Tribute to Joe Cottengim @ The American Legion Post 639 hosted by Blues Society of the Ozarks

I attended this event but I didn't know Joe Cottengim . As far as I'm concerned, this was not about music, at least for me. It was about two wonderful brothers who lost a father; they just happen to be musicians. I can relate because I lost my father some years back.These young men also happened to be in Tripwire(Jody and Stoney Cottengim respectively.)Their father, Joe Cottengim, is a legend in Ozarks.(I still recall when Tripwire was second on the bill to Delbert McClinton at the hallowed fair.Their set was limited to 15 minutes because of a nasty storm.They received a standing ovation in the stands by their faithful following and many new converts.)

The Ozarks lost another great blues musician years ago by the name of Don Shipps, a good man and great artist as well. It was covered by the media extensively,which was fitting,Sadly, I don't recall the local media saying anything about Joe Cottengim passing away(with the exception of local radio stations, of course.)

Two other legends, again IMHO, also showed up, Mr. Bert Smith and King Clarenz( the latter had just returned from Holland.Mr.Smith was assisted by Stoney Cottengim. Bert sat and a stool and literally blew everyone away. King Clarenze, local king of the country blues, ripped through an awesome set, silencing legions of critics who proclaim: "Damn! Nobody plays Sonhouse anymore!" (Actually, nobody I know says that in the circles I hang around.They still think that Steve Miller invented the blues.No offense, Steve, but stop limiting yourself! You learned from the best!)

The Full Moon Band rocked my world, as did the sax player(help me out with his name.He's still got it!) who also sat in with Tripwire. He was also at the fair when Tripwire was riding the storm out.(Hmmm..that would make a good song, wouldn't it?Someone needs to pounce on that!)

Here is a group photo of some of those good people who belong to the blues society:



This picture says, at least to me: we may be old, but we're still cool,we can still put away the booze and we have still have the guts to appear in public.

I wish I could say the same for myself. Sniff.

No matter what kind of a show you attend, every genre has its groupies.I must confess, though, that the bluesmen have the best! Observe:




And it could have been the heat, but I think that Dr. Bob made a cameo appearance; or was it a vision?




A good time was had by all, both the sober and the drunk.My only complaint was security.I was accosted by a really mean looking biker.But hey, why not have bikers for security? It worked for Mick Jagger, and we all know how well that went.

Sorry for the cynicism, but this guy would have unnerved a seasoned combat veteren.Well, hell, call me a puss, but scroll down and you'll see how scary this guy is!








Frightening, isn't it?






And sadly, I had to leave before Tripwire came on, but I know they kicked ass.They always do.I still remember the time that they took second place in a competition and I can only recall a few of the other band's names.I do recall, however, that some hip-hop "artist" won first place. I don't remember his name either, but he had a foul mouth and said a lot of things that I wouldn't say with children present.Now he is probably saying, "Can I get you another cup of coffee, sir?"

The point being: The Cottengim brothers are still here and they will still be legends many years down the road, whether the media acknowledges them or not.




By the way, Tripwire plays at Fusion every Thursday night, 7P-11.