Nat Dove: News

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At Warren Hall, Nat Dove keeps the piano rocking
JOSEF WOODARD, NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
May 12, 2008 6:59 AM
On Saturday night at Warren Hall, class was in session and the professor had the true-blue blues. Nat Dove is not only a solid, veteran blues pianist and singer, but also a teacher at California State University, Bakersfield, an author and general historian on the music that has defined his life. Another fitting attribute is his directorship of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society, appearing here under the auspices of the Santa Barbara Blues Society.
For many years a sideman to blues stars and, more recently, a leader in his own right, Mr. Dove was making his Santa Barbara debut as a leader, although his gigs as a sideman in this town date back 30 years. Although he dished up a bit of back story in the course of the evening, Mr. Dove mostly checked his professorial side at the door, instead leaning on his gracious performer persona, with rough and ready help from three other veteran players.
Although Mr. Dove's most recent recording, 2006's "Real Texas Piano Blues," included inventive originals and nods to his Texan roots (he also lived in Los Angeles and Europe before settling in Bakersfield), Saturday's show primarily was a leisurely stroll through blues hits and classics. The show opened with "Every Day I Have the Blues" and touched on "When the Evening Sun Goes Down" and left-of-blues tunes, such as "Georgia" and "Send Me Someone to Love," by Percy Mayfield (who Mr. Dove dubbed "the poet laureate of the blues").
Late in the show, he summoned the churning dance floor-instigation of "Sweet Home Chicago" and then down-shifted into the grinding boogie blues of "Hoochie Koochie Man."
Aside from the familiar material, though, it was great to catch a blues show based around a pianist, as opposed to the standard guitar or harmonica player. The downside was that, by necessity, Mr. Dove played on a sampling keyboard instead of the real deal, which robbed some authenticity of his barrelhouse roots. Then again, the logistical difficulty of the piano versus the easy portability of guitar and blues harp partly explains the rise of those mobile instruments in blues culture.
To juice up the party atmosphere, Mr. Dove played "Got My Mojo Working" twice, once per set. The second time around, the band was looser and more lubed with the blues spirit. It turned up the loping, grooving heat as the piano man lured the crowd into a singalong. There was nothing scholarly about it -- just pure late night mojo in the house.
e-mail: life@newspress.com
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All Content Copyright © 2008 Santa Barbara News-Press / Ampersand Publishing, LLC unless otherwise specified.

Boogie Blues Connection
5901 Fair Oaks Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93306


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Takako Shinno
Tel. 661-873-1456
Cell Phone.661-364-9638
Email: natdove@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.natdove.com

Local blues and jazz pianist and singer Nat Dove will travel to France on November 5,
2007 to begin an extended tour of that country. Dove is no stranger to France; he lived there for eleven years. Dove served as Composer-In-Residence for the American Cultural Center in Paris. He performed and composed music for recordings, movies and the stage

Dove is currently a local music educator and serves as Musical Arts Ambassador for the Arts Council of Kern and the director of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society.

Dove is also a 2007 nominee for the Beautiful Bakersfield Award, sponsored by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce for his Blues-In-The Schools (BITS) program. This is an educational program created by Dove where he goes into schools and other facilities and use music to teach other subjects such a mathematics, language skills, self actualization skills, ETC
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Nat Dove, please call Takako at:661-873-1456 or Email Takako at: natdove@sbcglobal.net

Monday, January 29 - Thursday, February 1
BITS Presentations in Memphis area schools with Nat Dove, Hawkeye Herman and Fruteland Jackson, funded in part by Arts Build Communities grants, a program funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Greater Memphis Arts Council.

Official reissue of this lost funky soundtrack from 1977 that features the one and only Rudy Ray Moore, otherwise known as Dolemite, and his band Nat Dove and the Devils! Nat Dove has been playing blues, boogie-woogie and barrelhouse music for over four decades. And, as one of the last of a breed of blues pianist, Dove is the most sought after and respected blues pianist in the western United States. Dove has been featured on the recordings of Robert Cray, George "Harmonica" Smith, Freddie King, Big Mama Thornton, T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton, Louis Meyers and Big Joe Turner... just to name a few. Nat Dove and his funky combo The Devils lay down a monster set of grooves that virtually define the Blaxploitation sound. Most of the tracks on here are instrumentals, and a few of the cuts have vocals by Mary Love. The original is so rare it is impossible to find, and this reissue has excellent sound quality taken from the original master tapes. Includes the highly sought after funk classics "Junkie Chase", "Zombie March", "Ghetto Street U.S.A", and "Petey Wheatstraw" along with the original track listing and cover artwork.

