Blind Terrance with good vision of the Blues

Terry Lowry is one of my best friends on the planet...period.
Many people know that Terry is an accomplished author, and is a noted West Virginia Civil War historian. Few people know that he was a consultant on the movie "Glory," featuring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington, and the movie "Gettysburg,"where he can also be seen on camera.
Even fewer people know that Terry is also Blind Terrance, one of Charleston's best proporters of the blues guitar.

Terry Lowry is man wearing many hats, by day he is one West Virginia's Dept. Of Culture and History Archive library assistants, and as I said a WV Civil War historian, but at night that all changes when he straps on a guitar and burns down whatever nightclub in town he happens to be playing at.
In one incarnation or another, many of you have seen this truly mild mannered, soft spoken guy, who just simply plays the hell out of his instrument.
If you've ever caught the Leon Waters Blues band, or an older version of the Spurgie Hankins band (featuring then Terry, Doug Vermillion, Tom Fontaine, and yours truly on saxophone) then I'm sure you know as I do that this cat can put it down.
Terry is Charleston's version of Eric Clapton...slow hand, but wielding fire, and just as he knows his Civil War biz, he can tell you a thing or two about some of the 60's bluesmen that dominated this country.
I've known Terry since college dating back to 1972 or 73, anyway, I used to see him and another friend of mine Steve Jones in various places ever rehearsing, and working on new material for their band.
When I returned to this area in 1992, I re-met him and he invited me to play with Leon Waters which in turn lead me to playing with Spurgie Hankins.
I was single in those days and Terry and I used to hang out ferociously, and check out the scene.When I got married he remained part of my life life, as my wife and I made certain that every Thanksgiving he was sitting at our table for dinner.
One winter a bad snow shut down Charleston and we had to go and get him so he wouldn't be stuck in the weather, and that lasted for 4 fun filled days. We listened to hours of music and consummed large quanties of food.
One of the nicest things about Terry is that he never has an unkind word for anyone, he always tries to see the bright side of things, and he is one of the best listeners I know, which to me makes his music that much more incredible.
If you look in your local paper and see that playing someplace in town is either the Leon Waters Blues band, or Blind Terrance, keep your sights on the spot because when the night is over he may have blinded you with some serious guitar playing, but one thing is definite, he may be blind but Blind Terrance has a good view of the blues.

Catch Terry Lowry locally.
Here is a list of the books authored by him:

1. Images of the Civil War In West Virginia.
2. The Battle of scary Creek Military Operations.
3. Last Sleep.
4. 26th Battalion Virginia Infantry.
5. 22nd Virginia Infantry.
6. September Blood, the battle of Carnifex Ferry.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always
...and read a book or two !!

Bob Harrold, and the joy of Sax...

I'm almost ashamed to say this, but I haven't heard Bob play in a couple of years...YEARS !!!
I will say this though, when folks around here talk about the saxophone players, Bob Harrold's name is usually one of the ones on their lips.

I have a few heroes on my chosen instrument...everybody knows that I love David Sanborn, but there are a few other folks who aren't nationally known, but I hope to make that a little different for my readers.
Bob Harrold is, as well as being a great saxophone player and a pretty fine singer now my neighbor; living here in St.Albans just down the street from me, so he and I get to chew the fat quite a bit these days; and I'm sure that you can guess what is our primary topic of conversation... WOMEN!!( just kidding, I wanted to be sure that you're paying attention.)
I first met Bob in 1994, when we shared the stage at a benefit concert for the late great Charleston drummer Frank Thompson. It was a fun day to say the least, and it seemed like everyone there that day brought their own greatness to the table in honor of Frank, but when Bob went to play all I heard was him, and all I could say was WOW !! His tone was sweet as sugar and his playing ability was inspiring. I remember saying to myself, I don't wanna follow this guy, so it's pretty good that I can sing.
Since then, Bobby and I have been fast friends often sharing stories of bands and the road, and our mutual joy of sax. He has given me lots of encouragement as a player and as a friend.
Bob's beautiful wife Karen (who doubles as my personal banker) keeps me in stitches telling about Bob and his ever changing playing schedule. Karen says "I quit trying to keep up a looong time ago, he says I'm gonna be here or there, and I say OK honey, whatever."
Right now Bob is sort of in between bands, he's playing with a band called Remix, but he also is on call with others.
If you want your saxopohone players hot and your music cool, then Bob Harrold is your guy on both counts, he's a hot saxophonist who's cool, and he's a hot guy who blows a cool sax.
One other thing that you can count on is that when Bob Harrold is in the house, that house will probably be shaking to its foundation because this brother blows as hard as a sledge hammer.
Be sure to catch Bobby where ever the woodwind blows, because his noise is truly joyful...you'll be glad you did.

Catch Bob Harrold with Remix locally.
If you want more info on Bob Harrold,please e-mail this post.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.