The World of Slidin' Slim

I'm not a kid anymore

2010-01-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday. I've been away from the blues scene since late last year. Just like I planned. I'm spending my days writing, thinking (a lot!!!) about 2010. There's so many things that I would like to do. So many projects that I need to do. I'm getting all worked up over the state of the world and this country. People getting tired of my constant ranting over political issues but I can't stop. It's OUR responsibility!
I got a crazy idea yesterday. Could I really do it? Wait and see. Long overdue in every way. I've a hard time getting any rest. I don't like to rest but I know I need to. I'm not a kid anymore. A couple more of Henry Rollins books arrived yesterday. Good stuff. Today the brand new Jello Biafra CD arrived. Sounds really good. Jello is the man!

HENRY ROLLINS

2010-01-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Är inne i en massiv Henry Rollins period just nu. Ska ärligen erkänna att jag inte haft någon större relation till mannen genom åren. Tyckte aldrig att Black Flag kunde mäta sig med Dead Kennedys och andra husgudar och var aldrig intresserad nog för att ta del av hans Spoken Word-inspelningar. Det var när Henry Rollins Show dök upp på SVT härom året som jag satte mig ner och lyssnade till vad han hade att säga på allvar. Blev intresserad nog för att gå djupare och fann hans USA/samhälls kritik välformulerad och extremt underhållande.

Rollins enorma energi och förmåga att använda sin kreativitet på så många sätt för att få ut sina tankar och ideér är oerhört inspirerande. Inte minst eftersom jag också fått uppfattningen att Rollins själv har, i princip, total kontroll över sin utgivning via eget förlag och skivbolag. För en person som mig som arbetat enligt "Do it yourself" -prinicipen i 15 år så är en person som Henry Rollins tveklöst en förebild.

Hans musik lämnar mig fortfarande rätt kallsinnig (även om jag bugar mig djupt för den våldsamma energi som är synonym med Rollins musik) men hans böcker och Spoken Word-framträdanden är enormt bra och rekommenderas varmt. Grämer mig en hel del över att jag inte kan besöka någon av hans kommande framträdanden i Sverige men finner tröst i att några böcker till snart landar i brevlådan och att hans senaste DVD ligger hemma för visning under kommande helg.

Slim

ANNA ODELL OCH VIKTEN AV DEN ÄRLIGA KONSTEN

2010-01-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

2009 har varit ett år då konsten stått i fokus och debatten rasat vilt mycket på grund av Anna Odells verk Okänd, kvinna 2009-349701. Genom mitt eget prosaskrivande så har jag också tvingats ta ställning till huruvida en upphovsman bör anpassa sitt verk av hänsyn till omgivningen; såväl den närliggande i form av familj och vänner och den som består av samhället i stort med tillhörande normer och moral. För de flesta skapande människor så består själva skapandet av en evig ström med frågor, ifrågasättande och filosoferande kring eventuellt mottagande och konsekvenser. Detta är en naturlig del i att skapa verklig konst. Jag skriver verklig för, enligt mitt sätt att se det, så finns det gradskillnader i hur konst känns även om olika skapelser landar olika i olika människor. Men för mig så är den interna diskussionen ett säkert kvitto på att jag är på rätt väg. Det som uppstår utan kamp, oro och ifrågasättande blir sällan bra nog. Jag anser förstås att Anna Odell lyckades synnerligen väl med sitt konstverk. Hon berörde fler människor med ett enstaka verk än vad flertalet konstnärer gör med ett livsverk. Hon lyckades också skapa en debatt bortom själva konstverket som förhoppningsvis lyckades belysa hur illa det står till med delar av den Psykiatriska vården i Sverige. Detta ska tveklöst applåderas. Baksidan av all uppståndelse kring Anna Odells verk är kanske att hon i viss mån skapade en ökad badwill bland människor som redan anser att kultur är märklig och får alldeles för stort ekonomiskt stöd. Men i slutändan så tror jag att summan av detta ändå blir betydligt mindre än fördelarna. Den bästa konsten ska provocera, belysa tveksamma samhällsfenomen, vara en kritisk röst, spränga tabun och bidra till människors självständiga tänkande. Detta sker inte genom att vi som skapar låter inre och yttre kritik skrämma oss till tystnad. Det är när vi lockar upp skiten till ytan som den blir mindre skrämmande och hanterbar. Genom att vara skapande människor tar vi också på oss ett ansvar genom att bli röster för de som inte kan ge uttryck för sina tankar och känslor. Det är ett monumentalt ansvar som vi måste axla med största allvar. Att vara en ärlig röst som skalar bort alla skyddslager som bara bedövar oss människor och gör oss ännu mera rädda.

När jag arbetade med min bok så kunde jag inte gömma mig på samma sätt som jag gjort i mitt låtskrivande på engelska. När orden tornade upp sig framför mig på ark efter ark så var hela tiden min ambition att inte väja när meningarna började slita i mitt inre. Det fula och hemska var tvunget att beskrivas just på detta sätt medan det vackra fick iklädas ett lyriskt och romantiskt skimmer. För det är ju så vi är, eller hur? Fullkomlighet och ofullkomlighet bildar enheten vi kallar människa.
Det är väl inget vi borde vara rädda för?

