Peter May: News

Folks,
A great brother and friend has left us all. It is a very sad time.
Pete

Sunday, May 6, 2007
Moss' musical reach extended far

By Titan Barksdale
JOURNAL REPORTER

The death of local musician and businessman Sam Moss prompted telephone calls from mourners throughout the Southeast and from as far away as New York yesterday, bandmates and friends said.

Guitarist Sam Moss, 54, was found dead in his Winston-Salem home yesterday, bandmates said.

"It's an incredible loss," said Peter May, who played in a band with him. "There will be sad people."

For many years, Moss, who was a lead guitarist in several bands, ran Sam Moss Guitars on Burke Street until it closed about five years ago, May said.

The guitar shop was a meeting ground for seasoned musicians and up-and-coming musicians who wanted to learn and network, May said.

"He always knew the most about guitars," May said. "You would go see a band play, and every piece of musical equipment you saw, he sold to them or fixed for them or set up for them."

Moss would often sit in with bands at Rubber Soul on Burke Street. His was a master guitarist, who could make an electric guitar "talk" to the audience, May said.

"He sat in with almost everybody who played at Rubber Soul," May said. "He had ears to where he could just pick up stuff with ease, and he could play anything with ease. There was a direct connection with his ear and his fingers."

The two most recent bands that Moss was involved in were Peter May and the Rough Band and The Sams, May said.

Word about the Moss' death began to spread around Rubber Soul last night, said Jim Keegan, a former manager. An impromptu tribute had begun, he said.

"There were two people that were influential in the music scene of Winston-Salem: Charles Greene, and the other was Sam Moss," Keegan said. "He was an inspiration for many aspiring musicians in this town, and he had a legacy that's recognized across the country."

Greene, 54, another noted local guitar player, died in August.

May said that Moss had a magnetic personality and will be remembered as a mentor and friend to many. But Moss, however, would want to be remembered for his music, he said.

"He was kind of an institution. He will be missed greatly," May said.

■ Titan Barksdale can be reached at 727-7369 or at tbarksdale@wsjournal.com.


Peter May
ptmay@triad.rr.com

We headed straight for Ken and Heather Prichard’s beautiful home when we got to Atlanta. Ken had “fine meats and libations!” The filet mignon was on the smoker and “Live Bait” on the Hi-Fi. Fine Belvedere vodka coursed through the veins of the Rough Band. Heather ran off to work. We ate and rested and showered and played Kenny’s guitars. Sam fixed daughter, Cara’s broken guitar string. She and brother Owen, both played songs for us. (real songs with parts and everything, sharp kids) We were treated very well. The eldest child McCarly was smart enough to run off to soccer camp before we arrived! We headed over to Smith’s for load in and soundcheck. Our sound tech, Dylan made it all very easy. Smith’s is a great Atlanta landmark. It was the place where the music was not an afterthought. The room was built from the beginning to have mu-sic. Johnny Winter had played there the night before. Some leftover Johnny presence must have fueled us. Before the show we ate with friends Karen Long and Marta Urueta. If you get the chance Fox Brother’s BBQ is right on it. We ate ‘til we couldn’t no more! Ken Will Morton and the Wholly Ghosts opened for us. Ken Will’s gritty vocals, fine songwriting and guitar playing fueled the ghosts for a raucous ride down Georgia backroads. I hope that we can get them again sometime…truly we may have to open for them! With our backlog of shows behind us and the tour coming to an end, the whole outfit layed on the pounds per square inch. We definetly got out of line and down to business. Brent laid in hellacious parts with the rhythm section, and great solos. Hank and Jay held our toes to the fire, refusing to let up. Moss and Nathey put in excellent work. Me? As always…I rode the Rough Band Wave, sang like I holler, and was at least brave enough to throw in a few solos, even among all the bands heat.

