Hell's Kitchen Radio #587: From Hell To Eternity

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I just got back from New Orleans with my daughter, Spawn of Hell. We were there celebrating her 21st birthday, and I could not think of a better place to take her. I love this town! So much great music and food. The weather wasn't too hot or humid, the beignets were powdery and fluffy, the cocktails were flowing, the gumbo was steamy and the crawfish étouffée was delightful.

NOLA is a walking town, and we put that to the test. We walked 10
miles on Saturday and another 7 on Sunday. Most of our walking was through the French Quarter, as well as up and down Frenchmen Street hitting up as many of the clubs as we could.

I think my finest memory will always be us walking towards Frenchmen Street and she says she hears a band that sounds familiar in the distance. We walk towards the music and it turns out to be one of her favorite bands of the past couple years: Dirty Rotten Vipers. She was over the moon! They were playing on the street and the crowd was very enthusiastic. We also made our way over to the Blue Nile, a club I like to visit when I'm in town. This is the same club I met my brother-from-another-mother, and brilliant singer/songwriter Adam Mackintosh. I shared that story here and it's worth your time.  

I digress.

The band was a funk/jazz ensemble that featured a drummer that was getting pretty lit, but never dropped
the beat. The main cat, who played trombone and sang, asked for anyone celebrating a birthday to get on stage, so Spawn and four other women made their way up while the band celebrated them all. Just look at that smile on her face!

We spent some time in Algiers Point, where Memphis Minnie lived and wrote "When the Levee Breaks", which I open the show with.

Did you know the first pharmacy in the United States was in New Orleans? I didn't know this either. They have a museum in its place now. We took the tour. We also toured the Museum of Death. If you like serial killers this place is for you! We were hoping for a bit more science-related information around death, but alas, sensationalism ruled the day. We also went to an excellent haunted house inside a former mortuary. I give it four stars. If I was a teenager that hadn't seen as many horror films as I have, I would have been scared out of my wits. All that said, we were spooked good. Spawn insisted that she go in front during the three floor tour, knowing that a jump scare was expected around every corner. They were good for that.

I've been wanting to take my daughter to NOLA for her 21st birthday since she was 12, and we're both so happy we went. Excellent people, food, music, drink and views. It's a beautiful city. Get there. Have fun. You're welcome. More pictures at the bottom of this post.

My first hour was inspired by our trip, but is in no way NOAL-exclusive. Lots of roots, blues, soul, jazz, hiphop and funk, before I segue to some singer/songwriter, Americana/Punk, lo-fi, and a tribute to Donna Jean Godchaux, the former singer from the Grateful Dead (1972-1979) who passed away last week. I got to meet her when Jerry died. Her son Zion used to date a dear friend of mine, and when Jerry died, Donna came for the memorial in Golden Gate Park and we all went together. I write about it here.

Go on and enjoy the music. That's really all what it get to: the music.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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When The Levee Breaks: Memphis Minnie (Blues Classics By Memphis Minnie - Arhoolie Records)
Left Me A Mule To Ride: Big Joe Williams (Tough Times - 1959)
Frankie and Albert: Taj Mahal (Ooh, So Good 'n Blues - 1973)

Black Is: Last Poets (MOJO: Revolution Blues - 2018)
Munaye: Mulatu Astatke (Mulatu of Ethiopia - 1972)

Redebe: Johnny Dyani (Witchdoctor's Son - 1978)
Flute Loop: Beastie Boys (Ill Communication - 1994)
Kon Karne: MF Doom (Mmm Food - 2007)
Anti Love Song: Betty Davis (S/T - 1973)

Jesus Christ: Bob Dylan (Through the Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18 - 2025)
Corrina, Corrina: Bob Dylan (Through the Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18 - 2025)

Every Grain of Sand: Giant Sand (Swerve - 1990)
A Change Is Gonna Come: The Gits (Enter: The Conquering Chicken - 1993)
From Her to Eternity: Nick Cave (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - 1984)

Sway: Chrissie Hynde and Lucinda Williams (Duets Special - 2025)
The Girls Are Naked: The Creation (Action Painting - 2017)
Keep Your Big Mouth Shut: Thee Headcoatees (Here Comes Cessation - 1997)

Sunrise: Grateful Dead (In tribute to Donna Jean - May 26, 1977)
The Music Never Stopped: Grateful Dead - April 24, 1978)

Salsa Verde: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Pogo Rodeo - 2025)
Spanish Fly: Boss Hog (Drinkin' Lechin' and Lyin' - 1989)

Respect: Aretha Franklin (Live At The Fillmore East - 1971) 

    

Hell's Kitchen Radio #302: Godfather of the Big Easy

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I was out of town last week, so I have a lot to make up for. I think I did a fairly good job doing so. You be the judge. I have a good excuse though. I was down in the Big Easy, New Orleans, performing a marriage ceremony for Hell's Kitchen Radio friends Eric McFadden and his bride, Delphine De St Paër. And what a party it was! Five days and four nights during Jazz Fest in NOLA cannot be beat.

