Blues News Round-Up: Jack Owens, Bob Koester, Booker T, Dave Keller

There's been a lot of stuff happening in the world of the blues over the past month or so, and your humble scribe can't cover it all in his blues blog. To provide you, our valued reader, with the most information possible, we do a periodic "blues news round-up" to catch you up to speed.

The Hattiesburg American online reported that Bentonia, Mississippi bluesman Jack Owens has been honored by receiving a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Owens' marker will be located at U.S. 433 and Rose Hill Road in Bentonia. Owens, who didn't perform outside of the state until he was in his 80s, was an important musical link between the early Delta blues styles of Henry Stuckey and Skip James and that of his protégé, contemporary bluesman Jimmy "Duck" Holmes.

Delmark Records celebrated its 55th birthday last year, but they're still moving full-tilt, with an ambitious release schedule this year and a very cool live recording taken from last spring's anniversary party. Blogcritics.org has an interesting two-part interview with Delmark label founder Bob Koester, who is always a fascinating person to speak with, and an important figure in Chicago blues history.

Booker T. Jones is a Memphis soul legend, but as the esteemed frontman for the great Booker T. & the MGs, but also as the talented keyboardist behind some of Stax Records' biggest hits. Jones has a very cool new album out, called Potato Hole, and Reuters UK had this recent interview with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member about his career and new album.

The son of alt-country great Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle has earned his own well-deserved reputation as a gifted songwriter and performer. Writer Andrew Dansby's interview with Earle for the Houston Chronicle veers from the honky-tonk to the juke-joint as the conversation turns to Mance Lipscomb and Lightnin' Hopkins and Earle's appreciation for the blues.

Last, but not least, Vermont blues singer Dave Keller is a talent worth keeping an eye on. Keller provides lead vocals for three songs on Ronnie Earl's new CD, Living In The Light and is forging a solo career of his own that is primed to explode on a national stage. The Times Argus newspaper website has an in-depth interview with Keller that reveals a lot about the man behind the music. Remember the Reverend's words – Dave Keller is an artist that you're going to be hearing a lot from in the future!

Related Content: Ronnie Earl - Living In The Light CD preview

Dave Keller photo courtesy Dave Keller