it a little farther. I think he was trying to say don't let this music, this expression of the soul stagnate and die.
To be honest I fear that many folks in an effort to "preserve the past" have unknowingly stifled the musical future of the music. They get so intent on the authenticity of the sound that they lose sight of the emotion it should carry. But of course that's not everybody. There are still folks who can see the broad musical spectrum and are cool with it.
I guess we need to go play for the Europeans next. It looks like they and our fan base here really get it.
6 Days till Korea!
Rusty
Aug 25, 2009
7 Days and Counting
It's Tuesday and we're 7 days out from the Armed Forces Tour of South Korea and Japan.
Our preparations are going ok so far but there's still work to do. We are still waiting for a few last minute items we ordered for the tour. Such as memory cards for the video cams and small stuff.
The Bluzapalooza folks sent us all beautiful military grade Tour Jackets with the Bluzapalooza Logo on back. We also got T-shirts and hats as well as these cool minted coins that say Bluzapalooza IV on them. We're going to be giving those out to all the service folks we meet on tour. It's a tradition among the military to give a custom coin to people who distinguish themselves in their duty or as a sign of high regard. Well we hold all the servicemen and women in VERY high regard so we got 500 coins to pass out. LOL! We got a lot a hands to shake.
On a new note, Laurie & I will be doing a radio interview with the online station flinttalkradio.com
The interview is at 1pm today but I think they edit and broadcast it later. I'll let you know when it airs. Check out their website. It's pretty interesting and lots of different subjects and shows on there. If you like Talk Radio you may get a kick out of it.
Quick note, Laurie & I will be at Brick St. on Friday Aug 28 from 6-10 and at Beale St. Smokehouse on Sat. Aug. 29 from 7-10 (BTW Congrats to Beale St. for taking 1st Place in the Chicken BBQ and 2nd in Ribs at the Genesee County Fair last Sat.)
Your last chance to see the FULL RWB will be this Sunday Aug. 30th at Brick St. on Grand Blanc Rd.
We are having a send off party there from 4-9pm Sunday Aug. 30th. The band will play on the patio desk (weather permitting) from 5-8. Come on out and have Dinner & Drinks. The place is awesome.
A donation box will be on site and donations to assist the band are appreciated but not mandatory. Just come on out and say "HEY".
Talk to ya,
Rusty
Our preparations are going ok so far but there's still work to do. We are still waiting for a few last minute items we ordered for the tour. Such as memory cards for the video cams and small stuff.
The Bluzapalooza folks sent us all beautiful military grade Tour Jackets with the Bluzapalooza Logo on back. We also got T-shirts and hats as well as these cool minted coins that say Bluzapalooza IV on them. We're going to be giving those out to all the service folks we meet on tour. It's a tradition among the military to give a custom coin to people who distinguish themselves in their duty or as a sign of high regard. Well we hold all the servicemen and women in VERY high regard so we got 500 coins to pass out. LOL! We got a lot a hands to shake.
On a new note, Laurie & I will be doing a radio interview with the online station flinttalkradio.com
The interview is at 1pm today but I think they edit and broadcast it later. I'll let you know when it airs. Check out their website. It's pretty interesting and lots of different subjects and shows on there. If you like Talk Radio you may get a kick out of it.
Quick note, Laurie & I will be at Brick St. on Friday Aug 28 from 6-10 and at Beale St. Smokehouse on Sat. Aug. 29 from 7-10 (BTW Congrats to Beale St. for taking 1st Place in the Chicken BBQ and 2nd in Ribs at the Genesee County Fair last Sat.)
Your last chance to see the FULL RWB will be this Sunday Aug. 30th at Brick St. on Grand Blanc Rd.
We are having a send off party there from 4-9pm Sunday Aug. 30th. The band will play on the patio desk (weather permitting) from 5-8. Come on out and have Dinner & Drinks. The place is awesome.
A donation box will be on site and donations to assist the band are appreciated but not mandatory. Just come on out and say "HEY".
Talk to ya,
Rusty
Aug 24, 2009
8 Days & counting
Only 8 days until we leave for Incheon South Korea as part of our 14 day Armed Forces Entertainment Tour. Everyone is extremely "stoked" about going and we've been getting emails from service men at some of the stops telling us how much they are looking forward to us playing. Looks like many have been listening to us online and watching our youtube videos.
One man even asked if he could sit in at the concert at Chinhae. Well, heck yea you can.
If he's going to put his life in service to our country then the very least I can do is play some music with him. I think it will be a lot of fun.