2010 ETT ÅR I POLITIKENS TECKEN?

2009-12-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

ÅRETS SISTA DAG
Årets sista dag är kommen och som brukligt är för detta med sig tankar kring det gångna året och det som komma skall. 2010 år ju, som bekant, valår och sällan har jag känt så starka känslor inför ett val som detta. Högeralliansen har gjort allt i sin makt för att lägga in en högre växel i den nedmontering av välfärden som sossarna (jo så var det dessvärre) påbörjade under sin senaste mandatperiod. Vi står nu inför en samhällssituation där alla som inte har rejält med deg på banken snabbt kan hamna på gatan och i värsta fall i förlängningen dö. Med arbetlöshetsersättningssystem och sjukförsäkringsregler som snart inte står USA långt efter så har vi snart ett samhälle där bara den starke överlever.
För mig har det aldrig varit så enkelt att det handlar om höger eller vänster gällande politiska sympatier även om jag oftast upplever att den traditionella vänsterpolitiken ligger närmare mitt hjärta. Men det vänsteralternativ som finns att rösta på idag känns bara som ett dåligt och bara något bättre alternativ än den sittande sörjan med Reinfeldt som inte under några omständigheter kan tillåtas få förnyat förtroende. Jag vågar inte ens tänka på vad det skulle kunna innebära för Sverige.
ETTT NYTT PARTI?
Är det rent av ett helt nytt parti vi behöver? Ett parti där solidaritet är nyckelordet? Ett parti som propagerar för ett samhälle där den starke hjälper den svage? Ett parti som går i fronten för nedmontering av krigmakt och krigsindustri men som värnar om sjukvård,generösa sjukförsäkringsregeler och kvalitativ värdig äldreomsrog? Som vill se en skola där individen står i centrum och får undervisning som anpassas efter behov och där ingen bedöms efter stela betygssystem som bara hetsar och bryter ner? Ett parti som säger stopp när kapitalet skriker efter mer och väger upp med särskilda beskattningssystem som sätter stopp på girigheten? Ett parti som verkligen ser vikten av att ALLA måste ta del av arbetet för en bättre miljö?

Jag vet att jag kommer att ta med mig mina funderingar och använda mitt lilla utrymme från hemsidor och blog, genom låtar och scenframträdanden för att åtminstone ventilera och väcka frågor. Det är genom debatt och en tilltro till det demokratiska systemet som vi tillsammans kan förändra vår värld till det bättre.

LÅT OSS TILLSAMMANS GÖRA 2010 TILL ETT GOTT NYTT ÅR!

Slim

MINNS NI BOKEN?

2009-12-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

En del kanske minns att jag i ett tidigare inlägg refererade till ett pågående "bok"-projekt? Nu har jag satt punkt för den sista raden och finner texten vara så klar som den kan vara just nu. Vänner läser eller har läst. Åsikter trillar in och förmodligen kommer texten att genomgå fler förändringar innan den når sin slutgiltiga version. Härmed slänger jag ut ett litet smakprov i cyberspace, håll till godo.

OM NI BLUNDAR FINNS JAG INTE av Anders Landelius

I got to keep movin’ I got to keep movin’
Blues fallin’ down like hail, blues fallin’ down like hail
and the day keeps on my knee,
It’s a hellhound on my trail, hellhound on my trail”
(Robert Johnson)

Hotellrummet är OK, tveklöst bättre än genomsnittet. När man tillbringar mer tid på hotellrum än hemma så lär man sig uppskatta nyanserna.
Ja, fy fan vilka rum jag slaggat i genom åren! Kommer nog aldrig glömma det risiga ungkarlshotellet i Malmö med cigarettbrännmärken i väggarna där pundarnas och fyllonas skrik höll mig vaken hela natten eller horhotellet i Chicago med torskarnas stånkanden vägg i vägg och dom solkiga lakanen som gav mig klåda i en månad.
För att inte tala om kommunisthotellet i Polen där den alkoholstinkande portieren rastade jycken i korridoren. Fy satan, man fick kryssa fram mellan hundskiten när man tog sig till rummet! Inte fanns det varmvatten heller och toapappret var som sandpapper; kunde knappt sitta under hela turnén.
Det var, till och med, hål i väggarna, ytterväggarna! Polsk luftkonditionering.
Fast värst är nog ändå dussinhotellen. Scandic kedjorna som inte ens erbjuder absurda minnen som kan bli till låtar utan bara dödar med sin förbannade likriktning och, till slut, blir till en suddig dimma där Kalix lika gärna kan vara Kristianstad. Hur många gånger har jag inte vaknat utan att ha en aning om var jag befunnit mig?
När jag börjat morgonen med att rota i turistinformationen på skrivbordet för att hitta ett ortsnamn som nämndes tillräckligt många gånger för att troligen vara den jag befann mig på.
Här finns det, åtminstone, en hemkänsla och en viss personlighet som jag gillar. Måste vara ett av få hotell i Sverige som inte tillhör någon internationell koncern. Försöker alltid bo här när jag giggar i Uppsala.
Schyssta ytor, hygglig konst på väggarna, badkar istället för dusch och en liten soffgrupp. Fast jag har aldrig fattat vad dessa soffgrupper ska vara bra för i ett hotellrum. Åtminstone inte längre.
När man var rookie och turnélivet var ett enda långt partaj med polarna i bandet då hade det suttit fint med en soffgrupp. Men nä, då fick man nöja sig med att knoppa på en soffa hemma hos någon godhjärtad arrangör, i turnébussen eller i bästa fall på något vandrarhem. Nu vill jag bara vara ifred. Pallar inget socialiserande efter ett gig.
Egentligen har jag nog alltid velat vara ifred men pressen var väl för stor gissar jag. Det outtalade tvånget att leva upp till myten. Människor vill ha sina musikanter på ett visst sätt.
Måttfulla hälsofreaks passar knappast in i gängse uppfattning av hur man ska bete sig. Ja, om man inte är Lill-Babs eller Carola kanske. Då ska man hålla sig sund och fräsch. Fast det vete fan om inte Lill-Babs supit i sina dar och njutit både en och två manliga groupies. Kan ha fel förstås men finns det inte något skälmskt bakom det där leendet, bakom den där helyllefasaden? Det handlar ju om att presentera det som folk vill ha. Vad som sedan är ett skådespel får man ju inte alltid veta. Vissa är ju bättre än andra på att hålla garden uppe.
Jag har alltid tyckt bäst om att dricka ensam. Har nog alltid ansett att folk på fyllan förvandlas till idioter. Antingen till glada idioter som vill sprida kärlekens budskap till alla som råkar passera inom räckhåll eller galna idioter som när som helst kan slå ölpavan i skallen på en. Nä, idioti utövas bäst allena. Det är min fasta övertygelse.

