STEVE HOWELL
AND JASON WEINHEIMER
A HUNDRED YEARS FROM TODAY
OUT OF THE PAST MUSIC
LULU’S BACK IN TOWN–KANSAS CITY BLUES–GOING BACK TO FLORIDA–LOUIS COLLINS–A HUNDRED YEARS FROM TODAY–GOT THE BLUES, CAN’T BE SATISFIED–BASIN STREET BLUES–LIMEHOUSE BLUES/AFTER YOU’VE GONE–WHO’S BEEN HERE?–ROCKING CHAIR
Texan Steve Howell is one of the premier finger-pickers on the contemporary acoustic scene and one of our favorite storytellers in all blues. With a voice that is the embodiment of laid-back front-porch pickers, he joins forces with renowned bassist and producer Jason Weinheimer for ten all-acoustic numbers that mix traditional country blues and New Orleans jazz. It is entitled, “A Hundred Years From Today,” with virtually all the songs nearing the century mark in age. The lone young ‘un is Lightnin’ Hopkins’ “Going Back To Florida,” circa 1959.
Steve and Jason lead off with one of our all-time favorites, a tune popularized by Fats Waller, “Lulu’s Back In Town.” Steve stays true to the original read on the title cut, having learned it from one of his musical heroes, trombonist-vocalist Jack Teagarden. It deals with sharing your love in the now, for no one will know, “A Hundred Years From Today.”
Steve’s passion for the stylings of Mississippi John Hurt shows thru on two different cuts. “Got The Blues, Can’t Be Satisfied,” is an uptempo number dealing with a cheatin’ lover, while the stark “Louis Collins” leans slightly toward the gospel side, as the poignant murder tale is presented herein as a tribute to those who have lost children.
We had two favorites, at the opposite ends of the blues spectrum, and they close the set. Bo Carter’s “Who’s Been Here since your daddy’s been gone?,” follows in the bawdy footsteps of the Mississippi Sheiks’ best material, delivered here by Steve with a light-hearted touch. And, a somber look at aging thru the eyes of a father and son is tastefully played by Steve and Jason, as, inevitably, that ol’ “Rockin’ Chair” is going to beckon. Steve also learned this one from versions by Hoagy Carmichael, Louis Armstrong, and Jack Teagarden.
Sets such as this one from Steve Howell and Jason Weinheimer are indeed welcomed. Both are versed in the styles of the country-blues players, as well as traditional jazz masters. “A Hundred Years From Today” deftly preserves the past with a nod to the future. Thanks, guys! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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