We played the Genesee County Fair last Saturday and had a smokin set. It's the show we plan on using at the festivals in Korea and Japan and it was a great chance to gauge the impact it will have on the audience. Well if the folks at GCF are willing to give a standing O in a beer tent then the men and women in Korea and Japan are gonna lose their FRIGGIN MINDS!!! LOL!
We were told by several podcasters that they were getting requests for a wild guitar instrumental we do called Hell On My Heels. One Marine company in Fellujia made it their song to ramp up to as they headed out on patrol outside the Green Zone.
Can you imagine? RWB blasting at full volume through the trucks and humvees as these guys going roaring out of the gates. WOW, It's like something out of Apocalypse Now! LOL!
I can't wait to play it live especially at Fujifest in Japan. Evidently the Marines (several thousand of them) Don't have facilities for entertainment and such at the base in Okinawa so they ferry them over to Fuji Japan for the special events. Those "Jarheads" as they are called will just LOVE our kind of in your face, guitar driven music.
This is not only a great honor but the adventure of a lifetime for a group of musicians from Michigan. I can't wait to "spread the love".
Stay tuned to the RWB Blog for info, daily reports from the field and pics and video of our travels.
8 days and counting...
Rusty
One man even asked if he could sit in at the concert at Chinhae. Well, heck yea you can.
If he's going to put his life in service to our country then the very least I can do is play some music with him. I think it will be a lot of fun.
We played the Genesee County Fair last Saturday and had a smokin set. It's the show we plan on using at the festivals in Korea and Japan and it was a great chance to gauge the impact it will have on the audience. Well if the folks at GCF are willing to give a standing O in a beer tent then the men and women in Korea and Japan are gonna lose their FRIGGIN MINDS!!! LOL!
We were told by several podcasters that they were getting requests for a wild guitar instrumental we do called Hell On My Heels. One Marine company in Fellujia made it their song to ramp up to as they headed out on patrol outside the Green Zone.
Can you imagine? RWB blasting at full volume through the trucks and humvees as these guys going roaring out of the gates. WOW, It's like something out of Apocalypse Now! LOL!
I can't wait to play it live especially at Fujifest in Japan. Evidently the Marines (several thousand of them) Don't have facilities for entertainment and such at the base in Okinawa so they ferry them over to Fuji Japan for the special events. Those "Jarheads" as they are called will just LOVE our kind of in your face, guitar driven music.
This is not only a great honor but the adventure of a lifetime for a group of musicians from Michigan. I can't wait to "spread the love".
Stay tuned to the RWB Blog for info, daily reports from the field and pics and video of our travels.
8 days and counting...
Rusty
Aug 15, 2009
After the Bricks
Up early this morning updating some client sites. Yes, I have clients who I do Web design and monthly maintenance for. It pays the bills and for the most part I enjoy it.
Music is starting to be a close second in the income department but I'm still a long way from quitting the "day job". But the great thing about my occupation is that they let me work from anywhere there is an internet connection. No 9-5, no office to go to and as long as I make my deadlines no boss to chew my ear off. It's definitely the best way to work for someone in my position. I'll be working even when we are in Korea and Japan. At least I will be working when there is a break in the day.
The tour itinerary came in yesterday and WOW are we gonna be BUSY.
Photo Ops, Meet n Greets with CO's and local politicians and radio interviews, dinners with the troops, autograph sessions and miles and miles of travel by day. This is a full blown well orchestrated machine and we will be on the go 10-12 hours a day.
I STILL can't wait! :-) 17 days and counting.
But back to the point of this blog. We played the Back to the Bricks Event in our hometown of Flint, MI last night. It's a Car show with music and food and Hundreds of incredible cars. Flint's downtown has been doing a slow metamorphosis into a nice and viable area.
It's great to see all the people and new businesses such as Raspberries and Blackstones coming into the area.
My only regret is that most of the acts which play for the people all day do so for free. I guess it's a growing pain thing. This event started small and so didn't have a lot of money to pay the bands. I can understand that. But now there are 10,000 or more folks down there and everybody on the strip is taking in a good return... except the bands. We were fortunate enough to be sponsored by a company which sells parts and has a large booth at the event as well as some beautiful cars so we were compensated very well for our concert but we were one of the few.
I know it takes time for an event that started from the ground up to get all the details worked out but I hope they remember the musicians when all is said and done. Everybody who works hard should get paid is my philosophy.
I take care of my people even if it means it comes out of my own pocket because they are trusting me to be the boss and to look out for them. They don't have to do that. They can just as easily do there own thing so I view it as my obligation to live up to that trust by guaranteeing them a certain minimum amount for every show.
