RON THOMPSON'S BLUESLETTER

Winter 2006/2007 Edition

www.rtblues.com

Greetings of the Season to everyone! We hope that 2006 has been good to you, and that 2007 will bring even more to your life. Especially more music. Oh, that reminds us!

RESONATOR SET FOR JANUARY RELEASE! JOIN US FOR THE NATIONAL CD RELEASE PARTY LIVE VIA WEBCAST!

The long anticipated Ron Thompson solo CD-- Resonator -- is finally ready for release next month, and EVERYONE is invited to Ron's National LIVE CD Release Party!

Join Ron and our favorite television host, Bruce Latimer, on Wednesday, January 17 th at 9 PM for the world-wide debut of Resonator.

The party will be broadcast live via webcast on the award-winning "Bruce Latimer TV Show."  Please check back on Ron's website for more details soon!

Resonator will not be available for purchase until January 17th at 9 PM PST.

" The Bruce Latimer Show " is the longest running, most successful variety show in American television. Broadcasting since 1989, the program has won many awards including the BACE (Bay Area Cable Excellence), the WAVE (Western Alliance Video Excellence) Awards, and the Hometown Video Excellence Award.

Everyone's invited to join Ron in cyberspace on January 17th. And--if   you would like to join Ron in person at one of his California CD Release Parties, where Ron will be available to autograph your copy, you can do that too!

January 19th , 8 PM & 10 PM
Biscuits and Blues , San Francisco

January 31st, 8 PM
No Name Bar, Sausalito

February 3, 8 PM
McGrath's Pub , Alameda

Special thanks to everyone who helped make Resonator possible: Producer Lenny Smith, Darren Hanshaw, David Hampp, Kevin McGordy, Jamie Bridges, and many more!

The Best Music You've Ever Heard! KGO Radio in San Francisco

As we announced last month, Ron Thompson was on Pete Wilson's KGO Radio show November 17th, in a feature called, "Best Music You've Never Heard." This exclusive gave local musicians a chance to be heard on mainstream radio, and gave the fans a chance to cast their vote for their favorite performer.

KGO has been the #1-rated radio station in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 28 years, having held the #1 overall ranking for 112 consecutive San Francisco Metro Arbitron Ratings.

Thanks to YOUR telephone votes and YOUR support, the Bay Area's very own rhythm and blues legend, RON THOMPSON, won the most votes and came in first place out of 20 bands!!

Pete Wilson concluded his show by playing, "Silvertone Boogie" ( Magic Touch CD), in its entirety. For those of you who weren't able to listen to the show, you will be able to check back on KGO's website for details soon. www.kgoam810.com

Good news! Pete is bringing Ron back, this time live in the studio, for an interview. We are still working out a date in early 2007 with KGO and will let you know when it is scheduled.

Leonard William Gill

February 18, 1952--October 4, 2006

Resistor Forever

We are very, very sad to report that bassist Leonard Gill passed away at the age of 54 in his Berkeley, California, home the morning of October 4th. Leonard had been in ill health for some time, and passed peacefully with his fiancé Tressie Wells at his side.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, February 18, 2007, in Oakland, CA. Please check back on Ron's website for venue location and time.

Leonard was born in Sherrill, Arkansas, and later moved with his family to Chicago. His musical career began early in Chicago where he performed with Johnny Taylor, Little Milton, Albert King, Otis Clay, and B.B. King. He recorded two albums with Otis Clay, two with B.B. King, and played guitar and bass on Ron's Magic Touch. While serving five years in the B.B. King orchestra, he played and toured extensively.

During a visit in 2005 with B.B. King after a California show, B.B. stated unequivocally, "This guy Leonard Gill is one of THE most talented musicians on the scene today."

Larry Vann, Ron Thompson, Leonard Gill, and B.B. King. May 22, 2006

Leonard played and recorded with numerous local and national acts on both bass and guitar, including John Lee Hooker, Al Rapone, Queen Ida, Rockin' Sydney, Allen Fontenot, and Maria Muldaur. A posthumous CD of Leonard's music--recorded in Summer, 2006-- I Will Remember You --will be released soon to the public.