Copyright Anders Landelius 2009

Some traditional blues for you!

2009-10-26T03:57:00.000-07:00

I found these two clips on You Tube from a night together with Sick'n Blues last year. A good day at work!

THE DVD/CD-BOX'S AVAILABLE!!!!!

2009-10-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, here it is; the DVD/CD-Box (digipack)(double set, 1 DVD and 1 CD) recorded live at SATYRBLUES 2008 in Poland. This is a concert with my own songs from "One man riot" (and a few more originals) recorded together with The Soulbastards. This is a quite rough recording with the usual mistakes that you'll find a non-edited live recording but if you like "One man riot" there's a BIG chance you like this DVD/CD. It's is a beutiful product and the artwork alone is worth the price. The box is also VERY limited and I only have a few copies available for sale.
You can order the DVD/CD directly from me and I'll ship worldwide.
Price? 200 SEK, 19 EUR, 29 USD + shipping.
You will also be able to buy the DVD/CD from a few selected stores (Smokestack Stockholm and Skivlagret Linköping).
Send me a mail and I'll tell how to get a hold on your personal (signed if you like) copy of this rare and exclusive product.

Slim

LESTER BUTLER DVD!!!!!

2009-09-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my Lester Butler DVD arrived. When I opened the package my hands trembled and my heart was beating hard.
My intense relationship to Lester goes back to the early 90’s when he released one of the best blues albums of all times King King with his band The Red Devils.
That was the record that opened my eyes and ears to electric blues and a truckload of other amazing blues acts. BUT still The Red Devils album is the only record I’ve listened to on a weekly basis for more than 17 (!!!) years. Lester and the guys never fail to lift me up during my darkest hour or keep my party mood going when should’ve gone to bed hours ago.
I'D never had the chance to see Lester live. But now, at least, I can enjoy one of the greatest bluesmen ever at home thanks to the new DVD.
Last night I sat down with a six-pack of Budweiser and celebrated the memory of Lester and I almost couldn’t keep from crying. To watch Lester’s very last performance (he died from a drug overdose one week after the gig) at the Moulin Blues Ospel in The Netherlands 1998 together with some very rare rehearsal footage and a few songs from 1993 with The Red Devils was both joyful and extremely sad.
I urge you to get your copy of this DVD as soon as you can. This is blues music just the way it should be; rough, dangerous, hard and emotional beyond words.
Buy the DVD from www.bluesdvd.nl

Slim

4 PAGES IN BLUES MATTERS!

2009-09-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy about the attention and support from one of the best Blues publications in the world: Blues Matters!
Read and enjoy and make sure that you also become a susbriber!

SONGWRITERS ON SONGWRITING

2009-04-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

When you are a creative person you are always on the lookout for things that might inspire you write another song, keep going for another year or find a new road to follow.
Few things are more exciting than to get the chance to hear how others people think when it comes to their craft.
I highly recommend this wonderful book by Paul Zollo. It is a MUST READ if you are serious about songwriting. You can find the book at Amazon or in Sweden at Adlibris.

Letter from the road part 4

2009-03-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

BREDA BLUES NIGHT
My very first tour of The Netherlands ended with a final gig at the great Chassé Theatre in Breda. And what a night!!! Chassé Theatre is one of the largest in The Netherlands and everything was top class in every way. The private dressing room (more like a small Palace!!!), sound, staff and audience. I enjoyed playing a LOT!!! Meet some great blues lovers as well and heard some fine blues from the other featured artists (Bryan Lee, Erja Lyytinen, Chick Rodgers and Barrelhouse).
A wonderful way to finish a very successful week.

GOING HOME
Yesterday it was time to pack my stuff and head home to Sweden. Of course it always nice to get back home but it at the same time I felt a bit sad. Thanks to my friend Barry Mc Cabe who booked and took care of the tour it's been perfect and great experience. I already looking forward to going back.

Slim

Letter from the road part 3

2009-03-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

The tours continues and tomorrow it's time to go back to Sweden. During the last two days I've done two completely different gigs.
CAFÉ AVERECHTS UTRECHT
Café Averechts was a really cosy little place with very helpful and nice staff. They made me feel very welcome and the gig turned out great. A bit like playing in a living room for a bunch of good friends. Barry Mc Cabe joined me on stage for a couple of songs as well as Barry's Irish friend Martin. A very nice evening in every way.
XINIX, NIEUWENDIJK
Barry had told me a bit about this club before but it turned out to be even cooler than I could've imagined. A real pro club with a BIG stage, pro sound, lights and staff. This is a club that book some really big names like Chris Smither that played a few weeks before me. It was great to see the club fill up with people and I enjoyed my gig a lot. Barry joined me for a couple of songs to promote his very own gig at XINIX on the 24:th of April. Meet some really nice people as well. I would certainly love to return to XINIX some day.

OK, now it's time to prepare for the gig tonight at Breda Blues Night. I'm looking forward to it a lot. I will certainly do my very best.

