Dave Duffield

Dave "Gutbucket" Duffield currently works with The REVERB BROTHERS, JOHNNIE WARD’s Sharkskin Review, The NEW INDEPENDENTS & other bands in the Portland area. ____________________________________________________________ __Duffield performed with The legendary MEMPHIS HORNS as featured guests on two live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" National Public Radio show, including backing up Tracy Nelson on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. ____________________________________________________________ __He has worked with Bobby Blue Bland, with Sam Cockrell & the Groove & The legendary MEMPHIS HORNS in Chicago, IL & performed with Mem Shannon & the Membership & The legendary MEMPHIS HORNS at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon & the Art in the Vineyards Festival in Eugene, Oregon in 2001. Duffy has performed throughout Europe & has been mentored by Wayne Jackson of The legendary MEMPHIS HORNS. The "KC BRASS" section performed at the 1996 Blues Estafette in Utrecht, Holland. KC BRASS & ELECTRIC opened for Roomful Of Blues, Charlie Musselwhite, Jay Geils/Magic Dick, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray & The legendary MEMPHIS HORNS, B.B. King, Duke Robillard, Indigenous, Dr. Hook, Storyville, Dr. John, the Neville Brothers & Tommy Castro. In 1995 KC BRASS & ELECTRIC represented the Kansas City Blues Society in the 12th Annual International Blues Talent Competition on historical Beale Street in Memphis, TN. KC BRASS & ELECTRIC performed at the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival & Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA. ____________________________________________________________ __"... have Blues CORNET, will travel ... " ____________________________________________________________ __KC BRASS & ELECTRIC's BEALE STREET ADVENTURE:Representing the Kansas City Blues Society in the 12th Annual International Blues Talent Competition at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis, TN on October 8, 1995 was an honor and privilege for KC BRASS & ELECTRIC. We collectively amazed ourselves by showing up Sunday at 8:30a.m. after partying on Beale St. the night before while listening to Luther Allison tear it up at B.B. King's Blues Club! Seeing so many bleary-eyed musicians at that early hour was somehow comforting; the staff from the Blues Foundation had just arrived from the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, ARK. While waiting for preliminary announcements, we couldn't ignore efforts by the clean-up crew to regroup from Saturday night's revelry. We could only wonder how this day was to unfold. The rumor spread that coffee was on the way, but after the competition got started our worry was to somehow get breakfast on Beale St. Ha! Good Luck.Taking the stage first was a harp player from Alaska who conveyed to the audience that "after traveling 7,000 miles" he was "more interested in having a good time than winning this competition." It was evident from that moment that this day was destined to be a boat load of fun. A talented field of performers from the USA, France, Canada and Australia comprised 25 acts who played the blues while competing for prizes. The thrill of competing was enhanced by interacting with musicians from all around the world! The efficient coordination of acts during this marathon contest set the positive rhythm of the day; for both fans and performers, the action was non-stop. When final results were tallied, all contestants were winners who proudly represented their local regions.A post-contest jam at Crawdad's on Beale St. was enlightening, as KC BRASS & ELECTRIC traded licks with many of the trophy winners. The chance to hear top acts from distant locales was in some ways humbling, yet proved to be a confidence builder. Notably, KC BRASS & ELECTRIC brought the distinctive Kansas City sound to Memphis. It should be said that the level of talent among Kansas City musicians compares favorably to their peers everywhere!! Kansas City is very fortunate to enjoy a flourishing live music scene on the local level.KC BRASS & ELECTRIC highly recommends this enriching experience to all musicians who have the opportunity to participate in this annual event! Regardless of the outcome, the overall reward is truly inspirational.A special highlight of the trip for Dave Duffield was visiting with Wayne Jackson of the legendary MEMPHIS HORNS, & we all enjoyed touring the renowned Sun Studio!Our six-piece band returned to Kansas City with positive impressions and warm memories of an historical city rich with culture and a fertile music scene. The BEALE STREET ADVENTURE was a fitting way to celebrate our band's first birthday!!!We thank all members of the Kansas City Blues Society, local club owners, friends and musicians for their support in making this possible.