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Well, It's been a while
since SRV Ride 2007 and I have finally caught up with emails and feel I
need to say a few things. I have been so pleased with so many aspects of
this year’s event. Ric Choate, Shon Beall and Robin Olmos have done it
again. They work tirelessly all year for this year’s event, and it was
amazing. Donnie Nelson went out of his way to extend professional
courtesy to all and we felt the passion of him wanting to have this
event. Thanks Donnie, one can always tell when it's real. Dang if ol
Shon did not pull the best Radio sponsor and partner anyone could have
asked for in having Lone Star 92.5 a pushin out on the ol air waves the
music and the feel of the event for quite some time prior to event. Ol
Red Beard himself was getting the city ready for the big weekend. Made a
Dallas son proud to have a radio station believe in and feel the love of
this wonderful event.
Now in its 13th year and who would have thunk it. And of course Hooters
who has been with us so many years is without question one of those
partnerships that embraces the event because they care. They go out of
their way to match our requests and every year we feel a family bond
with Hooters and the SRV Remembrance Ride & Concert. Sometimes when it
feels that good ya just know it's right. From VFW's and all the great
venues in between and now at the Palladium in Dallas. Ya know that part
of Dallas has been a rough ol part of town for about 70 years. Ol Bonnie
& Clyde use to hang in Ol South Dallas Trinity River area. Donnie Nelson
by next year will probably have that the “Bourbon Street of Dallas.”
With the growth and history of South Dallas, I’m sure we and those of
Dallas will see and reap the rewards of many great restaurants, clubs
and night life to come.
For the first time a Pre Party at the Loft above the Palladium was on
fire with Pride N Joy. Tony Castaneda, the father and bass player,
showed his sons off (Chris on guitar and John on drums) like real Family
style. I was so pleased to bring these guys to the pre party event.
Each year we have been shown and loved and helped by so many people from
all over. Karen & Ernie of St. Louis Mo. I keep sayin I’m not sure where
these Angels hide their wings under their clothing, but I know they are
there. Each year they have been presenting Guitars, Amps, Guitar Stands,
Strings, Books, Picks, Straps, Portable Elec Tuners, all a guitar player
would dream about. They have been presenting these items on their own
for raffle items to help the benefit the event and a young player. This
year on top of all they do, I was so pleased to have them allow me to
present a guitar and all the fixins to Chris Castaneda of Pride N Joy as
a token of what we all see in this young gun and Chris was overwhelmed
with the love.
Then Erin James band featuring Tony Redman and Banzai Larocca. They
really brought the Austin music feel to the event. I could have listened
to Tony on that National by himself all night.
Then without fail, Sir Alan Haynes takes the stage and begins another
lesson in guitar and how ya do it to it. Royalty, Alan is a Texas
National Treasure. Then to that he brings up 14 year old Kayla Reeves
and all was set in the heavens for the evening to slowly but steadily
pull into the station. All aboard, this train is taking off and there
aint no stops.
I have been around this ol business quite some time. I have fooled a
many into a thinkin I knew somethin about somthin. But one thang I was
good at, And I will toot my own whistle on this, I aint been wrong to
often on new young talent. I want to go on record sayin that Kayla
Reeves will be and is the next LeAnn Rimes of Texas blues, and man does
this lady sing the blues or what. Like Leann, Kayla has a star that is
about to shine all over and we are so lucky that another Texas star will
shine so bright for the whole dang world. Her talent is liken to my book
title. "Ya Can't Stop A Comet" yall, Ya just Can't. Can ya get any
better than Sir Alan & Kayla. Ima thinkin not on your life.
Now keep in mind this was just the pre-party and it was about to end at
11:00 or so. A jam was about to begin that lasted till after 2:00 am and
I know I was there. Like a bonehead, I was hooked and could not leave.
Glad I did not, but it did hurt me the next day the during the actual
SRV Ride on Sunday. But I would not have changed it for the world. We
all felt comfortable in the Loft and I wish it was a few years earlier
and Ol Cee would have been a dancin and gettin all up and having a
party. That's about the only thing I still miss.
