Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Victor Wainwright & Mark "MuddyHarp" Hodgson


Mark "MuddyHarp" Hodgson has been called "the best blues player in florida" by Jam Magazine, been complimented by the likes of Junior Wells and Jeff Healy, "the best harmonica I've heard," "you play likes you were born to it," and has been in concert with legends such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Leon Russell, The Fabulous Thunderbirds....and many many more.  Comfortably settled in New Smyrna Beach, FL, he's achieved more than most blues artists ever will and has the fan base to back it up.


Hodgson is unarguably an extremely talented vocalist and harmonica player, recording some of his most notable work with King Snake Records and also with his partner for almost twenty years, the acclaimed late tenor saxophonist, Noble "Thin Man" Watts.

But what do I, Victor Wainwright, have in common with this blues giant? Well....

Click for larger size!
I moved from Savannah, GA to Daytona Beach, FL to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1999. Hodgson was leading the house band at the famous Boot Hill Saloon. I was already deep into music by this time, and even though I of course was not allowed in, because of my age, I found ways into that Honky Tonk, sometimes borrowing friends ID's or often times just flat out sneaking in. I got thrown out twice before I guess they just gave up; So I just watched and listened. It was something I hadn't heard before, but something I REALLY liked!

Photo by Wade Caldwell
I had been learning how to play genuine rock n' roll piano from my father and grandfather before heading to Daytona, but I hadn't really heard the blues LIVE, how it's meant to be heard. Mark was really the first real blues band I took notice to, that sparked within me an interest that would be everlasting, and that would shape the rest of my life. He probably doesn't remember this, but one of those Boot Hill Saloon nights, I came up to Mark, who was just bigger than life in every way, and asked, "Hey man, do you know where I can find more blues?" He responded with... "boy, I AM the blues!" haha One of my most favorite memories.

Photo by Wade Caldwell
The rest of that year, and into the summer back in Savananh, GA, I started collecting blues records, listening to the blues, playing the blues and learning. I had bought "Extreme Blues" from Mark, one of his most popular albums, and started singing along to it at home, playing piano along with it, and many other blues albums.

Album Cover for "Extreme Blues"
The next school year I returned to Daytona Beach, a Sophomore, and landed one of my first gigs, doing mostly all solo work. Eventually, as time went by, I landed a gig at a venue called "The Wreck." I had just got deep into the set when in walked Mark. I was a little nervous... He sat at a table relatively close to the stage and I watched him as I played and sang. I wanted to impress him, but he wasn't paying me a bit of mind. I thought, "there's no way he's even listening." During the break, I came off the stage and Mark met me. He asked if I had been playing long, when I had gotten into town, and if I wanted to learn? I of course said YES... It must have been exactly how Buddy Guy felt, when Muddy Waters walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder...

Photo by Wade Caldwell
Mark taught me about the blues, the people who created it and where it came from. He told me stories of what the "Thin Man" taught him, touring the chitlin' circuit, the hardships, and how to actually get deep into the soul of blues music... "Turn the F#*K down..." "don't play like you don't care..." "play like you give a damn!".... I'll be honest, at first it wasn't easy to please Mark. Number one, he's got a tremendous aura, a huge stage presence, like "Howlin' Wolf", and he very obviously knew what he was doing. Number two, he's a professional, and expected the same from the musicians that played with him. I really believe that some tough love can go a very long ways, and it's becoming more and more scarce within the world, not just in the blues. The bottom line was, it really made me want to improve. It was the mentor-ship I needed, just like the "Thin Man" had showed him.


Photo by Wade Caldwell

I eventually figured out though, and it took a many a nights of playing, that Mark really wasn't after me to learn particulars at all; It wasn't about me "turning down," or "stop wearing those f''ing flip flops on my stage!" It was something else entirely. He was not trying to tell me I was playing the wrong notes, he was trying to guide me into "playing the notes right." In other-words, HOW those notes are played... about finding a passion and desire, a love for the music, an emotion that you can and are willing to share with the band, and an audience, carrying on a tradition, and understanding the responsibility that comes with that. FINDING WHAT THE BLUES WAS FOR ME... and not falling into the cliche's that so many blues players do. That was the ultimate "lesson" I gained from my time performing with Mark Hodgson, and he knew that without that, I had no business being on the stage with him, or any other bluesman.

I consider Mark Hodgson a mentor, but also a dear friend, and for the past two albums I've released, Hodgson has been a guest on each, lending his encouragements, and expert harmonica playing. "Lit Up!" my latest recording and newest project, is no different. Hodgson is featured on several tunes, both acoustic and electric.

(Click to Enlarge!) Photo by Wade Caldwell 

Photo by Wade Caldwell (Click to enlarge!)
On June 11th, The WildRoots and I are having the "Lit Up!" cd release party, in Daytona Beach at the News Journal Center (Main Theater) 8pm. If you want to witness some of what I've written about here, you'll come see Mark "MuddyHarp" Hodgson and I take the stage. Don't miss it, don't be late, and enjoy an awesome reunion. =)

www.wildrootsrecords.com
www.muddyharp49.com

11 comments:

  1. Great article! I'm looking forward to the new album and am very much enjoying checking out Muddyharp too.

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  2. The road is long and never ending..the rewards are infinite

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  3. Great article Victor! I'm looking forward to seeing you again at the CD Release party. Will be there with Dom, Jeff, Ocean and company! Best Deb

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  4. Welcome to the world of Blogging my friend. I will be listing your site on all of my blogs to lead people here.

    Great start!

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  5. June 11th sounds awesome! Could you please give information about how to attend, what's included, purchase of tickets required, etc.? It's next to impossible to find out anything about events at the News-Journal Center these days. Thanks.

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  6. Victor, love the fact that you are documenting history in the making. One day you will be glad that you have built a legacy for future generations to really know your life story! Harty and I are really looking forward to coming down to Daytona for the CD release party and be a part of this exciting time. Hugs, Marie

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  7. Oops, is it by invitation only? In any case, I wish you the best. I am such a fan of his, any friend of Mark's is a friend of mine. :)

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  8. My cousin, Susan, from Florida ... knows how much I love the Blues and has been singing your praises to me for a while... but it just clicked that you must be the son and/or the grandson of Louden and Rufus.... Susan has just written a note above mine here.... Am I correct about your esteemed lineage. I grew up (I call it in my "misspent hippie youth) listening to Louden's blues... and I continue to enjoy his music and others of his genre. I hope to visit Susan sometime soon....and perhaps hear you play.

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  9. Thank you guys very much! Susan, the event is open to anyone and everyone. There will be tickets for sale maybe as soon as tomorrow morning, we are just waiting for a couple more details. I also sent you an e-mail with a few links to help you keep informed.

    GL, I am related to the Wainwright's, Loudon and Rufus. Rufus contacted me a long time back and informed me that we were distant cousins... so there it is. =) I hope to see you at our show June 11th!

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