___________________________________________________ ___________KC BRASS & ELECTRIC "Dangerous Pleasure" BM 97001It takes a lot of brass to open a CD with a Willie Dixon classic like "I'm Ready" and pull it off.And that's exactly what KC BRASS & ELECTRIC does -- with plenty of brass and (everything else) left over. These guys pump their way through 12 tunes that leave the listener unable to keep from tapping a toe.Dave Duffield and Neil Nolan and band pay tribute to their hometown with the K.C. Shuffle. You know immediately these guys have definitely been to Kansas City!A side trip to Memphis with the Eddie Floyd classic "Knock On Wood" also assures you that they have spent plenty of time paying attention to their pal Wayne Jackson's Memphis Horns. I'm sure he would approve.Roger Goodloe's stinging guitar lines keep on cooking on the Pomus/Shuman classic "A Mess of Blues".Jump and jive is alive and well with "Lillie Mae"! Kicks off burning and doesn't let up, a real smoker! Another winner is "Tell Mama", one of my most favorite horn lines on the CD.Ice cold and to the point, "You Never Had Love". Anson Smith's piano solo is a real winner. I just know she got the message!These guys come out swingin' and don't stop 'til the last note. The vocal delivery is smooth and sultry, makes you believe every word...I always like a CD where the whole band plays together. Not overdone with guitar licks or lengthy solos. If you want to have a good time check these guys out. If their live show is anything like "Dangerous Pleasure" then you are in for a Rockin' good time.Rick Moore (Mr. Lucky Band/MRL Records/Nashville, TN) [April 2000]KANSAS CITY BLUES NEWS (May 2000) THE KANSAS CITY BLUES SOCIETY ____________________________________________________________ __THE WICHITA EAGLE Saturday, January 31, 1998KC blues band blows into townBy Kevin Sheedy__The Wichita EagleKC BRASS & ELECTRIC isn't your normal blues band, because it's big on brass. It also isn't your normal brass-based blues band, because it's not big on brass.The Kansas City-area group is a blues band that lets the guitar, harmonica, vocals, drums and piano work in harmony with the horns."I guess what makes it work is the sound that we create together with everybody contributing," says cornet player David Duffield. "We end up with what we feel like is so much better than any of us are, because it just comes together."The band plays its first Wichita gig at 9:30 tonight at City Blues, 2301 E. Mt. Vernon. The cover is $5.That blending of instruments is by design, Duffield says. And the band took that attitude into the studio when creating its first album, "Dangerous Pleasure"."We try to get that kind of balance in the mix when we play," he says. "We were very fortunate to work with a producer (Bentley Ousley) who understood what we were trying to capture in the recording. He just did a wonderful job as far as helping us blend it properly so you could hear the full instrumentation."Duffield says he and tenor sax player Neil Nolan "are very taken with the way the Memphis Horns come across, working as just a trumpet and a sax. So it's very similar to what we're doing. It seems like they get out and back people up, and we feel like that's how horns should be used."Kevin Sheedy is a member of The Eagle's Presentation Team and writes about music. ____________________________________________________________ __'Dangerous Pleasure' is a pleasure"Dangerous Pleasure," KC BRASS & ELECTRIC (Blue Mule Records)By Kevin Sheedy__The Wichita EagleThere certainly are a lot of good young blues acts out there, but we're fortunate to have one of the most promising call Kansas City, right up the turnpike, its home. This six-piece band is cut from the same cloth as Roomful of Blues and the Memphis Horns, and the fit is fine, thank you.Vocalist-guitarist Roger Goodloe is much more than a poor man's Sugar Ray Norcia of Roomful, and it is impressive that the two-piece horn section of David Duffield on cornet and Neil Nolan on tenor sax can pack such a wallop. They might not be as overpowering as the four-piece Roomful section, but Duffield and Nolan do a wonderful job of blending with the keyboards of Anson Smith, the drums of Darron Henderson and the bass of Bill Morlan and guest Russell Jackson.This CD rocks the blues, particularly on the opener "I'm Ready," "A Mess Of Blues" and "Lillie Mae." But the guys from Kansas City show that they can get downright soulful on "Hey Now," which Duffield says was recorded on the first take, with no overdubbing. So what? The song lasts more than six minutes.And on several cuts, it's refreshing to hear a tenor sax solo in a world of alto saxes. Only two of the pieces, "K.C. Shuffle" and the title tune, are original, but they show that KC BRASS & ELECTRIC has a talent for tunesmithing."Dangerous Pleasure" is truly a pleasure. ____________________________________________________________ __KC BRASS & ELECTRIC: Dangerous Pleasure (Blue Mule Records) BM 97001Kansas City has got a lot to brag about! The KC BRASS & ELECTRIC band is a winner. We're talkin' tough, tight and solid, with tasty horn lines that you can't find just anywhere; strong vocals; dynamite talents, an absolute "full" sound - and a guest, the fabulous Russell Jackson (bass and acoustic). Talk about enthusiasm and energy - this talented band lays down a groove that makes the listener want to move ... This album, a mixture of R&B and soul and blues, offers up twelve tracks of great music; it's a purely delightful fun-time and danceable disc, guaranteed to get those couch potatoes sprouting legs again. If there is one thing that this writer is partial to it's horns, and if they don't sound good - too bad! I'm telling you - they sound fabulous. Dave Duffield on cornet is really flawless, sweet and smooth; Neil Nolan (tenor sax, harmonica) plays a mean sax (no squawks and squeaks here, folks!); Roger Goodloe (guitar and vocals) - his vocals are strong, forceful and, above all, his own - he has his own original sound - an absolute pleasure to listen to. Bill Morlan on bass (fat but not funky sound) and Anson Smith (awesome ..boards) round out the group.Twelve tracks are offered up on this album, two originals and ten covers. The two originals, "K.C. Shuffle" and the title track, "Dangerous Pleasure" are absolute masterpieces. Very danceable. To complete the album we're treated to Willie Dixon's "I'm Ready", "Knock On Wood" by Floyd & Cropper, "A Mess Of Blues" by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Hey Now" (a great rendition by this band), Lemon & Bartholomew's "Lillie Mae", "Can I Change My Mind", "I'm In Love", "Tell Mama", "You Never Had Love", and Lowell Fulson's "Reconsider Baby".This is a strong and powerful production, with great sound quality. Any complaint from this writer? Too many covers ... maybe, but great material nevertheless. But perhaps next outing hopefully will offer us more original material. The liner notes are actually a sort of tribute to the band by the legendary Memphis Horns-player, Wayne L. Jackson, who has some really good things to say - and I agree. 4 bottles for a fine outing for this grand Kansas City band - they're going places for sure.- D. Robertson REAL BLUES February/March '98 - Number 11 [page 59] [4 bottles = very good] ____________________________________________________________ __KC BRASS & ELECTRIC - "Dangerous Pleasure" Blue Mule RecordsFrom Kansas City, one of the most entertaining, hot and groovy bands of the club scene Americana, KC BRASS & ELECTRIC are a combo of seasoned professionals who share great talent and a contagious enthusiasm. They are the bearers of the most rigorous Memphis sound, with equal parts of soul and blues. Winners of the Kansas City Blues Society's Talent Contest in 1995, KC BRASS & ELECTRIC has wandered up and down the States, opening for people like B.B. King, Robert Cray, Roomful of Blues, Charlie Musselwhite and many others, also earning the esteem of Wayne L. Jackson (the legendary Memphis Horns) who volunteered to write the liner notes of introduction for their album of discographic debut. The veteran Wayne invites the listener to sit back comfortably in one's armchair and turn on the CD player, with just one warning: "don't expect to be sittin' long!" The twelve tracks presented in "Dangerous Pleasure", many of them classics (in fact, very classic), demonstrate the courage of this band who are capable of taking on Willie Dixon ("I'm Ready") or the team of Eddie Floyd/Steve Cropper ("Knock On Wood"), without fearing the inevitable comparison with the more famous interpreters (practically the total architects of soul/blues). KC BRASS & ELECTRIC succeeds, in fact, in making these small but powerful pieces of imaginative popular culture sound as though being heard for the first time. No less impressive are their two original tracks, the hypnotic "K.C. Shuffle" and the danceable title track. This is a classic ensemble, with a vibrant and powerful rhythm section (including, on Bass, on seven tracks, the talented Russell Jackson, for a long time the favorite "four strings" of B.B. King), guitar solos possessing the essence of pure soul, vocals powerful and filled with passion, and a pair of horns (cornet and tenor sax) that drip perspiration and contagious cheerfulness. Also, the production quality contributes to the care-free enjoyment of "Dangerous Pleasure", certainly meeting the high standards of most major labels. Check them out.Mauro Eufrosini for Late For The Sky, Italy/1998 ____________________________________________________________ __comments from a listener:Yesterday was one of those days. Worked from 7am until 6pm and didn't get done what I was supposed to. My daughter called to tell me that my wife said it was ok for her to keep her pet rabbit