The wedding was on the fourth day, featuring what was probably the greatest wedding band ever assembled: Angelo Moore on vocals/theremin, Doug Wimbish on bass, RonKat Spearman on guitar, Wally Ingram on drums, CR Gruver on keys, with Corey Glover joining in on vocals, Lantz Lazwell on guitar. Leo Nocentelli of The Meters performed "Just Kissed My Baby" to the lovely couple, as well as James Hall singing the most beautiful song of his own, and the groom leading the backing band into a 25 minute Maggot Brain while the 66 members of the bridal party made their way down the aisle before the three ring bearers, four flower girls, three junior bridesmaids, parents and finally the bride herself made it to the altar. Whew! There was too much more, including the backing band leading the entire wedding party and guests out into the street for a Second Line to end all Second Lines. The after party was a who's who of amazing musicians all night long.

I tell much of the story during the second hour of this here show.

Having been gone I missed the KFJC annual James Brown birthday celebration "Doin' to Death". The first show features JB in all his funky glory. Get your dance shoes on for this one.

The second hour starts with my feature on NOLA. I bought some local music while I was in town. Would you blame me? I actually start the hour off with Chicago rocker, and old friend of Eric McFadden's, and my new bestie, Adam Mackintosh's "Teenage Phase". I can't stop playing this song. I'm playing it now as I'm writing this. Listen to it and you'll understand why. I hope he writes a song about the Roach Motel we both shared. That was fun.

I close out the night with my tribute to what many consider to be the greatest Grateful Dead show of all time, May 8, 1977. This being the 40th anniversary of said show, I would be remiss if I didn't pay homage. I don't consider it the best show they ever played. I do think it deserves to be in anyone's collection. I would also place it in the top 5 or 10. It was probably their best show of the Spring 77 tour, and the recording itself is pristine. The playing is spot on and the jams are tight. A bit too tight at times. What makes it so highly considered is that this bootleg, which first made an appearance in trading circle back in the mid-80s, was the first high quality recording and show of it's kind from that era to make the trading scene. Everyone loved it, and deservedly so. But to call it the BEST EVER? I can think of at least five other shows throughout their career that beat it. But that's for another post at another time.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on the playlist below, and click the links above to stream or download this sparkly delight.

Next week I have so much more music wonders to share with you all.

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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Drug PSA: James Brown
I Feel Good: James Brown
My Thang: James Brown

Stagger Lee: James Brown
It's A Man's World: James Brown
Get on the Good Foot: James Brown

Bodyheat: James Brown
Since You Been Gone: James Brown
People Who Criticize: James Brown

Funky Drummer: James Brown
The Grunt: The JBs

Hour two:
Teenage Phase: Adam Mackintosh
Big Chief: Professor Longhair
Gator Bait: The Gaturs

Love Lots of Lovin': Lee Dorsey and Betty Harris
Gospel Bird: Sam and the Soul Machine

Scarlet Begonias/Fire on the Mountain: Grateful Dead (05-08-1977 Barton Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY)

Ace of Spades: Motorhead ---- It's the Eight of May. Get it?
I Got the Feeling: James Brown

For those who aren't in the know, Eric McFadden played guitar for George Clinton and P-Funk at one time. Check out this Maggot Brain below.

A Season in Hell #75: Radio Valencia: I'm Gonna Funk You Up!

In tribute to Don Cornelius, I'm playing nothing but funk and soul tonight. I've got a lot of each.

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Enjoy.

It's Hard to Be Humble: Mac Davis
I Feel Good: James Brown
Down on my luck: Wardell Howard

The Hands of Time: The Perfect Circle
I Call My Pussycat: Parliament

Memphis Soul Stew: Funkgus
Darkest Light: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
The First Thing I Do In The Morning: Joyce Williams
The Rockin' Judge: Judge Suds & The Soul Detergents

Pass the Peas: JBs
Can't Fight The Feeling: Norwich Street Extension
Kick the Habit: Prophet Soul
I Who Have Nothing: Ray Frazier & The Shades Of Man
Going Down For The Last Time: Ronnie Keaton

Here I Am Baby: Al Green live on Soul Train 1974
Stone Junkie: Curtis Mayfield 07-06-72
Proud Mary: Ike and Tine Turner (Soul Train)

Handclapping Song: The Meters
Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further: Lee Dorsey
Big Chief: Professor Longhair
Free, Single & Disengaged: Huey 'Piano' Smith & His Clowns

Get Out Of My Life Woman: Allen Toussant
Dap Walk: Ernie & The Top Notes
The Twitch: Danny White
Mama Roux: Dr. John

Use Me: Bill Withers
Superstition: Stevie Wonder (03-04-73)