Ace Jones: Alabama Blues Man

From the Alabama Blues Project Summer Newsletter


Radio station owner and blues musician C.W. Jones became known as "Ace Jones" in the 1950s while playing a house party in Dayton, Alabama. His blues band had everyone at the party jumping and the house rocking to "Boogie Chillin" until the floor fell in - and he played on! Since that night, he was known as "Ace Jones the House Rocker."

Ace was the son of sharecroppers and grew up one of 13 kids in a two bedroom house with a kitchen, an outhouse and an outdoor well of water. His father and brother played guitar, and he wanted to do it, too. Since the family didn't have the money to buy a guitar for him, 11-year-old Ace brought home an apple crate from school one day. His father split it up, fit it together, and slapped some strings on it. Ace couldn't be stopped. He made so much noise, he'd be run out of the house.

Ace quit school when he was 15 and milked cows on a farm for work. When the boss's son showed off a guitar he didn't know how to play, Ace made an offer. His boss took $3 out of his pay each week over five weeks, and Ace had his first real instrument. He was able to develop his skills more. Two of his biggest inspirations were Little Son Jackson and Jimmy Reed. Eventually, Ace earned enough money for a small amplifier and a microphone, and he added a harmonica player and spoons beater to form a small band.

In 1950s Alabama, Ace played the blues at four different kinds of house parties. For young blacks, he said he didn't make too much money. Older blacks charged 30 to 55 cents cover charge to pay the band's fees. White college students paid $25-$35 per night. Older whites would pay $25 a night but would also pass a hat around for tips. Ace reminisces about one night when his band made $400 dollars - doing limbo with a pogo stick, the party-goers would drop money in the hat each time they went under. He also earned a solo $100 tip in his shirt pocket once from a woman who wanted him to play "Your Cheating Heart" by Hank Williams.

"In the 50s, all everybody listened to around here was the blues. If you played anything else, you shouldn't be there," recalls Ace. "That's what it was all about. The blues. That's what I grew up on, and I love it, and I always will. To my dying day, I'll still be playing the blues."

After playing the blues and working odd jobs around rural Alabama, Ace followed in the footsteps of many southern blues musicians and made the migration up north. In 1966, he moved to Detroit at the suggestion of a cousin who played bass guitar. He played with different bands before saving up money working at Chrysler and buying all the equipment needed for his own band to play. Two of his frequent band mates were young boys ages 12 and 13 – his most reliable musicians – who would come in and out of the clubs by the back door with Ace. As an added bonus to his career in the Motor City, he recorded two 45s.

Unfortunately, bad luck came to Ace in Detroit. He had opened a clothing store that was robbed, so then he was ready to come back home to Alabama. His wife wouldn’t leave the north, so Ace left her all his property and belongings (which sadly included all of his copies of the 45s he recorded) minus a few dollars in his pocket, and headed back down south.

"Detroit was a good place for me. I loved it, but it got to a point where the city just didn’t agree with me. I got tired of sirens, gangs and crime. They took my business away from me, and that was it,” says Ace. “I never was a city man.”

The young men he played with in Detroit made a few trips to Alabama to play, but gigs didn’t pan out. Ace was starting all over again. He took a second wife and adopted her two children. Later, the couple added two more kids to the family. This marriage didn’t work out either. Ace was divorced and starting over again. For four months, he slept in his sister’s trailer with a kerosene heater and no lights. Ace says God answered his prayers when he landed 10 acres of land that had $5000 worth of cedar on it for just $5000. His family land was adjacent, and when it was split up, he had four more acres.

“I’m not lucky, it’s a blessing. I live a life to be blessed with,” explains Ace. “Money is not to be hovered over. If I see something I want, money goes – like this radio station.”

He spends his time at his radio station, WJWC, which covers a 12-mile radius, playing a few gigs here and there, and working as a deejay for private parties. Ace hasn’t lost his style.

“I do a good show, because I’ll play just as hard for one person as I do for 1000 out there. When I play the blues, I feel the blues. I play it, and I love it.”

Freedom Rings at the Creek in Old Memphis

From "Planet Pick", Planet Weekly Issue 281 (June 21st, 2007) by Danny and Cara Smith


Throughout the weekend, one consistent message was delivered by the host of Freedom Creek was, "This isn't my festival, this is our festival."

Freedom Creek is a project of Tuscaloosa favorite blues musician Willie King. It's not named to be catchy, for it has a very significant meaning.