at our house since her boyfriend is allergic to it. Then my son called to tell me he blew the headgasket on his car and...and he has no money so he is moving back home! Ugh. After work I didn't know whether to go straight home, grab a beer, or just keep driving. I decided to buy a good cigar at my favorite smoke shop, just to find it closed down! But, all was not lost, for when I got home, the CD was waiting for me! I promptly tore open the package, popped the top on a brewsky and sat back to listen.PUT AWAY THE SILVERWARE AND BRING OUT THE BRASS! GREAT CD. EVERY INSTRUMENT BLENDED. GREAT MUSICAL BALANCE. GOOD THROATY VOCALS. THE CORNET WAS AS SMOOTH AS THE LAGER I WAS DRINKING. SEXY SAX. TRUE BLUE GUITAR. BUSTIN' DRUMS, BASS BASS BASS, AND THE HARMONICA ON "I'M IN LOVE"...OH YEAH. DID I FORGET THE 88'S? LOVED THE KEYBOARD ON "KC SHUFFLE", "LILLIE MAE", AND "RECONSIDER BABY". AND "DANGEROUS PLEASURE"... I KNEW A GAL LIKE THAT ONCE!Thanks also for your schedule. My wife and I will have to make it to one of your gigs. Hope the one on July 10 will still be a go. That's our 28th wedding anniversary.So there, I blew my own horn!!Thanks again for some great music.C.A.B. Topeka, KS ____________________________________________________________ __BLUES REVUE march 1998:"KC BRASS & ELECTRIC 's fiery arrangements on Dangerous Pleasure (Blue Mule 97001) recall a certain Roomful. There's a mastery of call and response here, and room for crisp soloing all around -- keyboards, sax and cornet, and singer Roger Goodloe's guitar. From the hard blues of "I'm Ready" to the R&B of "Can I Change My Mind", this one grooves. The minor-key ballad "You Never Had Love" is a standout."__________________________________________________ ____________comments from a listener:KC BRASS & ELECTRIC: Dangerous PleasureI just wanted to let you know I received your cd (Dangerous Pleasure) yesterday and it was worth the wait! In my book you guys are in the same league as Roomful of Blues, The Memphis Horns, Downchild Blues Band, Colin James and his Little Big Band, and last but definitely not least, The Blues Brothers (possibly my all time favorite band)! The interplay between the horns and the rest of the band kinda reminded me of classic Al Green/Otis Redding stuff! Would you ever consider adding 1 or 2 more horns?! I am really looking forward to your next release. If you guys ever decide to come up to New York/New Jersey let me know. There are a ton of great blues bars and you guys would blow em' all away!Thanks, Bob Rodkin Highland Park, New Jersey______________________________________________________ ________Can a music industry giant share his magic with a Kansas City band?Wayne Jackson, of the legendary Stax recording artists The Memphis Horns, joined Kansas City bluesmen KC BRASS & ELECTRIC for their second CD release, "Tell Me What You Want":"Get ready for a plate full of good ole fashioned enthusiasm and homemade feelin's (original fixin's) and just plain fun." __Wayne Jackson, the legendary MEMPHIS HORNSBLUE MULE Recording Artists KC BRASS & ELECTRIC has been a fixture on the Kansas City blues music scene for the past seven years. Soulful vocals and vibrant horns blend over distinctive rhythmic grooves of R&B, vintage Memphis soul and Kansas City blues showcased by KC BRASS & ELECTRIC, winners of the 1995 Kansas City Blues Society Blues Talent Contest. The KC BRASS & ELECTRIC sound originates from a simple recipe of less is more, served up with feeling to spare, culminating in a tantalizing helping of pure heart and soul. KC BRASS & ELECTRIC presents a refreshing mix of great dance music!For more information please contact Dave Duffield, Blue Mule RecordsSoulful, blues-based, R&B dance music ... delivered to your ears & feet by KC BRASS & ELECTRIC!!__________________________________________________ ____________KC BRASS & ELECTRIC "Tell Me What You Want" Blue Mule Records (99002) by Matt AlcottReview date: December 1999Much has apparently changed since the 1997 release of "Dangerous Pleasure" by the Kansas City, MO band KC BRASS & ELECTRIC. Returning for "Tell Me What You Want" is David Duffield (cornet, flugelhorn) and Neil Nolan (tenor sax, harmonica). They are joined by newcomers Fred Fendorf (vocals, guitar), Eugene Smiley Jr. (vocals, bass) and Mike Croft (drums). Special guest Wayne L. Jackson adds trumpet and trombone to three tracks. Noticeably absent this time is a keyboard player as well as the acoustic guitar, which results in a heavier dose of horns on this CD compared to the band's previous Blue Mule Records release. I really missed the guitar playing and phrasing of Roger Goodloe, although his replacement Fendorf does a fine job with his hardware on much of the album. Fendorf is also credited with writing or co-writing six of the album's 13 cuts. A decent CD that needs a little more of the Willie Dixon/Steve Cropper/Eddie Floyd vibe that