Slim

Letter from the road part 2

2009-03-11T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!
I keep on travelling, like we blues guys do, and now I've reached the 6:Th day of the tour. I'm feeling fine and enjoying myself a lot.
RADIO SHOW
I had a great time together with Willie at the radio show in Etten-Leur. We talked about my history, I played a bunch of songs (both from One man riot and some of my own favourites) and just had a great time. We were joined in the studio by some friends among them Barry McCabe and young rising blues star Peter Struijk (he's working with the legendary Taildragger!!!). A good time. Thanks Willie for inviting me!
AMSTERDAM
Last night we went to Amsterdam to check out some blues venues and to do some jammin'. We visited Bourbon Street Blues Bar and I played a couple of songs and then we went on to another club (don't remember the name and that has nothing to do with all the Coffee-houses;)). I've never been to Amsterdam before and it seems to be a very beautiful town. That was obvious even in the dark.

Today I'm having a day off and I will spend the day in Utrecht just checking the town and relax.

Slim

Letter from the road

2009-03-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Touring The Netherlands part 1
I'm on the road doing my very first real tour of The Netherlands. I did a shorter one a couple of years back but this time, thanks to my friend Barry McCabe, I'm here for 10 days.
HENGELO
So far it has been really great. I started out in Hengelo Friday night at Cafe de Cactus. A small but very nice place. I was joined but a couple a very good musicians for some jammin' after my gig was finished. The French blues star Nico Wayne Toussaint was also in town doing his very own gig and it was a real pleasure to play with him. A great harmonica player, singer and showman. Check him out!
LEERDAM
The day after it was time for the first festival in Leerdam. A really well organized festival with a strong line-up of great artists. I think I did quite well and I enjoyed my time on stage a lot. It was good meeting and do some good blues talking with other musicians as always. Enjoyed some fine music too. Big Bo was really good doing traditional acoustic blues and the band Cuban Heels that reminded me at times of the great The Red Devils was another highlight of the evening.
MEDEMBLIK
Yesterday I travelled to the beautiful coastal city Medemblik. Another small but VERY nice club that treated me very well. Started out pretty early and the audience really made me feel good and inspired. We could pack up the gear and hit the road and get back to the 'headquarters'in Utrecht in descent time. Nice for a change.
RADIO SHOW
Tonight I'm a special guest at the radio show "Blues Encounters of The Dirty Kind" hosted by Bluesy Willie. I guess we'll do some talking and I'm also performing a few songs live in the studio. Looking forward to that.

OK, that's all for now.

Slim

The urge to create

2009-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of glad that I finally reached a point where I, almost, write everyday. It is much easier to find the time to write a few pages everyday than it is to play music.
Music makes noise and I need to play loud. Even when I play acoustic. And neighbours doesn't like noise during night. Not even me.
But I realize more and more that it's all about an urge to create. I need to create to feel alive and, right now, I'm very excited over my "book". Of course that doesn't mean that I'm not creating music but I'm almost relieved that the writing of words gives me so much satisfaction even without readers. That's cool.

Tom Waits

2009-02-02T07:18:00.001-08:00

I'm back. In english. Do you care? I don't know. I'm writing a lot at the moment. Working with my book project and on new songs. I'm enjoying myself again, thank God or whoever is in charge. I'm reading on new book with short stories by Charles Bukowski that was published just before Christmas. It's great, of course. It's Bukowski we're talking about here. I'm listening to Tom Waits. He's fucking amazing. One of a kind. I'm kinda frustrated that I have not been to a concert with him. Please Mr. Waits, come back to Sweden soon. As much as I love my delta blues, my deep southern soul, my Chicago blues or my Louisiana Blues nobody inspire me as much as Mr. Waits.
I just ordered 4 new CD's with Tom Waits. I'm glad that there's still music by this great man that I don't own. Gives me a reason to breath and wake up tomorrow.

2009...nu på svenska. + Varför blogga?

2009-01-22T02:28:00.000-08:00

(Sorry, only in Swedish...)
Tänk vilka möjligheter som internet har öppnat upp för människor med uttrycksbehov. Det finns inga gränser. När jag debuterade på den svenska bluesscenen 1994 så var hemsidor rätt ovanligt bland band, Myspace och andra forum för byggande av nätverk och möten med fans skulle fortfarande dröja. Man fick helt enkelt nöja sig med Postverkets tjänster för kommunikation med såväl arrangörer som eventuella fans.
Jag gjorde faktiskt ett försök med ett nyhetsbrev (gjort av papper!!!) ett tag.
I det stora hela så tycker jag att det är alldeles fantastiskt med dessa möjligheter som finns nu. Tack vare nätet så har jag fått släppa en platta på ett amerikanskt bolag, turnerat i USA, sett mina skivor resa jorden runt till lyssnare i länder som Australien, England, Polen, Tyskland, Finland, Norge, Danmark, Frankrike, Holland, Belgien, Japan och lärt känna mängder med underbara musikfans.
Jag har omfamnat den nya tekniken och använder den dagligen. Men för er som följt vad jag skrivit på min blogg sedan starten för snart ett år sedan så har mitt skrivande här inte blivit särskilt frekvent. Kanske för att jag inte följt min egen riktlinje att skriva såväl på svenska som engelska eller kanske för att jag helt enkelt inte vet om någon egentligen tar del av vad jag skriver. Kan ju mycket väl vara så att de som ÄR intresserade av min musik är mindre intresserade av alla de förryckta tankarna som föder musiken?
Någonstans så tror jag också att jag känner ett litet motstånd mot att följa en så starkt populistisk trend som att blogga. Det är väl knappast någon som säger emot det faktum att det florerar alldeles för mycket åsikter och vardagsredogörelser på svenska bloggar som omöjligen kan vara av större intresse för någon?

Just idag vet jag inte var just min blogg kommer att ta vägen. Ordet är viktigt för mig, i synnerhet det skrivna ordet. Skrivandet har följt mig genom hela livet från skolans uppsatser, skoltidningar, frilansskrivande för lokalblaskan till de där novellerna och romanprojekten som fortfarande inte har publicerats.
En blogg kan vara ett bra ställe att låta sina texter möta eventuella läsare för omedelbar feedback. Om detta råder det ingen tvekan. Kanske det är så det kommer att bli? Eller inte.