King told Chicago Tribune's Geoffrey Himes, "There's a reason why we have this festival on the bank of a creek," he says. "When you lived on a plantation, you didn't have running water or even a well, so you had to go down to the creek to wash nyour clothes, to water your livestock, to catch your fish, to baptize your children, to make your moonshine. I took my first bath in muddy water, and I had to jump up and down to chase all those snakes out of there. The creek helped you survive, and the blues are like that creek."

Freedom Creek has come a long way. It is certainly the coolest showcase and venue of music that we have ever been so lucky to experience. You could just take it from us, but you have to know that there were hundreds of people in attendance from as far away as California and even New Zealand – just for this!

Interestingly enough, being such an international attraction, it is held in Old Memphis, Alabama. A backyard of Tuscaloosa, Old Memphis is officially the smallest incorporated town in the United States with the last census count of 32. That doesn't stop Willie from giving citizens the treatment that every American deserves. Through his Rural Members Association (RMA), which Freedom Creek proceeds are given to, the townspeople of Old Memphis are able to learn skills in farming, quilting, music and heritage. Located in Pickens County, a poor area also known as the "Black Belt," Old Memphis is in great need of assistance to continue their way of life.

Willie's message of "One Love" between all walks of life radiates fully in this atmosphere. From the minute we pulled in, we had new buddies. Two young boys, Evan and Artavius, eagerly put together the tent that we would never had gotten up before sundown on Friday had it not been for their help. And they wouldn't even accept Milo's sweet tea for their effort! Speaking of good things for the tummy, the vendors from the area had food to die for. You could hunker down on ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs and gumbo. These folks knew how to cook it up, so there was no wrong choice.

Now onto the music… WOW! Unfortunately, we got to the festival after it had begun on Friday. However, due to the late night free-for-all blues jam until 2 a.m., we were able to catch a taste of what we had missed. And boy was it yummy! What a great stage it is with incredibly talented blues musicians crawling on and off to jam together on various classics and new favorites. One of the catchiest was Columbus, Mississippi's Big Joe Shelton belting out on vocals and howling harmonica on his latest, "Black Prairie Blues" tune. It's one the best songs out there – and technically, it's not "out there" yet. His new CD will be released soon. We can't get enough of this and are chomping at the bit! There was also a fine performance delivered by the young band The Old Memphis Kings. It was a fine appetizer to the main course that was to come on Saturday.

Saturday began with gospel music performed by soulful local talents from Pickens County. The Alabama Blues Project's advanced band – also known as The Project – showed fans that you're never too young to rock. As they performed, the crowd was astonished to see the talent portrayed by a band consisting of high school students.

A big highlight of the weekend was an Alabama blues women showcase. All performed individually, and all are Alabamians. Shar-baby really cooked Friday and Saturday, coming back home all the way from Indiana. Her cowboy hat tops off her honky-tonk style of blues. Down from Detroit was Sweet Claudette, originally from Mobile. She is a regular of Freedom Creek and put on a dazzling vocal performance, as well as mingling in the crowd. Caroline Shines gave her sassy and sweet delivery of crowd pleasing tunes that had the audience captivated by the fun lyrics and solid sound. Debbie Bond capped off solo performances by earning loud applause and respect from the crowd, not only entertaining with her unique and resounding voice, but also giving a masterful performance on guitar. Then, to everyone's delight, all four hit the state together! It was a sight – full of sounds – that was heard loud and clear all the way to the campground with a big impact on everyone, and much appreciated!

Paul Oscher, who like Delbert McClinton played harp for several years with the great Muddy Waters, was one of the late afternoon gems. He performed solo with only guitar and harp and reminded the audience in the woods just how important that blues "folk" music really is. A masterful performance kept the audience glued to every blue note and on the harp he is a powerful performer.

Next up was a real crowd favorite - all the way from Atlanta, Georgia - the blues/jazz/gospel sounding combination Mudcat. This 5-piece band included trombonist Joe Burton, who gave this group a real New Orleans flavor and Danny "Mud" himself, put on a slide guitar show that was stunning. He took his guitar into the crowd and played while looking at randomly selected single audience members straight in the eye - playing without looking at all. At one point, he played guitar behind his wife's back while dancing with her - an extraordinary exhibition was on display. The band stayed to sign CDs and for the evening's festivities. Mudcat is a highly entertaining band on a mission.