the band tapped into on their first release.This review is copyright © 1999 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copyright © 1999 Ray M. Stileshttp://www.mnblues.com/cdreview/kcbrass-ma.html_______ _______________________________________________________KC BRASS & ELECTRIC"Tell Me What You Want"(Blue Mule Records)*** (Good)The Kansas City band's second release shows the advantage of having Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns as producer and performer. The rhythm section and the horns are on the same page and none of the instruments get lost, as was the case at times on the group's fine first CD, "Dangerous Pleasure.""Muu Muu's Blues"is just one of several well-written pieces. "Tell Me What You Want" and the whimsical "In My Next Life" demonstrate that Fred Fendorf has a gift for tune-smithing.As usual, Dave Duffield on cornet and flugelhorn and Neil Nolan on sax sound as though they are joined at the hip. Having tones that similar never fails to amaze.__Kevin Sheedy (Wichita Eagle) December 26, 1999________________________________________________________ ______comments by listener:February 21, 2000KC BRASS & ELECTRIC --- Great new CD! I have listened to "Tell Me What You Want" a half dozen times already, and every time have wanted to remember to let you know how much I dig it. You guys are great. I am especially taken with the variation in style and songs throughout the CD; it truly shows your range.Also, thank you for including the autographed photo (it's framed and hangs on the RhodyCo Productions office wall) and the T-shirt.-Dave Rhody (San Francisco, CA)_________________________________________________________ _____Tell Me What You Want, the latest from KC BRASS & ELECTRIC, is not necessarily a jazz CD, but rather a mix of the jazzy-bluesy sounds we've come to expect from this popular local band. Wayne L. Jackson of the Memphis Horns is both executive producer, as well as guest trumpeter/trombonist on several cuts. Tell Me What You Want begins in fine fashion with the swing-influenced title track. Listen for Fred Fendorf's Roomful of Blues-inspired vocals."I'm From Kansas City" is KCB&E's nod to our town, from the Grand Emporium and the Plaza, to KC's crazy little women."In My Next Life" features some thought-provoking lyrics, "Farmer John" swings in a danceable kind of way, and: you wanna talk blues? "Muu Muu's Blues" pays homage -- with tongue firmly in cheek -- to the many blues classics that tend to be mostly lists of all the things that can go wrong. ("I got those old broke sunglass blues... Somebody sat on my shades last night... " Well, you get the idea.)"Trouble On The River" shines with the vocals of Eugene Smiley, Jr., "El Gato Pisca" has a Tower of Power/Memphis Horns feel (see "executive producer" above), "Black Diamond" again swings the dance floor, and "Death In The Family" pays tribute to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan."Lip Magic" and "Sally Was A Good Old Girl" are two more in the just-for-fun zone, the bittersweet ballad "What Can I Do" slows things down a notch, and the CD ends with the standard "Hey Baby." Plan on singing along with this one.Tell Me What You Want, along with the band's 1997 release Dangerous Pleasure, can be purchased at Music Exchange, Barnes & Noble and the Best of Kansas City (Crown Center). Pick up both, get charged and enjoy.__Vanessa Barnard, former President of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors __Jam, Jazz Ambassador Magazine JUNE/JULY 2000________________________________________________________ ______How I Spent My Summer VOCATION _(by David Duffield... have Blues CORNET, Will Travel ...)The magnificent Italian sky was particularly clear and bright on this hot June evening, with the beautiful full moon beaming down to light our way as we meandered through the park. The friendly arm around my shoulder belonged to a tall man with a dazzling smile who has a charming gift for making you feel comfortable in his presence. Here I was in Italy, in the company of Andrew Love from Memphis, Tennessee while my wife strolled alongside us engaged in a pleasant conversation with our good friend, Wayne Jackson. Beth and I were having a wonderful time hanging out with these musical giants who had just come off stage after being honored in a special tribute to the legendary MEMPHIS HORNS. We were on our way back to the hotel to unwind after an incredible night that we had eagerly awaited for six years. Perhaps I should explain how we all found ourselves together in Bologna, Italy.This tale has origins that can be traced directly back to an interesting day on October 8, 1995 when KC BRASS & ELECTRIC represented the Kansas City Blues Society in the 12th Annual International Blues Talent Competition at the New Daisy Theater on historical Beale Street in Memphis, TN (KC BRASS & ELECTRIC's BEALE STREET ADVENTURE). While