BROKE & HUNGRY RECORDS AND THE SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

2008-11-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

(Read more about this new film here: http://www.mformississippi.com/)

When I look back at my relationship to music during my (soon) 40 years as a consumer, musician, promoter, music writer, record label owner I realize that I always been on the search for music that tells the truth.
Music that lacks honesty and depth never lasted very long in my life. When I first heard Jerry Lee Lewis as a 6-7 year old the music made an impact on me that have lasted for a lifetime.
During my childhood and teens I continued to search for music that felt real. Bands like Ramones, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, the first Metallica album, early Peter Gabriel and a few more had that honesty that talked to me.
When I discovered the country blues in the early 90’s it was like finding a treasure with unlimited possibilities. Son House, Charlie Patton, Fred McDowell and many many more gave me more truth than I could’ve wished for.
I will never forget the day I found out about Fat Possum Records and discovered RL Burnside, T-Model Ford, Jr Kimbrough, Cedell Davis and the others. For a very long time I depended on Fat Possum to get a hold on some real honest blues.

During the last few years Fat Possum has focused on other styles than the blues and I thought that the days when a label would find and release real blues was all gone.
But hell no! I stumbled in to BROKE & HUNGRY RECORDS through Deep Blues Festivals Myspace and what a find!!!
A label that seems to be determined to do the “impossible” and find the deep real bluesmen, record them and release great records!

I bought 4 CD’s from Broke & Hungry Records last week and I can’t stop listen to them.
The rough blues of The Mississippi Marvel makes me cry and laugh, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes sings and plays his guitar straight in to my soul and Odell Harris, oh man, his personal story makes his already strong blues even deeper and more exciting.

If you, like me, need real emotions from real people telling the truth through deep blues you should do yourself, the artists and Broke & Hungry Records a favour and buy some records today.

Listen to the artists here: http://www.myspace.com/brokeandhungryrecords
Read more and buy the CD’s here:http://www.brokeandhungryrecords.com

Slim

J. B. Hutto and Booba Barnes saved my day!

2008-10-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

You have to forgive me if this blog sometimes gets a bit nasty. But this is my open outlet for just about anything in my life so you better get used to some moaning and groaning every now and then.
Those you of you who read my shit on a regular basis know that I’ve been in a bad mood lately. There’s so much in our society/world that annoys me BUT there’s just as much that gives me joy and happiness. I guess that’s why I still get out of my bed every morning.
Today I went to a big Record fair in my hometown and had a really good time. Even at record fairs it can be hard to find the records that will make your day/week/month but this time I did find 2 wonderful records.
Booba Barnes ”Heartbroken man” and a live record with J.B Hutto and The Houserockers from 1977.
I’ve listen to J.B for years but my only previous encounter with Booba was through the wonderful film Deep Blues. Booba only made this record but ”Heartbroken man” is pure traditional blues joy from a real blues man.
Tonight I will stay at home with my new records and a 6-pack of cold beer and I know that I will have a good time.
I FEEL GOOD!!!

Slim

The lack of competence

2008-10-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

I’m in one of my angry moods! Aaaaghhhh! I’m like a runaway train, don’t get in my way!
Let me tell you. It, more or less, always starts with a situation where there are people involved that lack competence. I mean, if you know that you lack the competence of working in a certain field why the fuck do you even try? There is too much of this everywhere. I see it every day! Take school for instance.
Don’t work in school if you don’t know how to handle kids! Be a real man/woman and quit the job and go do something else. Don’t fuck up my kid with your lack of knowledge.
It’s the same with the police. Yeah, I know that they might be doing some good somewhere (I don’t know where though) but hell, to me it seems like you have to be a moron to even be considered to work as a police. And yeah, I fuckin’ know what I’m talking about. Sure have had my share of encounters with the law. I might tell you more about that someday.

It’s all about taking some kind of pride in your occupation no matter what it is. Even more so if you work with people. I fuckin’ hate myself every time I do a bad concert. The people that spend their hard earned money deserves nothing else than my best. Otherwise I should consider doing something else. That’s my fuckin’ responsibility. Be proud, do what you do best and stay the away from things you only mess up. Do you hear me Mr. Politician, Mr. Police, Ms. Stupid Girl at the Dressman store, Mrs Teacher at the Montessori school, Mr. Almost Kill us all Bus Driver? I’m angry. I might be in a better mood tomorrow. Or not.

REST IN PEACE

2008-10-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

During the past 15 years I’ve been driving my car countless of miles in the middle of the night on my way home from concerts.
Always with the knowledge about all the dangers that follows with driving during night time.
But even if I have been really tired, driving through snowstorms in the north of Sweden and through thunderstorms and heavy rain in the South of USA I’ve been lucky enough to make it to my destination safe and sound.
These days I always try to sleep over if possible but once in a while I have no choice but to drive home after the gig.

After my gig in Västerås this weekend I needed to go back home directly to be able to make it to another gig the day after. And everything went just fine through the dark forests and small roads from Västerås down to Norrköping. With just 40 kilometres to go and with the feeling of safety (?) that highways always brings me I felt relaxed and glad to have made it through the night once more.
Then, without warning, a big fox bumped in to my car. I had no time at all to react. What a shock! For some people I guess that something like this might not be a big thing but I am a BIG animal lover. Yes BIG!!! I love animals of all kinds and I have, more than once, tried to avoid running over frogs with my car. When I am out walking I always help snails over the road, I’ve tried to kill fish but it makes me sick and I do not eat any kind of meat, I love to hangout with cows (yeah, I ain’t kiddin’) and one of things I love most in life is spending time with dogs. I’m a strong believer in the fact that animals are equals to human beings.

