The evening started with an opening set by one of the most overlooked bands in the Twin Cities. Boogiemen came out strong, rockin' from the first note. Lead vocalist and harpman Chuck Edwards was fighting a sore throat, but you sure couldn't tell. He sailed through a fine mix of covers, like Willie Dixon's "I'm A Business Man", Don Covey's "Please Do Something" and "Monkey Around" by Delbert McClinton, who, by the way, will have the band open for him once again at their annual gig at Medina on April 18th. Chuck has a great voice and blows some mighty tasty harp. He is usually a featured player on the bill at the Whiskey Junction's annual All Star Blues Harp night, which this year is scheduled for Monday, April 20th. The band served up many original songs that included Edwards new cut "Come & Get It", as well as many off of their latest CD "Boogie Time"; Paul Manske's "Taxpayin' Fools" and "Can't Stand It No More" and Edwards' "Just Like That".

Paul Bergen (who replaced Randy Anderson last October) has played with Molly and the Heymakers, among others. Bergen, nephew of Rock & Roll legend Bobby Vee, is also a very talented songwriter, which is evident on his new solo CD "Puddle Of Tears". Just barely completed, it has already gained interest from Nick Lowe and a couple of national labels. Paul's addition to the band adds a new dimension to their 'roots' sound. At this show, his version of "Elvis In The Sky" confirmed that. The newest member is drummer Joel Richmond, who used to play with Tina & the B-Sides. He has only been on board about 2 months and has already jumped into a solid groove with original bass player Paul Manske. Former Raggs bassist Manske lays down some of the best bass grooves around, as well as offering some great vocals (Lazy Lester's "I Hear You Knockin'") along with his songwriting skills. Rounding out the lineup are the 'hot hands' of Glenn Manske on keyboards (also formerly with Raggs). Manske #2, along with Manske #1 and Edwards are original members. Go see Boogiemen, you won't be disappointed, they are developing their own niche in town as an original 'roots' band.

See Boogiemen CD Review

Ted Morgan Photo © 1997 by Tom Asp All rights reserved

AND, if that wasn't enough, Antones recording artist and Lamont Cranston alumnus Ted Morgan hit the stage and filled the dance floor with his first song, Morgan's own jumping instrumental "The Jive Glide". With Minneapolis' own drum king, Rob Stupka and California bassist Marcus Carino, the band was kickin' from the very first song to the very last note. Ted is a pure 'guitar whiz' - no more 'kid prodigy' or 'kid sensation' cliches - I think we're all sick of that around here. Morgan's jump swing guitar style will blow you away. He plays some of the most amazing licks you will ever hear and his energy on stage builds all night. Throw in his songwriting talents and his great vocals (which get better and better every time I see him) and you've got a show you're glad you didn't miss. Rob, who has played with just about everyone who is anyone in the blues circuit, is one of the most requested tour and studio drummers around. Last year alone, he has toured with Ted, Sue Foley and Syl Johnson, among others, and was the drummer on Jonny Lang's platinum release "Lie To Me". He is now headed right to Delmark studios in Chicago to record with Joanna Conner, before joining up with Ted again for an annual trip to Europe.

Ted Morgan Photo © 1997 by Tom Asp All rights reserved

This was the last show after a month on the road that took the band through Texas, Phoenix, Colorado, California and Alaska, or as Ted put it; "Over the mountains and through the woods". The band ran through many of the songs on Morgan's 2 CD's; "Ridin' In Style" and "Louisiana Rain", including "Walkin' Out On You", "She's Gone", "Full Grown Man", "Inside Out", "Baby Don't Leave Me" and "Louisiana Rain" (which Teddy dedicated to his brother in the audience). They had the whole place hootin' & hollerin' all night long. Dave Mason of Traffic fame, was even in the house after their gig at First Avenue. His manager, John Taylor, said that they really enjoyed the band and the atmosphere at the Whiskey Junction. The night ended with a great encore jam with Paul Manske and Paul Bergen joining Ted and Rob on stage for one last hoot & holler.

This review is copyright © 1998 by Rico Anderson, all rights reserved. E-Mail at: rico1@aol.com

E-mail Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com

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