One of our own is about to break out big time. Blues harp hipster John Nemeth has signed with powerhouse blues label Blind Pig.
John now lives in San Francisco and I was lucky enough to catch him over tacos and and martinis.
John doesn' t look like a guy who has the blues. The contrast between his boyish charm and 50's cool that locals will remember is still there, but now the former "Fat" has a bit more swagger. He is living in the heart of downtown San Francisco and doing what he loves. "Although there is more competition here, there are also more places to play." He said. "I am working festivals, dinner clubs and playing all over the place."
All over the place meant a trip with Anson Funderberg to Europe this fall, another tour that includes Belgium, France and Germany is coming up in march!
Nemeth is looking forward to getting into the studio and cutting his new record. Blind Pig wants him to go in "right now" but John has a couple of gigs to do first. John expects to get in the studio after he plays a week in Mexico. Most likely around mid April.
John told us that he had numerous offers from the record companies. "They want acts that can sell CD's from the stage." John has sold "Jack of Hearts" all over the world. Trying to manage the sales from his SF apartment has been difficult and he is looking forward to the backing and distribution that an international recording deal will give him. When I ask John about material for his new CD he laughed, "Songs? I got a million of 'em." When I asked him who he will use as his back up band he smiled and said, "I'll use the Charlie Muselwhite band." Gotta' admit I thought he was being funny till he told me. . . "Charlie is almost retired. I use his guys for most of my gigs now." Wow! If you have any doubts about John's success just drop by his website John Nemeth Blues Here are a couple of quotes from his press kit.
I remember telling friends up North in '80 that they should go see Stevie Ray Vaughan, but they weren't impressed because he wasn't famous yet. It will give me great pleasure to say, "I told you so!" about John Nemeth. You'll see." Bob Margolin, Blues Revue Magazine, Dec/Jan 2005
"Boy! John Nemeth can really belt it out!" Charlie Musslewhite, 2004
Another talented Boisean may have said it best, and I quote . . .
"Here's a guy that does it all, sings his butt off, wails on the harp, writes great songs and knows how to entertain the people!" Ken Harris, Blues Bouquet
Thanks for dinner Mr. Nemeth and now how about that cover photo for your new CD?