the Duffields were enjoying a pleasantly warm visit to the Jackson's home in Memphis, Wayne and his wife, Amy, extended a gracious invitation to share a unique vacation together at a special festival in Italy. Finally in 2001 the time had come to accept the invite and partake in a most memorable event.Let's take a moment to reflect back on the evening of May 10, 2001 when the phone rang at the Duffield home in Kansas City and the caller was asking, "David, will you bring your cornet to Chicago next weekend to play with me and Andrew?" There could be only one answer, of course. "Sure, you bet!" That led to a terrific weekend of performing at the CD release parties for "Color Blind" with Sam Cockrell & The Groove featuring the world famous MEMPHIS HORNS in Chicago, IL. What an unexpected opportunity for a Kansas City cornet player to share the stage with the world's finest horn section!! The chemistry was right and the three horn players agreed they would seek more chances to work together in the future.The future wasn't far off, as we all soon discovered to our mutual delight. Four short weeks later it was time for David to once again experience the thrill of working with the legendary MEMPHIS HORNS when they expanded their horn section for a live broadcast on National Public Radio. June 16 was the date the guys were featured guests on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" show from The Orpheum Theater on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. It was quite an amazing situation to be a part of, to say the least, including backing up the powerhouse singer, Tracy Nelson. But there was even more to come in the days ahead.Three days later it was time to embark on our journey to Italy for a twelve-day vacation and attend the festival the Jacksons had spoken of in 1995. Bologna, Italy is a city filled with history and is the site of the world's first University. The majestic arcades that provide shade and allow you to walk throughout the city without being exposed to rain awed us, and we also admired remains from the ancient medieval walls that can still be encountered in many places. The marbled sidewalks were unlike anything we'd ever seen anywhere; the Romans had truly left their mark.Beth and I were in the hotel lobby waiting to be joined by Wayne and Amy Jackson when we noticed a very pretty lady sitting there next to us. Gorgeous women are everywhere in Italy, but I instantly thought "this lady is probably from Memphis". Beth pointed out that she had the most striking set of dimples, which enhanced her pleasing appearance even more so. Just then, Wayne and Amy showed up and introduced us to Mrs. Andrew Love. The five of us immediately hiked to the train station and purchased tickets for a day-trip to Porretta, the former location of the Fest that moved to its new home in Bologna for the first time this year. As if that wasn't enough fun, Beth and I also wound up passing time with other 'stars' of the Festival: in addition to Wayne and Andrew and their wives, there we were mingling with the likes of Ann Peebles and Don Bryant, The Sweet Inspirations, Bettye LaVette, Clay Hammond, The Bar-Kays, and even Sam Moore (of SAM & DAVE). Imagine standing at a bar in Italy ordering a drink and having Ann Peebles lean over to whisper "I drink herbal tea whenever I have a headache" … it was indeed a wild time! Everyone was genuinely friendly and down-to-earth, and we all shared many laughs in the process of swapping colorful stories and just having a great time being in Italy.While saying 'good-bye' to Wayne and Andrew we reminded each other that we'd meet again the following weekend in Portland, OR. That's when Mem Shannon & The Membership were joined by the MEMPHIS HORNS and David Duffield for a weekend of blues fests in Portland and Eugene, OR. We played to an audience of 27,000 enthusiastic fans in Portland and had lots of fun at the Fest in Eugene the next day. Mem and his band are top-notch musicians as well as fine people to be around.This intense two-month period of working alongside such living legends as Wayne Jackson and his partner, Andrew Love has taught me a lot about improving my cornet skills and achieving a higher level of musical performance. I am proud and wholeheartedly grateful for being paid the utmost compliment of actually being hired to work (briefly) as a part of the legendary MEMPHIS HORNS section. __Kansas City Blues Society – September, 2001 BLUES NEWSps: Portland & Bologna are sister cities: http://www.portland-bologna.org/WHY PORTLAND-BOLOGNA? At first glance there are many things that these two cities have in common, from central urban universities to a genuine concern for sustainability to a citizenry that holds a vivid love for life, family and food. This relationship between Portland and Bologna hopes to be on going, productive and highly educational.