Well, maybe you could understand what a disturbing experience this accident was for me. Of course it could’ve been worse but still I can’t shake off the knowledge that I’ve killed a beautiful animal. I guess it will take some time to get my Karma in order after this.

Hellhounds on my trail

2008-09-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

At times when I think I have it all worked out, have made some kind of fuckin’ statement or found a new path to follow the blues comes back with renewed strength and knocks me out. ”So, you thought that you could get rid of me?” ”Pick up that slide boy, and play some mean delta blues now, that’s the path you have chosen and that’s what you going to do until the day you die”…
I guess you can't argue with the Devil? That's what I'm thinking, or could it be God? I will know the truth on judgment day. We all will.

Sometimes I wonder what really happened that day back in early 90’s when I discovered the blues of Robert Johnson, Son House and all the other legends. In just a few weeks time my whole life changed and I knew that playing the blues was what I was supposed to do with my life. And every time I think I might be doing something else…I just can’t do it, I just fuckin’ can’t.
God knows I tried to play music that might be resulting in more money, I've tried my hand on more jobs than I care to remember, I sure have tried to adjust and live a "normal" life but it's no use. It's like I'm possessed. Hellhounds on my trail.

And I ain't kiddin’, this is not a joke. I can’t get rid of the blues. I’m in it for life. Get out of my way, don't tell me what to do, don't mess with my blues. That's why I've always preferred to play solo or with a band that play the blues my way.
This ain't no interest, no hobby, no fuckin' social club or a job. The blues is what I am. Something deeply personal, something that emerge from my soul, the truth, MY truth. Hellhounds on my trail.

Slim

A NEW CHAPTER

2008-09-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Dear friends!

A few days have passed since the show at the SAGA theatre and a fact that I realized many years ago feels stronger than ever. To perform my original songs in a satisfying manner I need this kind of venue and circumstances to feel good about myself and my songs. It became extremely clear during the show and I think that those that attended that night feel just the same. Not only the perfect backing band in THE SOULBASTARDS but also the visual effects and the environment made the night complete. After some 15 years of touring I certainly need to do things my way. That’s the only way to continue to be inspired and a must to secure the highest quality of my performances.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong at all with a smoky bar room gig for a drinking blues audience. God knows I’ve done my share of these gigs and most of the time it’s been great but after 15 years, well, I guess you know what I mean, don’t you?
More than anything else I think that this is a way of taking care of my music and myself. To be honest with you there’s been more than one moment during the last couple of years when I’ve been quite tired of the road. To be doing one more gig of the same kind that I’ve been doing since this never ending tour started back in 1994 has felt, at the lowest point, like going to the dentist.
Even if I, almost, ALWAYS enjoy being on stage, play music and meet nice people we all need to feel that we move forward in more ways than one. To be a musician and an creative person is very much like being on an constant journey. There's no point in travelling to the same place year after year. There's so much to discover, so many roads to go down and so little time.
(But, you know me, we all need to "come home" every now and then so I won't give up the traditional blues playing solo or with different bands. That will ALWAYS be the backbone of everything I do).

Therefore I’m VERY excited to announce this new chapter in my life as an artist and songwriter. My ambition and intention is to bring you nothing less than a show that I feel 100% proud every time I get out on the road on my way to your town.
I’ve always done my very best to give my whole heart and soul at EVERY show I’ve made since the beginning but now is the time to give you the rest.
Something I feel that I am worth as well as you!

There will be smoke,
there will be lights,
there will be loud moments and some noise
BUT
there will be soul,
there will be slide guitars,
there will be blues,
there will be stories told and
I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THERE WILL BE A SHOW TO REMEMBER FOR A LONG TIME!

Keep your eyes open for a show near you!

Yours truly

Slidin’ Slim

Read about the show in Corren (swedish only) click here.

Niels Nielsen, Sir George Martin and new exciting projects

2008-06-13T01:08:00.000-07:00

It is almost 2 years since I started to write the songs that ended up on my latest CD “One man riot”. When I started out I did not know what kind of record I wanted to do. But I did know that I wanted to write highly personal songs and be open for whatever could happen during the process. To team up with producer and multi instrumentalist Niels Nielsen was the best thing I could’ve done. This extremely talented young man brought so much to the recording sessions and I like to think about the CD as a duo project. Without a doubt Niels is my very own Sir George Martin!

Even if “One man riot” still travels around the world on its on own resulting in new reviews and airplay every other day I’ve felt that writing/recording urge coming back lately.
I’ve got so many ideas and without a doubt there’s many CD’s in my mind waiting to be recorded. There’s thoughts about an acoustic solo CD (just me and my guitars), sooner or later I will make that rough band blues CD in the spirit of The Red Devils that I’ve dreamed about doing for so many years, Busty Blondes have some great new songs waiting to be recorded and I’ve got some REALLY (yeah, really!!!) wild projects that I’m discussing with great musicians that I would love to do BUT, as always, there’s not enough time. If I can find a way of giving up sleeping I might have a chance!

BUT, I’m very excited, and glad, to tell you all that Niels and I will enter the studio very soon to begin the work with a new recording that of course going to have number one priority. I’ve heard some of the music in head late at night but there’s no way to tell what would come out of this. I guess we all have to wait and see....

Check out Niels own projects while you wait:

http://www.nielsnielsen.net/

http://www.myspace.com/nielsfromhell

http://www.myspace.com/sansuirocknroll

Right now I'm listening to:

Eli "Paperboy" Reed http://www.myspace.com/elipaperboyreed

Chris Whitley (R.I.P) http://www.chriswhitley.com/

DJ Logic http://www.myspace.com/projectlogic

Slim

Great Distribution news and the new Lester Butler DVD!