Throughout the evening we had so many players get up and jam. It was a
true testament to Stevie and his influence on so many. Tyler Dow Bryant
a young gun from Tyler Texas got up with Sir Alan and had quite a time a
goin when great guitar players get together. I think the world of this
young gun. Tyler is 16 years old and he is so humble and sincere in his
love for the music and the gift given to him in his talent. Daniel Conti
also got up and threw some passion in. Bluesdog, noted harp man from up
yonder CT. way, came and brought his special kind of added blues harp to
the evening. I know he had a good time. Ima thinkin he may always have a
good time. And that's a good thang.
Fans from Japan, Hungary, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France,
Holland, Belgium and Texas were all over the place. One lady I gotta
mention is Nicole Fournier from Tacoma Washington. I had heard about
this lady. They say with Nicole around when we someday, God forbid loose
our Bonnie Raitt, all will be OK with Nicole Fournier. Nicole is a lot
like Bonnie in so many ways. Not just another chick guitar player that
wants to look good and play and sing the blues. This little wildcat has
a lot mo goin on than many were able to pick up in 3 songs. So the
evening ended so late no one wanted to stop. I stayed till after 2 a.m.
When I got back to the hotel and laid down it was about 3:10 am. I
called the front desk and asked for a 6 a.m. wake up. I wanted to shower
and be down in the lobby to have some breakfast with some folks and some
I had not met up with yet.
Next morning I tried to get hot water for spot of tea for me throat
which was already beginning to swing low. Anyway we had to be in cars
and on our way to the Palladium to be there by 9am. I guess I could have
cut some corners and got a few more winks of sleep but I was to buzzed
about all and could not have slept anyway. We got to the Palladium
finally and geez ya think someone would listen to Cee about directions
but anyway we made it. I was so pleased to see so many old friends. I
even found my long lost Nanci Nash. Where and how I lost touch with
Nanci all these years I will never know. But my heart felt like new when
I saw her and oh so many others. Course with Bruce Bowland and Kyle
Hammock and David Frame them alone make my day. I had Billy Knight and
so many to hug.
This year especially I was able to reach Glenda Maples, (now Glenda
Daniels). Stevie had 4 ladies in his life that he truly loved. Well, yes
there were other women but he loved these four. Glenda, Lindy, Lenny &
Janna. I know that Glenda was his first and true love. How they ever got
through any relationship without killin each other I will never know.
Glenda is a hardcore Ft. Worth gal and would take no shit from no one.
But she loved Stevie and Stevie thought the sun rose when she did. I had
not seen Glenda in so many years I could not say. But it was wonderful
to have her and her Charlie ride with me in the limo to Stevie’s
graveside. Also for the first time I was able to contact Don Tanner this
year, the other singer in Pecos, Lincoln and Blackbird. Stevie always
thought Don was the best male singer he ever had, other than Doyle
Bramhall of course. Sorry Don, you good, but. Don and his wife Ana and
daughter Maegan joined us in the limo and I tried to keep things light.
Inside my heart was singing with being back with so many great people
and memories.
We had several follow us to Laurel Land. Karen and Ernie from St. Louis,
Dave Rhodes from Tucson, Mary and Brian from Boston, Timmy and Tom from
Killeen, Shaggy from Harker Heights, Johnny from Canada. So many and I
can tell ya we stopped at the floral shop at Laurel Land and we all
bought different colored flowers and laid them on Stevie's grave. We all
talked and spoke to and about Stevie. I noticed that a Peacock which was
hung in tree last year by Jeannie Webb was still there. It was a little
weathered and I laid a Yellow Rose next to it. I also noticed that
someone has graciously left a plant in Jeannie’s name. We lost Jeannie
in her sleep last year but no bigger fan did Stevie have and I’m sure
they both be a laughin at me tryin to move around them rocks and not
fall over. We spent some time with Stevie and made our way back to the
Palladium.
The event began at noon and it was another great day and Remembrance of
Stevie. Ric Choate led the many bikes from Downtown Dallas Hooters and
this year they went by the North Gate at Laurel Land and all tossed
roses at the gates and all flowers were gathered and also placed on
Stevie's grave. They all got back in time for the event to begin at
Noon. The lineup was fierce and full on. Christian Brooks w/ Kenny Kay
started the show inside and it took off yall. Later Christian so kindly
gave a few SRV patches he had made with love to many of us. I wanted him
to know how special I thought that was and I much appreciate him thinkin
bout Ol Cee and I take mine to heart.