After dark, Mississippi delta favorite T-Model Ford gave his down-home, gritty performance that had everyone on their feet. In his 80s, he himself sat down, but his sound didn't miss the beat of a guitarist in his 20s. The Fat Possum recording artist has a great juke joint style that was a perfect lead in for his close friend, no other than Willie King. Of course, the host of the night received the largest ovation alongside his band The Liberators. Willie's music is juke joint and classic rolled into a groovy sound with powerful lyrics that are both political and thought provoking. Then, some are just down right fun such as favorites "Mama Killed a Chicken" and "Ride Sallie Ride." The Liberators ended the show with their guitarist Debbie Bond handing her six-string to Mud and Willie giving his to T-Model. Debbie backed vocals while Willie showed the crowd the classic juke joint dance moves for an all-star performance.

Freedom Creek 2007 was definitely a WANG DANG DOODLE. Check out more on www.willie-king.com And, most importantly, don't miss it next year!

G-SOUL and Jazziz C's

From "Planet Pick," Planet Weekly Issue 280

Last weekend, I went to Jazziz C's for the first time since moving to Tuscaloosa last fall. In just a few short minutes of being there, I knew it would be the first of many visits. The club has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly, and even the owners C. and Chuck Harris personally greet their customers with handshakes and hugs. Great service + great people = Great venue! But what's a great venue without great music? Well, Jazziz C's has that covered, too.

I had the pleasure of seeing G-SOUL that night. When they fired up their first set, I compared the feeling to walking into a cool neighborhood corner bar in New Orleans and hearing a phenomenal band that I'd never heard of before. I wouldn't say it was a surprise, because I'd already heard around town that Jazziz C's gets great musicians, but it was definitely the icing on the cake. The smooth, funky sounds of the five-piece G-SOUL put my mind in Big Easy mode, having much respect for good, underground grooves. All great bands can transport you musically, and this was no exception.

The Birmingham-based band began when UAB students Joseph Hill (saxophone and vocals), Taylor Propp (bass guitar) and Marlon Spears (keyboard) met in college through the music program. Hill and Propp were in the marching band. They decided to branch out with their talents and form a band that was contemporary and original. The rest of the band was a mix over time. Their original drummer, Dr. Carl Whiting, juggled UAB medical school and the band before graduating and moving to Mobile for practice. That's pretty impressive. Regardless, I can tell you from experience that G-SOUL is comprised of some great players still. Donnell Square came on for drums and vocals, and he recruited their newest addition, William Lewis on guitar and vocals. The guys are a fantastic mix, and their range of styles and talents make G-SOUL a top-notch band.

"We can rock a college crowd with Top 10 Billboard songs, but then we can go to a wedding reception and play straight jazz," says front man Hill. "We're very versatile, and that's one thing I like so much about G-SOUL."

G-SOUL can take current hits in rap, such as Outkast, and do jazz versions of them, while a lot of rap bands sample straight-forward jazz or blues songs in their music. It all goes hand-in-hand, and Hill's influences are broad. His father was with RCA Records throughout his childhood as a member of Main Ingredient (You may know Cuba Gooding, Jr. – his father Cuba Gooding, Sr. was the lead singer), and throughout their success, perhaps their most known hit is "Everybody Plays a Fool" which was covered by the Neville Brothers.

Hill's father has always been in the ministry, as well as playing keyboards and songwriting. Their family was from Mobile primarily, but Hill lived in Detroit from the age of 8 to 13. This was a key time in his life for music influence. He wasn't really allowed to listen to Motown or R&B, but as any American youngster, he snuck off and did so anyway. It was the 80s, and his vices were the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, especially Donny Hathaway and even hip-hop music.

Before his education at UAB, Hill went to Piney Woods Country Life School. It is an all-black boarding school in rural Mississippi with high standards for its students, as well as a record of excellence. Hill says with classmates from all over the world such as Africa, Haiti, D.C., California and Chicago, he was able to learn a lot about different cultures and diversity that many high school students don't get to experience. 

It seems he definitely has an eye for companions. G-SOUL is a compilation of the best around. Square keeps a tight and solid beat on the drums while contributing to vocals and always making eye contact with fans – that's a lot of multi-tasking! Propp plays a challenging five-string bass and slaps it silly, really giving the band that bottom line of funk. Lewis is tried and true on the guitar, serious as can be with a lovable quality about him, also contributing vocals. Spears has risen against odds as a blind keyboard player who picked up music in his teens. He knows every riff, trick and effect in the book… then some. Hill wails a slick lead and plays sax in addition to a special treat of EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), which he broke out during my request of "Superstition" that just about had everyone on their knees. (Note: When I asked if they knew it, they were so nonchalant about doing it… It was the best cover of that song I have ever heard!)