Official reissue of this lost funky soundtrack from 1977 that features Nat Dove and the Devils! Nat Dove and his funky combo The Devils lay down a monster set of grooves that virtually define the Blaxploitation sound. Most of the tracks on here are instrumentals, and a few of the cuts have vocals by Mary Love. The original is so rare it is impossible to find, and this reissue has excellent sound quality taken from the original master tapes. Includes the highly sought after funk classics “Junkie Chase”, “Zombie March”, “Ghetto Street U.S.A”, and “Petey Wheatstraw” along with the original track listing and cover artwork.

One of the funkiest blacksploitation soundtracks of the 70s -- a rare indie gem from Nat Dove & The Devils! Dove's got a style that's a lot rougher and rootsier than other soundtrack artists of the 70s -- an approach that's more based in the modes of the indie funk underground of the time, and less in the more polished studio funk you'd find on bigger film releases. The grit in the grooves is wonderfully welcome here -- and it's a quality that really sets this one apart from the pack, and keeps it in heavy rotation over the years! Most of the tracks on here are instrumentals, and a few of the cuts have vocals by Mary Love -- and titles include "Joy", "Petey Wheatstraw", "Steve's Den", Junkie Chase", "Zombie March", "Ghetto Street USA", and "Loving You".

Music legend James Brown died on Christmas day at an Atlanta hospital. He was 73. Bakersfield musician and teacher Nat Dove recalls
Brown not only as a musical pioneer who influenced many, but Brown had a special side not always seen by everyone.

"I met James Brown in 1955 in Houston, Texas. He was getting a little bit of air play of his first recording, 'Please, Please, Please," recalls
Nat Dove.

An accomplished blues musician himself, Dove is executive director of
Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society. Dove was dozing off early Sunday morning when he heard the news report that James Brown, The Godfather of Soul had died of heart failure at an Atlanta hospital.

"It affected me," said Dove. Perhaps because Dove had seen a side of James Brown few had the opportunity to witness. Having played on the same bill as the legendary performer, Dove recalls Brown as someone who was more than just an entertainer who created a whole new sound.

"I know many things that James did personally that were really indicative of his humanitarian traits," said Dove. The music world can be rough on musicians who fall on hard times. Dove recalls one of James Brown's band members becoming paralyzed and couldn't perform anymore.

"James kept him on salary for years, and that was unheard of in the music business," said Dove.

IBC Weekend in Memphis, TN
Friday, February 2, 2007
10:00am-12:00pm BITS Seminar with
Nat Dove of The Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society among others (Tennessee Ballroom)

The 2007 IBC is sponsored by the companies, arts organizations and media including Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine, Blues Festival Guide, Blues Revue, BluesWax, Downtowner magazine and Living Blues.

All events are at the Doubletree Hotel, 185 Union Avenue, unless otherwise noted..

Available for Worldwide bookings @ Concerts-Festivals-Blues workshops-clinics Blues educational Residences ETC.

I believe that Blues is not a dying art form, but an under utilized vehicle for learning many unrelated disciplines ie. Some of the advantages and benefits of being involved in a “Blues In The Schools” is that a student can acquire skills in mathematics, language and communication, sociology, history, geography, business, economics ETC. And, have fun and be creative in the process.

I view Blues as a creative expression that include many disciplines, only one of which is music. Dance and poetry are also very much a part of this expression.

Of course, due to time and other constraints we cannot cover all attributes of the art form in every presentation. So, I try to project the art aspect as well as the entertainment. I want the student to know the art form beyond the boogie, and to understand that this is a serious, valid, historical significant American art form.

As with any serious discipline, my “Blues In The Schools” presentation is design to enhance the learning process and bring a sense of importance to the everyday lives of the student.

I hope this will give you some idea of what my program is about.

Please contact me if you have any questions.



call: 661-873-1456 or email: www.natdove@sbcglobal.net Web site(s) http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicStar-Vocal/7487/
Also www.natdove.com

Nat Dove has decided to take a well-earned holiday albeit a short one. Dove leaves on September 7, 2006, for a one-week holiday in what has been his second home in the last few years. In the last years of the 20th century, Dove spent most of his time in Japan. Dove states, he has made many friends and met many Blues fans in the land of the rising sun.

Since 1980 Dove has conducted Blues music clinics, workshops and seminars throughout Japan. The recording “Deep Blues Experience” was recorded in Fukuoka, Japan. Dove’s backing band was Nagasaki Slim Blues Band, a great Blues band based in the southwest island of Japan.

Nat Dove deserves partial credit for introducing the Blues music to the Japanese people. As a performer on tour in 1980: Dove along with Lowell Fulson and Philip Walker recorded the best selling recording in the history of the country. “Live at The Pit Inn”.

Returning many time to Japan, to tour and teach Blues music Dove established a cadre of fans.

