On Saturday nights here in Memphis, we’ve been going to a juke joint called the Blue Worm. Judy from the Center for Southern Folklore turned us on to this neighborhood hangout, located in an abandoned strip mall, and it’s become our favorite place to relax, shoot pool and hear some good music.
The same folks are there every week, dressed to the nines and busting elaborate moves on the dance floor. The house band includes members of Memphis’ Daddy Mack Blues Band, a drummer named William Faulkner and Dr. Steve, a research geneticist who doubles on sax. They play a mean version of the Electric Slide in addition to a repertoire of blues standards.
After the Blue Worm closed this Saturday, our last in Memphis, we hung out next-door at club owners Betty and ‘Sippi’s place. Bluesman Wilroy Sanders (above) showed musically inclined facilitator Nick Yulman some licks and, with Halloween just around the corner, accused all present of being vampires. Thanks to guitarist extraordinaire James Bonner for the ride home and the wonderful music.
