Press Play> Vol. 5 Rick Fines, formerly Jackson Delta, Acoustic blues, Singer songwriter

Rick Fines is a veteran of the folk and blues circuits in North America. In October 2005 Rick went to Alabama where he took first place in the Sweetgum Bottom Acoustic Blues Competition. His song Riley Wants His Life Back won first place in the blues category of 2003 International Songwriting Competition, with B.B. King one of the judges!

He won the Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year, Acoustic Act Of The Year twice (98, 99), and has received eight additional nominations. His work with Jackson Delta for 15 years brought nominations from both the Juno and the Handy Awards.

He has played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, folk icon Penny Lang and many others. He toured from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic, from B.C. to NYC  bringing his understanding of blues, finger-style and bottleneck guitar.

I met Rick in the 90s when I was one of the organizers of the Windsor Folk Music Society. I booked his trio Jackson Delta and then Rick as a solo artist a number of times. His guitar playing is superb and his whiskey tinged voice is terrific, whether he is covering an old acoustic blues tune or singing one of his own impeccably written originals. Rick is often criss-crossing the country solo or with his duo partner Suzie Vinnick. Make sure to catch him when he's in your area.

And I am extremely happy that Rick answered the call when I asked him to Press Play >

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 

A bunch of Bluegrass albums, having just been the only blues act at the Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival in the Yukon Territory. I'm reminded of how much I like the sincere lyrics and fabulous vocal harmonies.... Claire Lynch, Jim Hurst, Michael Cleveland, Dale Ann Bradley and the Gibson Brothers (and their fantastic mando player Joe Walsh {no, not that Joe Walsh}). I bought a bunch of CDs and swapped a few.

WHAT IS THE RECORD (OKAY MAYBE TWO OR THREE OR FOUR) THAT INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC THE MOST?

I'd say Mississippi John Hurt - live and Leon Russell - Carney. 

Tomorrow I'll have a different answer.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT?

The Rolling Stones More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies)

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE COVER (TUNE AND BY WHOM)?

Maybe You Don't Know Me covered by Ray Charles... tomorrow?...

WHAT IS THE RECORD YOU COUNT AS A GUILTY PLEASURE?



Amy Whinehouse?

CURRENTLY, WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD TO LISTEN TO ON THE ROAD?

Los Lobos Tin Can Trust

WHICH OF YOUR RECORDS IS YOUR FAVOURITE? 

My collection? or MY records? Either way, that's just a tough question... How do you choose between Ray Charles' Modern Sounds In Country Music and Muddy Waters' Hard Again (for example)?

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