2008-05-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hey! How you all doing these days? It’s been a while I know and yes, you guessed right, I’ve been extremely busy!
There’s a lot that is happening right now. The BIG thing right now is of course that Border Music will distribute “One man riot” in Scandinavia. That’s quite important and I’m really happy to be working with Border that’s been in the business for such a long time.
Together with the main distribution through Burnside (US) my CD is well taken care of and available more or less all around the globe. That’s good news! I’ve already seen the result through more and more airplay in many countries as well as better and better sales. Not to mention the amazing reviews that floating in from many publications. And this is not all. There are so many other exciting things in the pipeline that I will tell you about very soon.

I’ve been in the studio a couple of times during the last week and recorded a live “demo” with my friends in Sick’n Blues. It was my first time in the Realtime Recording in Norrköping and I must say that it was a REALLY good experience. Daniel “Dante” Gese, the owner and main tech/producer, is a total pro in every way and it was a pleasure working with him. I’ve recorded in MANY studios since my first recording back in the 80’s and I recommend Realtime Recordings 100% for every recording need. Check out the website here: http://www.realtimerecording.se/
Yeah, IF we feel satisfied with the artistic result of the recording we will make some songs available at Myspace for you all of course.

Next week I’m off to the small, but very nice, blues festival in Åtvidaberg and the week after that I will join the guys in Sick’n Blues for a new gig at Josef’s House of Blues in Eskilstuna. Keep visiting my website (did I mention that there will be a new layout soon?) for music related news and to stay updated concerning gigs in your area.

By the way, I’m deep into a period of Hollywood Fats (he’s the number one guitar player ever in my world!) and The Red Devils (I just ordered a new live DVD with Lester Butler!!!!)

Slim

The Jelly Roll Kings, Paul "Wine" Jones, Lightnin' Slim and the Deep Blues Festival 2008

2008-05-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

The greatest thing about being a blues maniac is the endless source of great music. No matter how much time I spend listening to the blues (and believe me, I listen for several hours EVERY day) there are always new records to be bought (YES I still buy records, no fucking downloading here!) and new artists to discover.
Even if I do enjoy (yes you might be surprised) other kinds of music there’s nothing like the real blues. It’s really hard to pinpoint what it is that make this kind of music so much stronger but I guess a part of the truth is that this is music that gets “to the point”. No bullshit just pure emotions.
During the last few weeks I’ve been having an intense love affair with some of the greatest blues music ever recorded: Jelly Roll Kings, Junior Kimbrough, Paul “Wine” Jones and the amazing Lightnin’ Slim. I can’t describe the way this music resonates in my soul and I’m deeply grateful for the fact that I’ve been able to play and perform this kind of music since 1994.
Take some time and check this music out, your life might change forever!

For those of you who live in the USA or have some money to travel don't miss the fantastic http://www.deepbluesfestival.com/.

Slim

The return of the bastard son!

2008-04-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

I have a bastard son! I’ve tried to hide him from the world most of the time. But every now and then he calls me up in the middle of the night. That I can handle. But when I least expect it he turn up at my doorstep and scares the hell out of me. He’s like an addiction I never really can get rid of.
He was born in the “hot as hell” summer of 2002. Johan (his 2: nd father) and I gave him the name Busty Blondes. Whenever he shows up he reminds me of why rock ‘n’ roll once was considered to be dangerous because the bastard makes me loose all control, awakens all the demons that I carry around and turns me into a mean shouting guitar smashing monster.
He does the same to Johan. There’s no human drummer alive that can produce a sound like that. It must be the Devil. 2 persons and a sound like a fucking army from Hell.
White Stripes, The Black Keys, Johnossi? Ha,ha,ha……Music from the kindergarten! Don’t get me wrong, I like these bands, there’re NICE but BB, well, you better stay away if you still wanna sleep at night, OK?
Yeah, you guessed right. We’re about to enter the studio again. Six years since the last recording and we’re not sure that we’ll survive this time. So thanks for your attention. http://www.bustyblondes.se

Your friend

Slim

The Devil, Billy Bragg and the BLUES

2008-04-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched an interview with the legendary British political singer Billy Bragg. He talked about how he changed his views on society since his early years. Today he considers cynicism to be a much bigger threat towards society and mankind than capitalism and conservatism. And I could not agree more.
Even if I still fear capitalism and conservatism like the Devil at the Crossroad few things makes me more upset than the growing lack of solidarity and compassion among people for their fellow man. Looking at it from my point of view I can’t see it any other way than that the cynics lost their ability to believe in the equal human dignity of us all and our mutual responsibility for the world we live in. It’s the easy way out of course. Look after your own house and pray to God that your life won’t be destroyed by sickness, unemployment and poverty. This is what our right wing government in Sweden preaches. As well as any other right wing government around the world I guess.
And it makes me fucking sick!
This cynical capitalistic way of life is the cause of our world’s downfall. It is the cause for wars around the world and it is the cause for all the kids that becomes victims in a fucked up school system that preaches an inhuman “only the strong will survive” philosophy.
Only by realizing that we all are alike, that we all can fall at any time we have a chance to change things around. If we keep this in mind when we meet the junkie on the street, look down on that woman sleeping on the pavement or watch that tombstone raised to the memory of a young person who wasn’t strong enough to handle life we will keep in touch with our own humanity.

Being a blues musician is a big responsibility because it is a major part of my mission to tell my own story as well as trying to comment on the world around me but always with love and compassion for my fellow man. I’ve seen a lot during my 14 years on the road. It has been a bumpy journey to say the least. During a few hard years I felt that I was on my way to become that cynic thanks to encounters with the rough business side of music. I’ve sure met some less nice people in audiences too. People that I’ve tried to put me down, criticize me and even threat me with violence on a few rare but fucking scary occasions. During some periods I’ve lost my drive to get out there and play because of this but, thank God, these periods never last.
Over the last few years I’ve learned to look at people for who they are and why. Most people have their own hell to handle and their actions are more or less always the result of this.
But A MAJORITY of all people I meet at festivals and clubs are such great human beings that give me new belief in the future of mankind every night.
I don’t claim to be serving any new thoughts here but I do think that we all need to be reminded every once in a while about these things. There’s hope if we struggle not to get too cynical, if we keep focus on solidarity, keep our faith in democracy and freedom of speech, AND make sure that we get rid of Mr. Reinfeldt at the next election.
Meanwhile, keep listening to the blues, go to clubs and festivals and don’t forget to enjoy your life!