Tyler Dow Bryant took the stage and was tryin to leave no stage for
anyone else with his burning up chops and passion. Tyler is very special
and is as humble as Stevie. I feel Stevie in Tyler in so many ways. It's
very real the love for the music Tyler has.
Then Tyrone Vaughan took the stage and so many were so excited to be in
the presence of yet another Guitar player with a direct bloodline to
Vaughan. Jimmie Lee Vaughan's son, Tyrone. Ty took off and somewhere it
all came together. Right about there Tyrone pulled many people to that
Vaughan thang. Thats a good thang Ty and ya made Cee cry again.
Then Sir Alan Haynes whose star is as bright as the sun took the stage
and brought 14 year old Kayla Reeves to sing and well we all thought A
Star is Born was a playin. Kayla almost took the air out of the place.
Her sultry voice and Alan's playin sent many into deep trance and bliss.
I’m sure many had no idea that Kayla was 14 years old. When I was 14 I
was still a tryin to figure out my left foot on brake and my right foot
on gas pedal. Only to discover later ya drive with one foot. Kayla, is
simply such a breath of good air. Nowadays with so many that simply
cannot make the grade. Kayla already has. What the future holds for her
is not only overwhelming. But after speakin with her I know she can
handle it all and we are in for our new Texas Star.
Then when ya think “wow that was so wonderful”, Wes Jeans takes the
stage with his take-no-prisoners attitude and bluesman guitar players
were wakin up all over Texas. One thang bout Wes, ya gotta hold on.
Then Mr. Joe Bonamassa took the stage and literally he took the stage.
This artist has taken Dallas and Texas and we now claim this Yankee as a
full blown Texan and I defy any who say it aint so.
So when ya think this has been a long two day thang, we are blessed by
Our own native son, Mr. Johnny Winter. Johnny took the stage and never
looked back. We were so pleased and proud to have Johnny this year.
Something we been a wanting for many years and now it was actually
happening. Paul Nelson, Johnny's Road Manager and Manager who has been a
huge part of gettin Johnny back on the scene. A great guitar player
himself began the set for Johnny and played and insured sound check all
was a workin cause the danger man himself Mr. Johnny Winter was about to
hit the stage. Hit it he did. Never does Johnny hold back, he gives his
all and has always given his all. It's like that Deguallo thang that
Santa Anna played at the Alamo. No mercy and No quarter. I had ran out
of gas and gone back to the hotel for a bit here and there. I had lost
my voice but I watched and felt the passion with tears in my eyes and
friends all around.
Another great year of remembering our Stevie Ray and so many came from
all over to be a part of this wonderful day. Tim Davis’ #1 replica
guitar that was raffled off was won by Kouichi from Japan. I was so
happy to see Kouichi win the guitar. A fan who has come a few years now
to the SRV Ride and Concert and well, many besides Kouichi were in tears
when he won the wonderful replica guitar by Tim Davis.
There are way too many fans, sponsors, artists, sound guys, food people,
security, club owners and all to thank for another great year. I know
that every year we learn a bit more. Some say they have an opinion and
want to express that. We listen and we learn. It's very poignant to me
that this little kid from Oak Cliff who became this huge influence in
music now has an event that began very small and humble like he in VFW's
and over 13 years continues to move up and become one of the top 10
events in Texas now annually. It's a great tribute to Stevie, the
artists, and all his fans who want to come back and be with each other
and for a couple days, listen to some great artists and watch some
unforgettable videos and just hug each other and I can tell ya, Stevie
was there, he will always be there a watchin, a grinin, and a listenin
to the music and having a great time. All should drop an email to Ric
Choate, Shon Beall & Robin Olmos and just let them know their efforts
are felt and appreciated.
For me, Mr. Cee, I love you all, and always will.
Mr. Cee / Cutter Brandenburg
Yall, I wanted to share with ya a never really before seen pic from the
road.