Dove states that the Blues fans in Japan are more dedicated to the true history and culture of the art form than the Blues fans, one finds in the United States.

The Japanese are very familiar with Dove’s work in the Blues music education field. He teaches a course in the history of Blues at California State University, Bakersfield. The Japanese based Nova Language Center send students studying English as a second language, to the United States to study with Dove at CSUB.

This year I was asked to attend the Navasota Blues Fest by the 1st Lady of Texas Blues, Ms Mary K. Crawford. I call her the 1st Lady because her town Navasota, is now the official Blues Capitol of Texas.

Navasota is a small sleepy little town, twenty-seven from my hometown of Bryan, TX. I played music there as a teenager with various bands, both local and from Houston, TX which is about seventy miles from there.

The most notable local musician was an older gentleman Mr. Mance Lipcomb who played guitar and sang Blues and other types of music. He referred to himself as a songster. The Navasota Blues Fest is an annual dedication to Mr. Mance Lipcomb.

I had the pleasure of performing with Mr. Lipcomb as 17 year old kid, trying to learn, what these Blues was all about. He was patient and shared his knowledge with me and anybody else who wanted to know this music. He was a pioneer in the music along with the other greats of Texas Blues, such as lighting Hopkins, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Texas Alexander.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Ms Crawford (chief cook and bottle washer) and many of the supporters of the Navasota Blues Fest, back in July for lunch. I witness the enthusiasm and passion the group has for the music and the musicians as well. We all know success is no accident. The 11th annual Navasota Blues was well organized and more importantly, representative of the wide spectrum of the Blues as a music and an art form

I am looking forward to working with this group of people to promote an educational program to serve the community’s underserved population; the children and senior citizens.

Mary K. Promises that next year’s fest will be even better. And I believe her. She is a woman of conviction and commitment.

Nat Dove’s music career has been eclectic, vast and has spanned over five decades, in many areas of music and geographic areas. From his first recordings as a pianist and music arranger in Hollywood, on the hit recording of the original “Part time Love” by Little Johnnie Taylor, in 1963 to “Who’ Been Talking?” and “Too Many Cooks” by Robert Cray. Nat spent many years playing piano in the Original Hound Dog Band, with Big Mama Thornton. Dove also recorded as a session musician, arranger-composer with many of the greats of all time, such as Freddie King, George Smith, Johnnie Shines, Lonesome Sundown, Sam Cooke, Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulson and Big Joe Turner, ETC.

In the 1970s Nat relocated to Paris, France, where he was appointed Composer-in-Residence at the American Cultural Center. During this period he co-authored books with the great Memphis Slim and Mickey Baker, Nat composed many Free Jazz compositions for the Noah Howard Quartet, Bobby Few Trio and also lots of music scores for theatrical stage, such as “Sail to Everest”. Nat has also composed music for many television and radio commercials. His movie Scores include the original soundtrack for the 1977 hit “Petey Wheatstraw”

Nat has also, lived and performed in concert and taught Blues music workshops and clinics in Japan for many years. After which, he returned to the United States and became the director of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society and professor of Blues Music, History and Culture at the University of California, Bakersfield.

This recording: “Real Texas Piano Blues” is not meant to sound bluesy or Blues influenced. It is real Blues from the source. Nat Dove’s credentials as a veteran and a neo-traditionalist are indeed intact here. Nat has performed with the great Blues people of the past and also the modern blues people as well.

Real Texas Piano Blues is a unique mix of modern piano blues selections presented in neo-traditional styles. The subjects are eclectic, and run the gamut from ecology to personal motivation.

The first song “ Don’t Mess With Texas” is a Rock- Blues that espouse the machismo of Texas pride. This admonishment is a well known creed of Texas.

“Dressin’ Trashy” is a modern Texas guitar shuffle. Nat readily admits he got the idea from an interview he saw on television in which Dolly Parton describes her attire and intentions.

The main lyric line in: “Rockin and Moaning at Midnight”: it aint that I lied pretty baby, There just was no truth to tell- was actually inspired by a novel written by Ernest Hemmingway.

Has The World Gone Mad? A poignant rhetorical question asked, based on the observation of human destruction of the earth, its beauty and bounty. What will humans do when everything else on earth is gone?

If Your Ship Don’t Come, If your life is not what you want it to be, then you have to take control and become the master of your own fate. Which mean you have to change. You should not continue to do the same things, over and over expecting a different result. The change in your life begin with you.


Lie To me is a song where a guy knows his woman is lying, but he is so much in love that he helps her to deceive him. Ironically humorous.

Welfare System explains how and why this system destroys the family and home structure.

Wad of Money, tells a story of the uselessness of money, in the affairs of the heart.

