Raymond Chang Photography & Design

I’ve had an incredibly busy week since my last post, filled with many many great photos. Between last week’s Blues Jam, Men in Blues, and our Halloween Grand Opening I’ve posted over 2 hundred images to Darwin’s Burgers and Blues blog. I’ll pick up where I left off from there:

Monday: Jim Ransone’s acoustic set. Mondays are pretty slow everywhere, I decided to save my gas and hang out with Jim.

Jim Ransone @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tuesday: I had a blast hanging out with Little G and Michael Guy Tuesday! Buddy Guy’s nephew came by Darwin’s and hung out with us, what a treat!

Little G Weevil @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

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Thursday – We’ve had such great acts at Darwin’s lately I’ve just been hanging around and soaking it up! Thursday was Darwin’s Blues Jam, and what a night… So many great musicians came out, we had 4 female singers come in this week and they ALL sounded amazing!

The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Truett Lollis: We love Truett, and he will be opening for Little G at our Grand Opening on October 29th at 8pm! He was nice enough to come by the jam and play a few songs before he was whisked away to another gig at 11.

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

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Jim Ransone – I wanted a relaxing night last night. It was drizzling all night and I really didn’t want to drive anywhere. Good thing Darwin’s is right near my house! I went and hung out with the regulars, had some dinner, and watched Jim Ransone and Tamara Nicolai jam out on stage. It was pretty much the perfect way to wind down a Monday.

Jim Ransone Every Monday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim Ransone Every Monday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tamara Nicolai Every Monday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Last Menu Item – I’ve tried everything on the menu thus far except for one thing: The Bleu Buffalo. I’m quite an avid hater of Bleu Cheese. I can’t stand the stuff. Several people have told me it’s the best burger on the menu, even if you don’t like Bleu Cheese…so I caved. Wow, I was damn surprised! Chef Akin puts only a dallop of Bleu Cheese to give it a creamy texture, not so much flavor. The Wing Sauce does most of the talking as far as flavor…WOW! I ate a Bleu Cheese burger and I LOVED it!

Bleu Buffalo Burger @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

I took a promo shot last night during Jim’s set. Everyone kept asking, “Ooo, do we get to eat those when you’re done?” ABSOLUTELY! Within 60 seconds of announcing I was done shooting, all the wings were gone…and they were DELICIOUS!

$10 Wing Special Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

What a night Saturday! So much great music, I ended up taking over 800 shots that night and spent the whole weekend going through them!

Rhythm Raiders- After Friday night’s set, Mike Watson invited me out to Montana’s to come shoot an evening of Country Rhythm and Blues at Montana’s Bar and Grille. What a night, the evening started off with The Rhythm Raiders followed by Von Grey, Mike Watson, and Nadirah Shakoor.

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey – these four classically trained sisters blew the stage up! They almost made me ashamed to call myself a musician. Ranging in age from 10-16, each one of them is a trained master of several instruments! I was amazed at the quality of music these girls were producing LIVE!

Von Grey’s wall of instruments @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson –Mike Watson put on a great set again, I brought my flash this time and was able to catch some great shots of Mike and his band!

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art – At this point in the night, I still needed to get back to Darwin’s to shoot Uncle Sugar. I stuck around to get a few shots of Nadirah Shakoor and jetted out to make the drive back to Darwin’s.

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Uncle Sugar – I made it back just in time for Uncle Sugar’s last set, and what a set! I loved seeing Eddie Tignor on the keyboards, and Ross Pead puts on a helluva show when he’s backed by his band!

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Mike Watson Band put on a great set last night! My night started out at Darwin’s where I got to meet Mike Watson before he blew the doors off the place with his guitar work! He played the most rockin version of Bill Withers “Ain’t no Sunshine” I’ve ever heard! I ended up sticking around much longer than I had planned, I wanted to shoot some more musicians!

Mike Watson Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ken Tolleson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Sideline’s – I was told Motor City Josh was performing right down the street and I should go check it out, so off I went! First person I run into is none other than Truett Lollis hanging out with Jonathon Norwood. I love getting the chance to see who other musicians are listening to. If Truett is there to see this band, then I know I’m in for a treat! I didn’t get to stay too long unfortunately, my goal was to get back to Darwin’s to catch Mike Watson’s third set and I still wanted to go check out Barry Richman. Frontman Josh Ford was a phenomenon on guitar as well as Alex Lyon on bass and Adam Savage on drums!

Motor City Josh @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Alex Lyon @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Adam Savage @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Nik’s Place – Barry Richman has been marked on my calendar for weeks! “The first Friday of every month at Nik’s Place” someone told me a while back. I get there at 11:30, giving me about 45 minutes to check listen to his set before I have to leave. “Thanks everyone, we’re going on break!” was the first thing I heard as I came through the door.