________________________________________________ ______________"Thanksgiving 2000 with BOBBY BLUE BLAND!!"_(by David Duffield) __Kansas City Blues Society – October, 2001 BLUES NEWS My wife and I were planning to spend a quiet holiday together at our home. We were telephoning family members long distance around 11:00am and happily engaged in a conversation with my youngest sister when we were unexpectedly interrupted by call waiting -- the incoming call was very important: Roger Naber (owner of the world renowned Grand Emporium in Kansas City, MO) was informing me that Bobby Blue Bland needed a horn section, and the show was going to begin in ninety short minutes! It was a major concert event, an annual Kansas City tradition of blues on Thanksgiving morning at the National Guard Armory in Kansas City, KS. Roger urgently asked me to track down my good friend and partner, Neil (Mr. Rhythm & Blues) Nolan, the other half of our KC BRASS horn section, to determine whether the two of us could drop everything and drive over to play the gig. Much to my relief, Neil answered his phone and said he'd be ready in a few minutes, which meant that we could spring into action and make it to the stage on time. We were honored when asked to make this surprise appearance, and we were thrilled and delighted to become part of such a special event. We had to read charts, although neither of us had read music in years, let alone hafta SIGHT-read for a major blues singer such as Bobby Blue Bland!!! We had a blast and the music came off without us screwing anything up ... we were even turned loose to blow five choruses each on a blues tune. Joe Hardin is Bobby's trumpet player who was their only regular horn player at the gig, so Neil and I worked with Joe as a three-piece section. Joe asked me to say "hello" to our producer and close friend, Wayne Jackson (of Memphis Horns' fame), as did Bobby Blue Bland himself ... what a thrill it was for us to board the band bus in order to be paid in person by Mr. Bland! He asked for our phone numbers so he could call us again whenever the need arises. Thanksgiving 2000 wound up being an unforgettable day in our lives, and it all happened right out of the blue!!______________________________________________________ ________"Wayne Jackson Slept Here" (a band wife's perspective) __Beth Duffield - 1999The Grand Emporium has special meaning to Dave and me. We had our first date there in 1991 to see Dave Mason. Three years and several concerts later, it was at the Grand Emporium where we met Wayne Jackson of the legendary Memphis Horns. Midsummer, 1994, I watched as Dave and Neil (the Brass of KC BRASS & ELECTRIC) sat mesmerized by the dynamics of Luther Allison and his band with the Memphis Horns. When Wayne stepped off-stage, Dave extended his hand to his hero. Wayne was gracious, of course. They chatted a moment as Wayne finished a short break before returning to the stage with Luther, who hypnotized us once more. After the show, thanks to Roger Naber, Dave disappeared behind that mysterious door at the rear of the Grand Emporium (you know, the one where the public dare not go). There he was able to talk with Wayne even more, and meet Andrew Love (Wayne's partner of over thirty years in the Memphis Horns)! In 1994 I was still a novice band wife, too intimidated by the aura of the Grand Emporium to go with Dave (to what I later learned was the dressing room), but I'm sure Wayne was again gracious and humble. I'm equally sure Dave oozed hero-worship. When he reappeared, Dave was beaming!!! The next day he began a new mission in life, to locate AND PURCHASE every album Wayne had recorded (thus, the plans for adding a new room to our home).Dave and Wayne stayed in touch and a friendship grew. In 1995, KC BRASS & ELECTRIC went to Memphis to represent the Kansas City Blues Society in the International Blues contest. Wayne invited us to lunch with his wife, Amy, then back to their home for the rest of the afternoon. When he and Andrew were "backing up a few people" at a regional 1996 blues festival, we were Wayne's guests as we watched them both backstage and on-stage with Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Sam Moore and Oh My Gosh!!! Rufus Thomas!! (just to name a few). After a late night KC BRASS & ELECTRIC gig we had driven 'til dawn, but our exhaustion quickly vanished. I became a typical star struck fan!!! When 1997 rolled around, Wayne honored KC BRASS & ELECTRIC by writing the liner notes for their first CD release, "Dangerous Pleasure". He conveyed his genuine, down-home approach to people and his obvious enthusiasm for KC BRASS & ELECTRIC music; those notes have become a special part of the band's history. Later that year, KC BRASS & ELECTRIC opened on the main stage of the Kansas City SpiritFest - what a thrill!! Getting to spend the evening with Wayne before and after he and Andrew performed with