Leave It Where It’s At, Boy meets girl, and refuses the girls advances, even though he is attracted to her. but, virtuously yielding not to the temptation.

Play Them Blues, offers everybody an opportunity to play and sing their own Blues. Because Blues is one of life’s many episodes. Everybody has had the Blues at one time or another.

I’m Coming Home is story of a musician, on the road, avoiding the temptations of touring, but missing home and his woman.

A Song The Bluesman Sings, A man offers his love to his woman, only to be given reasons to sing the Blues.

1. Don’t Mess With Texas 2:58
2. Rockin’ and Moanin’ At Midnight 4:39
3. If Your Ship Don’t Come In 3:10
4. Has The World Gone Mad? 6:42
5. Dressin’ Trashy 3:55
6. Lie To Me 3:49
7. Welfare System 3:27
8. Wad Of Money 4:59
9. Leave It Where its At 2:18
10. Play Them Blues 2:51
11. I’m Coming Home 3:17
12. The Song A Bluesman Sings 3:12



Personnel and credits:


Nat Dove Vocal & Piano
Tim Jones Electric Bass
Ernie Tichenor Electric Bass: on Play Them Blues only
Johnnie Tucker Drums
Charlie Tichenor Guitar
Johnnie Dyer Harmonica


All songs composed by Nat Dove
All songs Published by Tri-Clef Music, BMI
All songs Produced by Nat Dove
All songs recorded at Sunnyside Studios in Los Angeles, California
Nat Dove & Bill Dashile, Audio Engineers
Mastered by Universal Mastering Lab, Hollywood, California
Design & Layout By Nat Dove
Liner Notes by Gary Graupman & Claire Ackerman

Special Thanks to: Dr. Waymon T. Webster, Takako Shinno, Claire Ackerman
Members of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society, Donald Ray Johnson, Leon Heyward of Sunnyside Recording Studios




Contact Information: Booking Information:

Tri-Clef Music, BMI Boogie Blues Connection
P.O, Box 3171 5901 Fair Oaks Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305 Bakersfield, CA 93306
Tele: 661-873-1456
www.natdove.com
www.CDBaby.com/natdove
www.CDBaby.com/natdove2

Blues In The Schools (BITS) Objectives: · To inspire, motivate, and encourage the pursuit of our young people's dreams· To convey the importance of setting and reaching goals· To build self-esteem amongst our young people· To demonstrate the importance of self-discipline in goal achieving· To develop the collaborative abilities of our young people· To convey the importance of education, teamwork, meeting time constraints, and performing under pressure· To teach on-stage performance techniques which will help maintain focus, relax, and prepare· To develop individual and holistic fundamental skills· To explain the psychology of music and the factors which appeal to its audience· To develop the ability to transform individual emotion into creative artistic expression· To discourage the use of drugs· To develop a strong work ethic in our young people· To encourage strong study habits and the constant pursuit of knowledge· · To encourage family involvement, understanding, and support

Nat Dove Returns To Show Appreciation To Dr. Waymon T. Webster, Ph.D

Nat Dove returns to his roots to show appreciation to his former teacher and mentor.
Dr. Waymon T. Webster. On Saturday July 22, 2006, 12:00 noon at the Grand opening, dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Brazos Valley African American Museum, located at 500 East 20th Street in Bryan, TX.

Dove states: “I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Webster and the vision he had for us.” He had the foresight to share his vast knowledge with these young musicians. We were trained professionals by the time we finished high school. We were taught harmony, music theory, music conducting, orchestration music arranging ETC, all this in high school.” Dove goes on to say: I did not realize it at the time, but later found out that,
E.A. Kemp High School, in Bryan, Texas was the only high school in the United States where this was happening.

During the 1950s E.A Kemp High School’s Band Director was Mr. Waymon T. Webster, a native of Hearne, Texas. Webster was young and ambitious, with a burning desire to continue to perform as well as teach music. But, to have a performing band at that time meant he had to first train these young musicians from the ranks of the high school marching band. But even before doing that, he had to purchase the sheet music at his own expense. Dr. Webster did that and never stop smiling. We were the luckiest young musicians on earth.

Webster supplied his new dance band with all the latest Jazz, Swing and Ballad arrangements. This band is thought to have been the only band of its kind and caliber, in this country at that time. Most high schools had only marching band and performed only at sport functions. This new band performed in a professional capacity.

The decade of the fifties, at Kemp High School under the tutelage of Webster produced many great musicians. Such as Marion “ Boddie” Jones, who became a great studio musician in Hollywood, Fred Gene Smith was the music director for the great Smoky Robinson and Ray Charles. Donald Ray Johnson, the founding member of the Grammy winning dance group “A Taste Of Honey” are just a few of the musicians whose lives and careers was enhanced by Dr.Webster.