Doh!

I introduced myself to Barry briefly, grabbed myself a drink and ended up running into John Rose and his friends. We hung out on the patio for a while until Barry got back on stage. By then it was 12 and I only had 15 minutes left! I got as many shots as I could in the dimly-lit venue and took off back to Darwin’s. I got some decent shots, but probably could have done better with more time.

Barry Richman was ridiculous, and I mean that in every good possible way. He’s the FASTEST guitar played I’ve ever seen! At one point I had framed my shot up and was just letting the camera shoot out, I was just staring at his hands flying up and down the neck of the guitar! I immediately regretted not bringing my flash, I could have gotten some really cool motion-blur shots with him if I had. I’m going to have to see Barry again under better conditions.

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Kari Savage @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman Band @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman Band @ Nik’s Place

Kari Savage @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Mike’s set had turned into full jam session featuring Cody Matlock, Jim Nicoletta, and Joe Hussey! Plus I caught Akin before he closed the kitchen and got to eat another delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich as a late-night snack. Mmmm, so good!

Mike, Jim and Paul @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike and Cedric @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Blues Jam – What a night! Lots of amazing music was made last night, and I love seeing the interaction on stage with these musicians! I took so many pictures it was tough to pick which ones I thought were best so I’ll be posting a few more than usual today. We had a great time last night and would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting your local blues scene!

The Cazanovas Every Thursday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Joe Hussey @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

John Rose @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

John Rose @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicoletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mike Greenwald @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Chuck Woods @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ana Howells @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ana and Sandra @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Larry Griffith @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Christian Davidson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Hobo Creed @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Larry Griffith @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Bob Coyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary and Kayla @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Joe Castellanos @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Matthew Smart @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Matthew Smart @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Stoney Brooks @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Northside Tavern – Wednesday I actually did not start at Darwin’s. I was about to leave when Lindsay showed up back at the house and offered to cook dinner. She made us a great spaghetti dinner and came out with me to Northside Tavern to meet Mary Raindrop to check out Mudcat’s set.

Wow, another incredible musician, Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck was phenomenal! He was just man-handling that old beat up acoustic guitar of his. It was an old, unlabeled acoustic guitar that looked like he screwed the pickup in himself. I saw him busting out some pretty cool note-bending techniques like de-tuning his guitar midsong, bending the neck, and even just shaking his guitar vigorously. It all sounded GREAT!

On top of that, he was just an incredibly entertaining performer. He’s so animate and personable on stage that I got my best shot of him within the first minute of shooting! From telling jokes, stories, and singing funny songs to “choreographed dancing” and smoking weed on stage…Mudcat is awesome. I would really love to get him out to Darwin’s!

Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck @ Northside Tavern

Hobo @ Northside Tavern

Mudcat and Hobo @ Northside Tavern

Mudcat and Dan Francis @ Northside Tavern

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Last night I decided to just hang out at Darwin’s and enjoy Little G’s set. Dustin Sargent came up and jumped on stage with his Bass for a bit. Lots of people came out for Ernie’s Birthday, we ended up with 3 whole cakes! It was a wonderful evening, and I had a blast hanging out with everyone.

While I was there I decided to do a promo shot for our Wednesday $5 Burger and a Beer special.

$5 Burger and a Beer Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Red @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Dustin “Red” Sargent @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ernie’s Birthday Boogie!t @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad. My new favorite dish at Darwin’s. My evening started with a sandwich and some Jim Ransone backed by bassist Tamara Nicolai!

Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Bella’s Pizzeria – Between sets, Tamara told me I should check out Lefty William’s jam over at Bella’s Pizzeria. So off I went. I was immediately greeted by my buddy Johnny Cunningham, drummer for Novakord! Soon after that I was blown away by Lefty’s guitar skills! The drummer from Def Leppard’s got nothin’ on Lefty! I had a blast and got to meet lots of folks while I was at Lefty’s. I hope to see some of these great musicians at the Darwin’s Jam soon!

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Bryan Hall @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Josh Thane @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Erik Kaszynski @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Johnny Cunningham @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

It still amazes me when I get to see these older musicians performing. A year ago I was shooting pictures of local rock shows in Atlanta, younger high-energy guys who are absolutely great musicians! Here comes Joe Clover. I was reminded of the set I saw with John McKnight…these older experienced musicians who just make it look so easy! Immediately I could tell, “These guys have been playing together for a LONG time.” Several times I had to double check to make sure I wasn’t listening to a CD, they were just so in-tune and together!

I’ve seen Joe Clover in the past perform at the Blues Jam, but this was my first time seeing his whole band! It was an amazing set and I can’t wait to have them back!

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues