NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND

Musicians are often judged according to which other, more famous, musos they’ve played with.

In the case of US blues guitarist Wolf Mail, however, his worth can be assessed by who he declined to join on stage. Twenty years ago, at the age of 19, the expat Canadian, newly resident in his adopted city of Los Angeles, was offered a permanent spot in the band of UK troubadour Billy Idol.

Mr Mail, while flattered, declined the offer – which is why today he is one of the most respected blues players in the world, and not the unregarded sideman of a peroxided punk self-parody.

Indeed, Wolf Mail is very much the blues maestro, with his electric stylings winning extraordinary praise from music magazines around the world. His arrangements show the influences of Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but the result, critics say, is utterly unique.

The blues man, in characteristic fashion, spends much of the year on the road. His never-ending journey brings him to The Basement on Tuesday, October 25, for what should be a stonking night of hardcore electric twelve-bar.

We have four double passes to give away. To score one, simply phone The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.

Roots music fans might also like to note the arrival at The Basement on Friday, November 4 of rhythm and blues legend Big Jay McNeely. Known as the ‘King of Honking Sax,’ Mr McNeely, still spritely at 84, has been laying down massive sounds ever since he started out with the likes of Etta James and Little Richard.

Age, clearly, has not wearied him, and it’s odds-on that his energy on stage, come the night, will put to shame many performers young enough to be his great-grandchildren.

Once again, we have four double passes to give away. To score one, simply phone The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.

For a complete list of events at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au

Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au

BY ANDREW MASTERSON