Easy Lee, the "Hell Ya" guy, & #32
What happened? On Monday I drove 4 hours north to Harrisville, MI. Once there, I talked music and played live in the studio for 3 hours with Lee Kitzman on the Easy Lee Kitzman show (WXTF—LP FM 97.9). Then I drove 4 hours back home.
The difference: Easy Lee Kitzman graduated from HS in 1965. I was born in 1966. Before the show he shared with me some of the great bluesman, he’s seen live. One of them was John Lee Hooker who performed down on Hastings Street in Detroit. We also talked about Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King.
In the studio: We took turns playing our songs and explaining how they came to be. My sister listened in from San Diego. Let me tell you, when you sit down with someone for 3 hours and talk about why you wrote what you wrote, you kind of get to know a guy. Lee has a lot of great experiences and wisdom in life, and I was more than happy to copilot his show with him on Monday. Two thumbs way up for Lee Kitzman!
The highlight: Hearing Lee sing his song “Steps” off his new album. And to think I was sitting right there with him when he did it.
Looking back: I wrote a song called “The Mountain Inn.” The song is about Jacobsen’s Mountain Inn in Mt. Morris, MI and was inspired by a guy dressed in all camo who yelled out “Hell Ya!” at their Wednesday night open mic.
The Lyrics:
There’s a man at the bar, He’s been here since noon,
And he ain’t leavin’ anytime soon
And when you sing your song, He’ll raise a glass,
And holler out “Hell Ya!”
Looking forward: I love to play at the Mountain Inn but have never been able to connect with the “Hell Ya” camo guy until last week! It was so awesome to sing it with him present. My wife says it’s my best song—the one people respond to the most. The guy’s name is Timmy, and he’s throwing a big party for his birthday. He invited me to sing at this big event with his family and friends and I’m thrilled. And if you’re wondering who I am, I’m Bluesdad—the guy who will play for brisket!
And remember folks: It ain’t no sin to get sauce on your chin!
Big numbers: My show with Anthony Retka at the Apothecary Espresso & Coffee in Farmington, MI on Fri. May 17th was so successful; they want me back. I’m happy to say I’m signed up for another appearance there Dec. 6th.
32 people came out to see me play, and I was blown away. One person rearranged her work schedule so she could make it, and others came right from work. The management had to set up extra chairs to accommodate everyone. Add in the people Anthony Retka brought along with foot traffic, and we had quite the audience.
A great opportunity: Sat. June 1st I am recording a live album from the studio I record out of in Ann Arbor. I have room for 7-10 people to be part of my listening audience. It’s one and done people. No takebacks, because it’s live. If you want to be a part of this special night, reply to my email, and I’ll send you the info.
That’s it for this week. I love that people are interested in what I’m doing enough to subscribe and read this newsletter. Thank you for caring!