Buicks, Blues, & BBQ featuring Shawn Holt & the Teardrops
Never pass up an opportunity to see a 2nd generation Bluesman
In a world of so many people claiming to play Blues, I accept no substitution whenever the opportunity to see a 2nd generation Bluesman presents itself. I was invited to cover Shawn Holt before I was told what the event was or where the event was. It could have been a backyard party, a juke joint, a bandshell, or a music venue. My point is that I did not care as long as I was able to cover Shawn Holt. It turned out the event was an annual gathering in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin: “Buicks, Blues, & BBQ.” The couple who invited me have become Blues friends over the years because they are almost always at Blues shows I cover in Southeastern Wisconsin. It turns out they host an annual event and invite their friends who also are into Blues and cars. We will call him Al and he loves restoring Buick Rivieras with accurate detail.
Where is Mt. Horeb?
I have been to Mt. Horeb before for an art fair. I remember it’s the place where trolls are carved out of tree stumps and it’s about 90 minutes west of Milwaukee in the middle of great Wisconsin dairyland. I had not, however, been to “Riviera Ridge,” where this event took place. I knew I was headed in the right direction when I ended up behind a 1928 Ford Racer which was following a 1950-something Chevrolet Supersport Bel Air pickup truck.
A Little History
In 1955, two nineteen-year-old friends, who were sons of sharecroppers, left Grenada County, Mississippi for Chicago. Their names: Samuel Gene Maghett, aka Magic Sam, and Morris Holt, aka Magic Slim. Magic Sam was Magic Slim’s mentor, and Magic Sam gave Magic Slim his nickname and let him play bass in his band. Magic Sam taught himself to play guitar from listening to Muddy Waters and Little Walter. In fact, here’s a great clip of an interview where Magic Sam describes what he played before he promoted himself to a guitar.
Magic Sam was signed with Cobra while Magic Slim returned to Mississippi to improve his guitar skills and recruited his brother to play bass. Magic Slim headed back to Chicago around 1965 and his brother Nick joined him around 1970. Here’s a great clip from a 1975 Chess Records recording session, shared by Magic Slim’s drummer in the session, Steve Cushing.
Magic Slim & the Teardrops ended up being a very successful and very loved Blues band. His discography is at least 38 albums and he mentored countless musicians, including John Primer and his son, Shawn. Shawn ended up joining his father and uncle on the road when he was 17 years old. Like almost all 2nd generation Bluesmen, Shawn had to learn everything from hauling equipment to running sound, and all of the time he learned how to be an above-average guitarist. Almost always, the 2nd generation has nothing handed to them as easily as many might think. Shawn played gigs over the years with his father and became an official Teardrop in January of 2013. Magic Slim & the Teardrops were on tour opening for Johnny Winter when Magic Slim became ill, telling Shawn to continue. Unfortunately, Magic Slim died in February of 2013.
Fast Forward to Shawn Holt
Shawn Holt & the Teardrops released their debut album Daddy Told Me in September of 2013, on Blind Pig Records. This album also won Shawn the “Best New Artist Debut” Blues Music Award from the Blues Foundation. The album features twelve songs, five of which are songs Shawn wrote, and seven songs that are covers. Two of those cover songs are his father’s songs, including “Buddy Buddy Friend.”
On with the Show!
Yes, absolutely, I am driving to that town where the little tree stump trolls are, to finally have my chance to cover Shawn Holt.
The current lineup of Shawn Holt & the Teardrops includes Chicago Blues Hall of Famer, Vern “Sticks” Taylor (drums), Charles Crane (guitar, vocals), and Isaiah (bass). The special guest singer was “Sweet G.”
The crowd showed they enjoyed dancing, and the band performed a great dance medley, which leaned more toward rhythm and blues.
The tradition of this event is for the Blues band to pick the car they like best and Al awards the owner. Shawn Holt & the Teardrops picked the red 1964 Impala SS and helped present the award.
“Sweet G” joined the band to perform two songs, including a good cover of “Mr. Sexy Man,” and had some fun interaction with the crowd.
Unfortunately, an unexpected rainstorm rolled in, preventing the band from performing their third set of traditional Blues. Overall, I would definitely see Shawn Holt & the Teardrops again!
Set List Included
Big Legged Woman
Superstition
Double Trouble
Get On Up
Shake Your Money Maker
I Feel Good
Talk to Me Baby
I Can’t Quit You Baby
Dance Medley
Mr. Sexy Man
Tour Dates
08/14/21 8:00 pm Lewis & Clark Taproom Helena, MT
08/20/21 6:00 pm NewBo City Market Cedar Rapids, IA
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