Ron says, "Leonard was a musicians' musician," and Leonard performed as a mainstay Resistor with Ron for many years. He was sweet and kind, with an infectious smile that lit up any room he entered. Leonard--we will miss you more than words can say!

Please check here to learn more about Leonard and to view photos of his life and career.

Mexico Blues Workshop Vacation

Still can't think of what to get for that special someone this holiday season? Why not surprise them with a gift of music, sun, and fun in beautiful Puerto Vallarta? Ron and Resistor Steve York are offering a week-long Blues Guitar Workshop in February 2008. Workshops will be presented by Ron (guitar, slide guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica & vocals), acclaimed artist and Steve York (bass & harmonica), along with other special guests. Workshop days will last approximately 4 hours. For those wishing to participate, we will arrange for at least one evening jam session / performance at a local club. For more information, see: http://www.vallartamusicvacations.com/workshops.htm

For those of you who are also interested in Cuban music but unable to visit Cuba, Puerto Vallarta offers an opportunity to hear many first rate Cuban musicians live, along with a rich cross section of other Latin styles. Other forms of art and entertainment abound in this beautiful environment. All instruments and levels of ability are welcome. Arrangements will be made to videotape the workshops and jams.

N E W S F L A S H !

Ron Thompson and His Resistors are wanted for murder!

Email from one of our favorite radio jocks, the "Blues Pilot," from Jefferson City MO:

November 27, 2006 8:54 PM
Subject: RON on 88.9 KJLU FM --Wanted for murder here on 88.9 KJLU FM in Jefferson City, MO

He is killing us with his ass kicking music...murder by slide. We can't get enough! Please send more...seriously.   Ron, you are a master. What a pleasure to hear such real music...In my over 11 years as host and   programmer of Blues Flight , I hardly ever run across such real kick-my-ass-with-both-feet kind of music and yours is that. Please keep on attacking them 6 strings.

--Mark T Smith the Blues Pilot 88.9 KJLU FM, Jefferson City MO.

Thanks, Mark! You will soon be getting new RT music for airplay! Thanks also to the many DJs around the world who play Ron's music , and promote his music and performances!

Mark's show, Blues Flight, airs on Saturdays from 8:30AM-2PM CST.

http://www.kjlu.com/

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

In addition to the events listed above, here are some upcoming dates you don't want to miss. As always, check Ron's online calendar, as new performances are added almost daily.

Thursday, December 21, 6 PM
Crossroads, Fresno
Central Valley Blues Society Christmas Blues Blast!
Bring warm coats, jackets, and blankets to donate to the homeless of Fresno.
Celebrate the holidays with Ron, Don, and all of your Fresno blues friends! Food, drink, music, and much more!
[note to Crossroads Friends: As always, Ron plays most Thursdays at Crossroads. Check the calendar or call the venue before heading out.]

Saturday, December 23, 8 PM
McGrath's, Alameda--SOLO with Special Guests!
NO COVER
Join us for Ron's Bay Area Holiday Party! Special musical guests, food, and rumor has it...Santa?

Wednesday, December 27, 7 PM
Half Moon Bay Brewery, Princeton-by-the-Sea

Saturday, December 29, 6 PM
Table Mountain Casino, Friant

Saturday, January 6, 8:30 PM
Rancho Nicasio Bar & Restaurant, Nicasio

Saturday, January 13, 8 PM
"A Night at Club Zayante"
Don Quixote's International Music Hall, Felton
With Lacy J. Dalton & Bob Brozman
Benefit for Club Zayante owner Tom Louagie and the current residents of the little lodge that recently suffered massive fire damage.

Saturday, January 20, 9:30 PM
Mojo Lounge, Fremont
$5.00 cover
Check out the Mojo Lounge commercial on the Mojo's website! http://www.themojolounge.net

Saturday, February 17, 8 PM
Little Fox Theatre, Redwood City
$14 advance/$16 at the door
Also featuring Lydia Pense and Cold Blood!

Saturday, March 17, time TBA
Madera Community Hospital Fundraiser, Madera
With special guests--the Tommy Castro Band!

©Ron Thompson 2006