Each of the guys in G-SOUL play at their respective churches. In addition to music, Square works in education and Lewis in construction. They all hope to expand their scene nationwide. So far, they've gone as far as Atlanta, New Orleans and Tennessee. Boy, is the rest of the world missing out! However, G-SOUL has been recognized to open for acts such as Kirk Franklin, Vicky Wynens, Deborah Cox, Clarence Carter, Foxy Brown and Michael McDonald. They have sent their music to several record companies and have gotten very positive responses.

G-SOUL's first album The Fire is incredible (I know this because I lucked out when they gave me a copy). It's available at cdbaby.com/cd/gsoul. Spears recently released a solo album called Givin' that can be purchased at www.marlonspears.com. G-SOUL has a new CD in the works that they have recorded at Instant Karma Studios in Birmingham, but the final product will be mixed in Hill's home studio. After all, that's what Hill, Propp and Spears studied in college. It's not your average home project – these guys know what they're doing! The tentative release date is mid-August.

You have to get out to see these guys. I'm serious. GO! As much as I enjoy live music, it's not often I get a quick attachment to a group, but I have with G-SOUL. I'm hooked. And their attitude is as cool as their tunes.

"We just love playing in front of a crowd and hope people will come hear us and have a good time," says Hill. "Please support local artists, whether it's us or anyone else."

Doobie "Doghouse" Wilson

From "Planet Pick," Planet Weekly Issue 279 

He's Alan Lane, a chemical and biological engineering professor at UA, by day. Don't be fooled. One night a week, he transforms into Doobie "Doghouse" Wilson, pleasing the ears of music fans all over central Alabama. While we want more, we'll take what we can get from this talented blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. The word on the street is that upon retirement, a tour is possible, so spread the word about this legend in the making. Recently Doobie graced Mellow Mushroom customers with his tunes at an Acoustic Patio Party.

"He blew the house away," says 'Shroom Upstairs Bar owner Jake French. "He's an awesome songwriter and an excellent musician. I'm planning to get him back for some more gigs this summer."

Doobie was accompanied by Adam Guthrie (Pain & Wayne Mills Band), a Sharkie's "prolific songwriter and guitar virtuoso." Gray played drums (Ahead Band, a new band who played at Egan's recently). Doobie forfeited his payment to his counterparts, and when he's paid or given tips to play solo, he gives the money to Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services. Doobie also insisted to be a volunteer (rather than paid) guitar instructor for this year's Alabama Blues Project After-School Blues Camp, and he'll be doing the ABP Summertime Blues Camp as well, teaching guitar, songwriting and helping the students develop their own blues nicknames. He purely wants to share the fun with others.

"Five or six years ago I was in my late 40s, and I had been playing guitar to basement walls since college. I saw 50 coming and decided if I don't play in front of people now, I won't ever," explains Doobie. "Hale's Tavern on the strip had by far the best songwriter night at that time. When I scoped it out in the summer, there were small crowds. When I finally got the nerve to go on stage, it happened to be the week school started and it was packed. I thought, 'Oh no,' but I did it anyway. It gave me a thrill and the audience was great. College professors don't usually get these kinds of experiences!"

Since then, the sky has been the limit. His big beginnings were at the Oasis "Guitar Pull" in Birmingham. Once, Taylor Hicks heard Doobie covering him via cell phone at the Oasis! This spring, the "Guitar Pull" unfortunately had a farewell event called "One More Time." In admiration for his roots and bar owner Rick Carter, Doobie wrote and recorded a song to commemorate the occasion. Carter awarded Doobie with an engraved key chain that states, "Rick Carter's Guitar Pull 3-05-07" on one side and "Doobie 'Doghouse' Wilson" on the other. I'm sure his music will be missed, but not forgotten. Also, Doobie has traveled so far as to play at the World Famous Bluebird Cafe' in Nashville. Last summer, producer Steve Goodie (punchsound.com) hosted the evening and awarded Doobie the "best name" among the 50 songwriters attending. He played "Run Away" in celebration of his 24th wedding anniversary with 'Big Mama' Wilson.

Presently, Doobie plays open mic nights at Little Willie's, Mellow Mushroom and Capture Studio Café in Tuscaloosa, as well as traveling to Birmingham on occasion. He performs original songs, traditional blues, and covers of his favorite artists, including Keb Mo, Guy Davis, James Taylor, the Beatles and Taylor Hicks. Actually, Hicks opened for Doobie one night at the Oasis in Birmingham. It's technically true! After a City Stages performance last summer, Hicks slipped in before Doobie's set at the "Guitar Pull."

He's also shared his music successfully online at mp3.com/doobiedoghousewilson. Last November, his original song "Merry Christmas Baby" was the top download for two weeks, getting over 27,000! Pretty impressive for a song that was recorded by Doobie himself on his home computer and is untouched by "professionals."

Arts are a family affair in Doobie's house. A song that Doobie's son Charles wrote called "There is a Place" had over 1,500 downloads from MP3.com. Lil' Doobie was expressing his feelings about the woods behind his subdivision being cut down, and the Rock Quarry Elementary student won first prize in a city schools arts contest for songwriting. Doobie claims his daughter Elizabeth is the family's best singer. She recently had a leading role in Northridge High School's "Bye Bye Birdie." Doobie's wife Lorrie is a painter and just opened her very own gallery, the Liz Charles Gallery (lizcharlesgallery.com), in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Doobie is available to give free concerts for groups of fans and friends on request. He will also provide background music for parties or give solo performances for bars and coffee houses at a fee (remember that money earned is donated directly to Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services). For booking, you may e-mail him at doobiedw@bama.ua.edu. Also, check out his MP3 site (mentioned earlier), official web site at doobiedoghousewilson.com. Being the family man that he is, Doobie limits his performances to one night a week. He says it helps that Tuscaloosa and Birmingham nightlife run late, because his family is heading to bed by the time he's getting out. He still has a chance to tuck in his nine-year-old Charles (Lil' Doobie).

"Most nights my son, Charles, asks me to sing a few songs and play guitar as he drifts off to sleep. This is my favorite gig."

Karaoke Elvis: The Best Free Show in T-Town

From the Planet Weekly "Editor's Pick," Issue 268

On the dark and stormy night of December eve, Danny and I stumbled into Egan's to seek shelter from the wind and rain. There was no cover, so that meant we had nothing to lose. Little did we know at the time that we would find just what our entertainment taste buds craved. The one-man-band Chris Johnson, a.k.a. Karaoke Elvis, transcends all definition. To witness an Elvis impersonator covering the likes of The Ramones, The Monkeys, Johnny Cash, The Animals, The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Green Day is a rare - and to my knowledge - unprecedented sight, that one will see and hear in his or her lifetime. Actually, "Elvis" covering these other bands may be his niche and certainly he brought the crowd to the dance floor with some of his strongest renditions of the evening. Of course, he relied on the tried and true Elvis favorites, too.

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than seeing Elvis - or at least the next best thing. Even more, how about an Elvis that will sing whatever your eardrums desire? Here you go! Johnson appeases the crowd not only with his well-tuned vocals, but with a full night of requests. "Suspicious Minds" was such a hit that we heard it for a second time on a re-request. "House of the Rising Sun" is not an easy song to sing, but Karaoke Elvis nails it (no pun intended).

Tirelessly, he wails on extended sets of about 40 songs that clearly indicate his passion for the music that he loves to perform. He only took a break that night to talk to Planet Weekly (see, we are special!). Throughout his show, he exudes endless energy as he churns out the rock-and-roll classics from the 50's to the present.

Surprisingly, Johnson has never been to Graceland, yet on a pilgrimage to Las Vegas he was paid tips from other tourists to have their photos taken with him! He also sent a postcard to Egan's from Las Vegas just to let friends and staff know that "The King" was in good hands. This trip inspired Johnson to plan a "dream job" goal of one day returning to Las Vegas to perform professionally. Already on the casino circuit, he plans on making a January trip to the Philadelphia, Miss. Silver Star Casino to compete in an Elvis impersonator contest, and we wish him the best!

The Planet Weekly would like to thank Chris Johnson and the staff at Egan's for showing us such a good time! In addition, Johnson gives a special thanks to Ashley Hill, the manager of Egan's, for allowing him to strut his stuff.

"I'm having more fun than them," claims Johnson. But, I think that's debatable. See for yourself and book him for your party at (205) 242-8403.

I'll close with this: You could tell that everyone had a great time at the bar that night when they had to be chased out by its employees, us included. Catch him while you can without paying a cover because this guy is hot!