An hour long biographical radio program focusing on a differnt musical personality each week. Visit us online at www.connectingthenotes.com or contact us by emailing connectingthenotes@yahoo.com . All shows originally aired live on Valley Free Radio, 103.3 FM WXOJ-LP in Northampton, MA
Jerry Portnoy grew up near Maxwell Street in Chicago, where the electrified delta blues being played on the streets became, according to him, "the incidental soundtrack to his childhood." In his early 20's Portnoy picked up the harmonica, and went on to play with Chicago Blues Champs like Big Walter Horton and Johnny Young, eventually working with giants Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton.
Jerry talked with the show over the phone from his home in Cape Cod. He talks to the show about the early days of blues, how he got his start, touring with Muddy Waters and his feelings about music today.
Playlist: Muddy Waters - Baby Please Don't Go (Live, Warsaw 1976) Big Walter Horton's Blues Harp Band w. Memphis Charlie - Rockin' My Boogie Jerry Portnoy - Runnin' With The Blues Johnny Young - Strange Girl Johnny Young - Slam Hammer Muddy Waters - Corrina, Corrina (Live, Warsaw 1976) Muddy Waters - J.P.'s Boogie (Live, Warsaw 1976) The Legendary Blues Band - Blues for Big Nate Eric Clapton - Hoodoo Man (Live, 24 Nights) Jerry Portnoy - So Slow Jerry Portnoy - Blues In a Dream