Slim

MY LOVE FOR THE DEEP BLUES

2008-04-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

I can’t get rid of this addiction to the real deep blues…I just keep coming back to the place where it all began back in the early 90’s. I might get lost from time to time, having shorter “affairs” with other blues styles but I always come back to my musical home.
There is nothing like the blues from Delta. This music resonates in my soul in a way words can’t describe.
I’m not a religious man but when I listen to the blues from Mississippi I sure feel like a religious man! This music comforts the soul and heart, makes me laugh and cry, creates an urge to dance, drink and raise some serious hell!
Big Joe Williams, Son House, T-Model Ford, Cedell Davis, RL Burnside, Frank Frost, Junior Kimbrough…That’s the real blues my friends!
I’m lucky enough to have seen T-Model Ford and Robert Belfour live. For that I’m deeply grateful.
For me, this music keeps the focus on what good music should be about. Not perfect tuning, technical skills or fancy production.
Take some time and listen to the music from the Delta. It might even change your life…
You'll find the CD's to buy here http://www.fatpossum.com or here http://www.smokestackrecords.com

I’ve done 2 more gigs with Sick’ Blues (Göta Källare in Söderköping and Linköpings Jazz & Bluesfestival) and I’m enjoying myself immensely with these guys. I’ve worked with several great musicians in bands before but there’s something special with this band. I have high hopes for our musical future together.
On Friday we’re going to Macbeth (Josef’s Blues House) in Eskilstuna. That will be our 5:th gig anniversary!!!
After that we will spend some time in the “basement” working on some songs for our recording session in May at the Real Music Studio in Stockholm. I’m looking forward to this a lot because this is a great studio for blues music. Bands like Blues Down Town, Knock-Out Greg & Blue Weather and Sven Zetterberg got CD’s out there that proves that this might be as close to the Chess studio you could come in Europe.

Take care,

Slim

TWO SIDES TO THE BLUES (at least...)

2008-03-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

How come it is so hard to play the blues and R&B right? Any fool can learn to play the blues but very few can do it right. And what's right then you probably ask. Well, you know it when you hear it.

THERE'S TWO SIDES TO THE BLUES (at least...)
I've played the blues since 1991 and toured since 1994. I've played more gigs than I can remember, I've listened to this music on an daily basis for 17 years and I've read a truckload of books about blues. Life has been quite hard from time to time. I've experienced my share of sickness, death, unemployment and heartache and I guess there's always more coming my way.Does this make me a "bluesman" ? No, still I struggle to get it right. Sometimes when I play I reach a short moment when the world around me disappear and I no longer play the blues, I become one with the expression that we call THE BLUES. That what I'm after. And at the most glorious of moments, on a few very rare occasions, the listeners connect with what I'm trying to tell them and what I feel then is something that can't be described with words. These moments are the reason why I've dedicated my life to the blues.

But hold on, blues has a very light entertaining side too, thank God! That's the beauty of this music. I've had some great nights during festivals where masters like Watermelon Slim, Knock-Out Greg, The Instigators, Junior Watson, Jo' Buddy and many more has provided very entertaining blues for my feet, heart and mind.
If I wanna get in a good mood on a friday night at home I put on Wynonie Harris, Big Joe Turner or just about anything released on SUN during the 50's.
And I love to sing these jumping R&B myself...

Well, anyway, the main reason I began to write today was to tell you about the record that I hold in my hands on the picture above. Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Kings. The record arrived from the US yesterday and what a record it is. Carlos Guitarlos, Gene Taylor (of the T-Birds), Top Jimmy and the other guys in this band knew how to make music that made you feel good. God, I wish I would've lived in L.A during the 80's.
Well, I'll tell you more about this band another time.

5 records that changed my life: RED DEVILS - King, King, SON HOUSE - Death letter, RAMONES - Rocket to Russia, JOHN MOONEY -Comin' your way and that very first compilation record I bought with Jerry Lee, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and many more as an 6 year old.

Slim

A friend of words...

2008-03-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I'm glad that you've decided to come here too. Because at this point I know that you've arrived from my website http://www.slidinslim.com/. I've decided to get this blog for the purpose of writing. Up to this point I've used the news section at my website for all kinds of information and sometimes thoughts that might be a bit out of place or at least a bit "too much" for music fans that just want to read the latest musical news. So from now on those of you who wants to get a bit more should go here every know then to read all kinds of shit. It could be what records to buy, political statements, novels, reveiws, "on the road" reports and whatever might come to my mind. This will be the place you visit if you want to know who I am and what's going on in this crazy mind of mine.Some will be in English and some in Swedish. That you will notice. I won't spend too much time checking my English spelling and grammar. Like my music I believe that it is the content that is important, not perfection.Well, that's all for now. Be prepared to come back often.

Right now: I listen to Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs, Robert Nighthawk, Big Joe Turner, read Charles Bukowski and Mike Rowe's Chicago Blues, eat my own home made pizza, drink red wine, having trouble sleeping, trying to start to exercise (I'm a fucking fool but I guess I'm really afraid that my health is really getting bad and I am the kind of guy that never goes to the doctor, I ride in an ambulance!), preparing for the gig this weekend with Sick'n Blues and curse over this fucking right wing goverment that do their best to destroy our country at the expense of the sick, old, unemployed and poor.

Slim