How I Met Rock Bottom — Part One

I first met Rock in '93. I had moved here from SC and had been in town for just a few months. I was running the blues jams, looking to meet other musicians. Rock was hosting one in St. Pete, and when I walked in, Rock and the guys were on stage playing. I was, of course, amazed by his harmonica, and little Juke on guitar was awesome too. I found out later that the two of them had played together for years. I can't remember right now who was on bass and drums, but you had to be the cream of the crop to play with Rock. There's a joke that he "hired and fired the best." There was nothing like these guys in the small town in SC that I came from.

When they took a break, I introduced myself to Rock and Juke. I asked if I could play a couple of songs. Rock was very nice to me and agreed to let me play. I played two original songs solo. Then I listened to them for the rest of the night. Needless to say, I had a great time! He was a powerful presence on stage that commanded attention without trying. You could tell he was lost in his own world when he played that harp. I was amazed at all the dynamic, soulful sounds he got out of it. His songs were colorful and fun. The band watched his every move and followed with him. I could easily see this guy was the real deal.

About a month or so later, I booked a gig at the Ringside and had to put a band together for it. I called up Herb Moss (drums) and Vince Warren (bass and Chapman Stick) whom I had met at the Ringside jams. They agreed to do it. I just needed a guitarist. Back then, Jam Magazine was in print, and it always had ads from musicians in the back. I saw one that looked interesting but had no name. I dialed the number and Juke answered. He remembered me from that jam with Rock and agreed to play. He and Rock had had a parting of the ways at that time, and he was looking for something else. My lucky day!

That first gig at the Ringside was the beginning of "1 Nite Stand." We went on to record an album which got very good reviews. We played together for a couple of years until Juke got too sick to play. When he passed, Rock organized a big concert for him at Skippers that he called "JukeAPalooza." I was there before the music started, and Rock was moving chairs around out in front of the stage. He remembered me, and we started talking. After a few minutes, he said, "I'll produce your next album for you if you want." I have to say I was floored! I had not mentioned doing another one. I had so much respect for him as an artist, and I was so honored that he was willing to put his name with mine on an album! That, of course, gave me more faith in myself. That was the beginning of my friendship with Rock Bottom. He became my mentor and good friend.