Ya see sometimes it was about gettin out of the dang truck and just
relaxing. I was so lucky to have met Stevie when he was 15. We began a
great adventure and I can't tell ya how rewarding it is to have not just
known and loved Stevie, but to know he was special and someday he would be
known to many. Well, that day came and I am so glad so many got to hear
and feel the passion Stevie had in his music. Stevie was so much more
than just his music. One of the best people I have ever known. Sincere
and honest, loving and so real. He always wanted to just play. Playing
was everything to Stevie. But he did love life and people and wanted to
somehow touch people. He did touch many, and so many who never even saw
or maybe had not heard him till after his life, but still he has touched
them and that is such a great testament to him. Stevie was lucky in many
ways. He had a brother who not only influenced him but was there to get
more and more out of Stevie. Jimmie Vaughan hung the moon in Steve's
eyes. I never saw a guitar player anywhere that could effect Stevie like
Jimmie did. To this day very few guitar players can carry Jimmie
Vaughan's guitar case. Stevie grew up around cat's like Doyle Bramhall,
Denny Freeman, Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon, Uncle John Turner, Johnny
Winter, Billy Gibbons, Clifford Antone, Omar Dykes, Alan Haynes, Lou Ann
Barton, Angela Strehli, Keith Ferguson, W.C.Clark, Mason Ruffner - so many
I could not list them all. But Stevie learned something from them all.
He was always listening to others. He learned all he could, then applied
that back to his own. With his passion and who he grew up listening to,
surrounded by so many he admired and loved, it's no wonder Stevie is so
loved today. I never met a more spiritual loving person. Stevie wanted
to heal the world with music. In a way he has done that for so many.
Stevie was lucky to have found Tommy and Chris at a time when all the
stars in the galaxy were ready. It felt good and it was right. Stevie
surrounded himself with great players, adding Reese made things even
better. I know in my heart had things gone the way Stevie would have
wanted, he would have wound up with a huge full blown band. Horns, and
all. I often wonder where would Jimi Hendrix be today in his music, where
would Stevie be, where would all the greats be if they had been allowed a
little more time here with us. Stevie use to tell me sitting on the
edge of his bed, “I’m gonna play on the Moon someday, Cee.” I would smile
and say “I think you might.” I listen to his music all the time and I
think dang glad we all have these recordings to hear & feel. I have been
so lucky to have worked for many artist in many fields. I learned a lot
from them all. It does seem so funny that a younger man than I (Stevie)
taught me more than I ever knew. I look back now at the early days, the
struggle times and realize how special those days were. How uncomplicated
it all was. Stevie, Tommy & Chris wanted to play music and feel the
passion that was happening whenever they came together. Some call it
electrifying and this or that, but it was three guys who loved each other
and each loved what they were doing. Like I said I was so lucky to have
been a part of that. To be there and see it happen. I moved to Austin
with Stevie (I Think) it was 1970 or so with a great bunch of guys a band
called Blackbird. Many bands came and went over the years. I would
go off with some other artist, see the road, find out what I was supposed
to do, return and try and help others and Stevie. Somehow I always knew
that Stevie was the one I wanted to be with. I use to tell other artists
I worked with ya’ll should hear this kid Stevie Ray back in Austin. Years
later after hearing Stevie, they would say Cee is that the kid you were
always talking about. Well, I am still talking about him, I will always
speak about him. That is why it is so important that all of us come
together that first Sunday in October and speak and Remember Stevie.
Those that knew him, those that did not, those that were touched by him,
and those that will be.
Stevie would be so proud of all that has been done in his name. To be able
to fund a Scholarship program that helps young kids get the Music
education they desire. With the grace and support of his Fans, Family and
all who support the SRV Ride and Remembrance, the music lives and
continues. Stevie would be the first one to say, That's great, lets
play. Whether you saw Stevie or not, you felt his music and so you know
the man in the way he wanted all to know him. It's the Music yall, The
Music. Stevie once told me when he was quite young, Cee if only
people would just stop and listen to the Music, and feel what joy it is,
The World would be such a Better Place. He believed that, and I believe
he was right. The World is a better place because of your music, and the
artist you loved so much, who all helped you become the artist you are.
I Miss you my Brother, Mr.Cee / Cutter
click to visit
14th Annual Stevie Ray Vaughan
Remembrance Ride & Concert
Sunday October 5, 2008 |
