Alice Stuart led the way for blues guitar women
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, January 20, 2005
Alice Stuart helped blaze the way for women in rock when she was one of the few women to write her own music, front a male band and play lead guitar. Then she was won over by the blues.
Stuart will perform Saturday in Seattle. She’s toured with Joan Baez, Doc Watson, Phil Ochs, Van Morrison, John Prine, and Rosalie Sorrells; and played with Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt.
Dick Waterman, a member of the Blues Hall of Fame, said, “There would be no Bonnie Raitt without Alice Stuart.” Her 2002 CD, “Can’t Find No Heaven,” earned a Grammy and Handy Award nomination.
The concert will be a retrospective look at her musical journey.
Sound Off! A band from Arlington, The Last Romance, will be part of the battle of the bands at Experience Music Project in February. The competition gives musicians 21 and under a chance to play original music in front of a live audience and recording label reps. Finalists from 2003 and 2004, Idiot Pilot and Schoolyard Heroes, signed with record labels Reprise Records and The Control Group.
Lonnie Smith: The organ doctor is in Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle. The best story about Smith is the origin of his instrumental playing. After sitting in a music store day after day until closing time, he told the owner that if he had an instrument, he could earn a living. One day the owner closed the shop, took him to a back room, and gave him a new Hammond B-3 organ.
Pat Martino: A near-fatal brain aneurysm led to serious amnesia for the guitarist in 1980, leaving him without memory of about 15 years of music. Martino performs Thursday through Jan. 30 in Seattle. He began the slow path to recovery and memory, culminating with his 1987 album, “The Return.” The improvising guitarist won a Grammy nomination for “Live at Yoshi’s” (2001).
Tommy Tune &the Manhattan Rhythm Kings: The very tall singer, dancer, director and winner of nine Tony awards will be joined by the Manhattan Rhythm Kings on Tuesday in Seattle. The Kings started performing on New York sidewalks, but graduated to the big time with popular music of the 1920s through 1940s.
Three Dog Night: From 1969 to 1974, no group had more top 10 hits or sold more records or concert tickets. Three Dog Night, with a few of the founding fathers still playing, performs Saturday in Tacoma. The band’s signature sound led them to 21 consecutive Top-40 and three No. 1 hits. Think “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” “Easy to be Hard,” and “An Old-Fashioned Love Song.”
Alice Stuart performs Saturday in Seattle.
Where to hear it
Alice Stuart: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$12; 206-528-8523.
Sound Off! Competitions Feb. 5, 12 and 19, EMP, Seattle Center; $5-$10; 877-454-7836.
Lonnie Smith: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $18.50, $20.50; 206-628-0888.
Pat Martino: Various times Thursday through Jan. 30, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $20.50, $22.50; 206-628-0888.
Tommy Tune: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; $17-$62; 206-628-0888.
Three Dog Night: 8 p.m. Saturday, Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma; $20-$40; 206-628-0888.
Where to hear it
Alice Stuart: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$12; 206-528-8523.
Sound Off! Competitions Feb. 5, 12 and 19, EMP, Seattle Center; $5-$10; 877-454-7836.
Lonnie Smith: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $18.50, $20.50; 206-628-0888.
Pat Martino: Various times Thursday through Jan. 30, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $20.50, $22.50; 206-628-0888.
Tommy Tune: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; $17-$62; 206-628-0888.
Three Dog Night: 8 p.m. Saturday, Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma; $20-$40; 206-628-0888.