Robert Cray made the day even more memorable.When it came time for the development of the next CD, Wayne entered our lives again. Eager for a new project, Wayne wanted to produce the new CD. Dave and Wayne exchanged e-mail ALL WINTER, and set into motion the foundation for "Tell Me What You Want".Wayne's schedule allowed him to travel to KC in mid-March; around the first of March, I panicked. Oh, My Gosh Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns would be staying with us for four whole days and nights!!! I cleaned, scrubbed, waxed and polished everything I could. Dave preached constantly, "Wayne's not going to care." But I cared. When Wayne arrived, he immediately put me at ease. He was delighted to have an ordinary home in which to relax, rather than a hotel room. What a gentleman. Why did I worry so much about the house??? Wayne and the guys spent the next four nights IN THE BASEMENT, writing, practicing, discussing, practicing, arranging, and practicing some more, only to emerge for the basic necessities of life.Wayne was clearly the commander-in-chief of this project. He was "Coach". He wanted it to be fun. He wanted it to be GOOD. Having performed on over 300 1 hit albums, he brought incredible insight, experience and enthusiasm that was both contagious and calming. The pure beauty of the special sound of his horn still has us in awe. He returned to KC in late April (on loan from Robert Cray) to begin the recording sessions at Bentley Ousley's PRAGMATIC STUDIO. I tried so hard to stay out of the way. My role again was to have food and drink available, offer an occasional neck and/or back massage to ease tensions, and then to provide a restful home when the days and nights of recording came to an exhausting but exciting end. Wayne is such a bundle of energy; his idea of unwinding was to stand around in the kitchen with Dave and Neil while collaborating on horn parts for the next day's session.During the recording process, emotions seemed to vary. I can't even begin to describe them all. Dave will have to explain the mixture of feelings he had while actually performing with Wayne; that's something I don't think I should even try to interpret. There seemed to be a roller-coaster of ups and downs, expectations, self-reproach, determination and then contentment: a project completed! Music housed in hearts for years was finally recorded, a dream fulfilled. Wayne, sensitive to the effects of the roller-coaster, always knew when to break, always had a dozen stories to tell about "the business", always held us captive by his charm and humor.Although Wayne really wanted to spend Mother's Day with his Mom, being the dedicated veteran of the music biz that he is, he returned to KC in May to direct Dave and Neil and Bentley through the mixing process. I've learned so much (secondhand) ... a few years ago I had no idea what "mixing" meant. Now I realize that mixing is the really intense part of a recording project. It requires you to be objective, while dissecting what you've just created. Then you reassemble the pieces to recreate the collective "sound". I detected this was not an easy chore.At home, Dave had background music on (not always the Memphis Horns). He and Wayne listened to their mutual heroes: Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt (who passed away the day Wayne returned home) and Bix Beiderbecke. They also shared a musical memory while listening to "Carnival of Venice" (they both had earned coveted number "1" ratings in state high school competitions performing that piece). Wayne, of course, already had a number 1 hit song on the charts while still in high school ("Last Night", by The Mar-Keys). During those non-studio moments Wayne related his hopes and dreams of continuing a wonderful life with his Amy, and his ideas and creative plans to promote the phenomenal history of the Memphis Horns. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to have Wayne in our home as he journeyed to and from KC for this adventure. I did manage to relax and stop worrying so much about whether the house was clean enough, enabling me to thoroughly enjoy every minute of Wayne's visit. Dave told Wayne it felt like Louis Armstrong had come to stay with us. Wayne smiled.Compared to most, I'm still learning the basics about music. I do NOT know when the first recording was of any song, except KC BRASS & ELECTRIC 's originals (of course), let alone know where it was recorded or by whom or any subsequent history of a song. Sometimes Dave looks at me in disbelief at my limited knowledge of the music life he loves and lives, but thanks to that momentous night in 1994 at the Grand Emporium, I have learned a thing or two about the legendary Memphis Horns - and a hero has become our special friend.__Kansas City Blues Society – August, 1999 BLUES NEWS________________________________________________________ ______