It's just the right thing to do and in return I have a hard working group of the finest players in the country. Come see us live if you doubt me.
Being a professional musician is HARD work. Preparing the show, rehearsing for hours and hours a week, marketing the event, then packing the vehicles, moving heavy gear, playing your heart out for 90 minutes in the blazing sun or under hot lights at night then running to the booth to meet with fans and friends then packing it all up and driving to the next show to do it again.
We always joke with promoters that "we get paid to move the gear, the music is free". but that IS a joke. Good music is hard work and those who work hard should be taken care of in my opinion.
Later,
Rusty
Music is starting to be a close second in the income department but I'm still a long way from quitting the "day job". But the great thing about my occupation is that they let me work from anywhere there is an internet connection. No 9-5, no office to go to and as long as I make my deadlines no boss to chew my ear off. It's definitely the best way to work for someone in my position. I'll be working even when we are in Korea and Japan. At least I will be working when there is a break in the day.
The tour itinerary came in yesterday and WOW are we gonna be BUSY.
Photo Ops, Meet n Greets with CO's and local politicians and radio interviews, dinners with the troops, autograph sessions and miles and miles of travel by day. This is a full blown well orchestrated machine and we will be on the go 10-12 hours a day.
I STILL can't wait! :-) 17 days and counting.
But back to the point of this blog. We played the Back to the Bricks Event in our hometown of Flint, MI last night. It's a Car show with music and food and Hundreds of incredible cars. Flint's downtown has been doing a slow metamorphosis into a nice and viable area.
It's great to see all the people and new businesses such as Raspberries and Blackstones coming into the area.
My only regret is that most of the acts which play for the people all day do so for free. I guess it's a growing pain thing. This event started small and so didn't have a lot of money to pay the bands. I can understand that. But now there are 10,000 or more folks down there and everybody on the strip is taking in a good return... except the bands. We were fortunate enough to be sponsored by a company which sells parts and has a large booth at the event as well as some beautiful cars so we were compensated very well for our concert but we were one of the few.
I know it takes time for an event that started from the ground up to get all the details worked out but I hope they remember the musicians when all is said and done. Everybody who works hard should get paid is my philosophy.
I take care of my people even if it means it comes out of my own pocket because they are trusting me to be the boss and to look out for them. They don't have to do that. They can just as easily do there own thing so I view it as my obligation to live up to that trust by guaranteeing them a certain minimum amount for every show.
It's just the right thing to do and in return I have a hard working group of the finest players in the country. Come see us live if you doubt me.
Being a professional musician is HARD work. Preparing the show, rehearsing for hours and hours a week, marketing the event, then packing the vehicles, moving heavy gear, playing your heart out for 90 minutes in the blazing sun or under hot lights at night then running to the booth to meet with fans and friends then packing it all up and driving to the next show to do it again.
We always joke with promoters that "we get paid to move the gear, the music is free". but that IS a joke. Good music is hard work and those who work hard should be taken care of in my opinion.
Later,
Rusty
Aug 10, 2009
RWB To Tour The Pacific in September!
We were pretty proud to be accepted by Armed Forces Entertainment to entertain the Troops and families overseas but we never dreamed we'd get a tour so fast.
We've accepted a 14 day tour of South Korea and Japan September 1 through the 14th.
We'll do 6 shows in 6 cities in South Korea then fly to Tokyo Japan for 3 shows ending with the "Fujifest" at Camp Fuji in front of thousands of Marines from Okinawa!
But then on top of that we were offered the endorsement of the BLUZAPALOOZA folks so we are officially listed as BLUZAPALOOZA IV! LOL!
It's an incredible honor to play for the folks who put their lives on the line and it's also an honor to be associated with the Bluzapalooza organization.
We intend on taking lots of pics, video and blogging daily through the Bluzapalooza site and our own.
Sign up for our email list as well to get all the info on our big adventure. We can't wait!
Rusty
We've accepted a 14 day tour of South Korea and Japan September 1 through the 14th.
We'll do 6 shows in 6 cities in South Korea then fly to Tokyo Japan for 3 shows ending with the "Fujifest" at Camp Fuji in front of thousands of Marines from Okinawa!
But then on top of that we were offered the endorsement of the BLUZAPALOOZA folks so we are officially listed as BLUZAPALOOZA IV! LOL!
It's an incredible honor to play for the folks who put their lives on the line and it's also an honor to be associated with the Bluzapalooza organization.
We intend on taking lots of pics, video and blogging daily through the Bluzapalooza site and our own.
Sign up for our email list as well to get all the info on our big adventure. We can't wait!
Rusty
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