We headed out of Orlando early after a great breakfast, again by H2. Drove right to Hank’s cousin’s home in Fort Myers. Peter Schrickel and his wife, Kelleen welcomed us with brautworsts, hamburgers, and hotdogs fresh off the grill. Their children Brianna and Chavonne played music for us on their harmonica necklace gifts and showed us around their cool spread. Peter showed us the blueprints for his new place. It is gonna be great! At the club we set up for our 3-5 show. We met Tommy Cook and his lovely friend Dixie. Tommy helped us get our sound right through his cool PA system. More of the Heidtmann clan showed up. Cousin Steve Anderson with wife Karen, Aunt Joan and Uncle Don came. Sister Cynthia and her husband Steve flew in from NYC to join the festivities! What a Family! Cousin Kathy Jones also flew in from Weldon, NY for the late show. Between shows we visited Tommy’s compound. What a place he has. It was beautiful and a great place to hang out. So we did! We had even better attendance for our late 9-12 show. We also met Aunt Carol and Uncle Ted. Lots of shirts and cds were sold. New friends were made. By 130 we were on the road headed to Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta.

H2 cruised the Big Mirada into a KOA Campground in Orlando early the next day. Sandwiches ensued. Soon bathing suits were donned and sunscreen applied. Double H took a dive into the sleeping cabin after his almost all night drive. (Apparently, there is not a good way to get from Augusta to Orlando. Hwy 25 was tore up with construction.) Yes, even the lean, mean Sam Moss and the whole crew lounged by and in the pool. It was hot and we had to beat the Florida women off with sticks. Our six pack abs, and Adonis like bodies, not to mention out evident musical genius, spellbinded them. We could not be held responsible for their gratuitous displays of public nudity. Uh… anyway, H2 and Nathey later placed serious ribeye steaks on to the steel of hot grills. H2 terryaki marinade sizzled the coals and the smell made all our mouths water. H2 had twiced baked potatoes, the best true caeser salad ever, and rolls to boot. We later wallered around, snored, and digested with soothed palates. Soon we headed off to the middle of Disney World in search of The House Of Blues. Driving the Big Mirada amongst the mass of human flesh concentrated in Orlando/Disney is a feat conquered only by our own “Double H”. How we ever made it into an alley directly across for the HOB is a mystery to me. Our fearless leader, (that’s me) didn’t not provide any directions what-so-ever. Double H and the younger son, Hank threaded the big Mirada like a needle and we were soon loading in. For once I hid on the bus, our own BB (Brent Buckner) set up my equipment. When he asked the band if anyone could tune my guitars, there was only a troubled silence! Needless to say when I finally made my appearence, I tuned my guitar on the fly. My attempt at the “star-treatment” was only somewhat successful. We played the Blues Kitchen amongst blues fans and diners. We served it up nearly raw, slightly undead, still kicking. We had a great reception. We met new friends and sold cd’s and t-shirts. Rick Nathey almost burned the place down with his pedal steel work on “Black Coffee Blues”. The audience placed bets and ran odds on how many times our ace drummer, Jay Johnson would hit his tom-tom. His Al Jackson inspired style is spare, groove only, hold the pasta. Brother Moss preached with his guitar and the he-donist swelled around us, bewildered. All things were well with PMRB.

We had a great time at the Mission in Augusta, GA. After loading in and soundcheck-ing, we ate supper with the bar manager, Greg Johnson. Dinner, cooked up by Henry’s dad, (we call him “double H” or “H-squared” or “H2”) and our own Rick Nathey. “Double H” had the King Mackeral mouthwatering. Brent, Jay, and myself took a stroll down to the riverwalk, spying a 2 ft Catfish in the shallows. Sam, Brent, and I visited The Blue Dogs at their show down the street at Blue Horse Music Hall. Rick Nathey’s family helped us out with attendance. His aunt Sue showed up with Melissa, & friends. Special thanks for them for the swell merch purchases! The show was raw and raucus. Mr. Moss was really hot. Henry and Jay held us together like glue. We had in and out visitations from Wesley’s wake/party at the Firehouse Bar, down the street. Our lone dancer was a cute brunette. All the cats in the band were upset when I pulled her up on stage for a dance during our show stopping version of “Use t’ Could.” During Load out The Blue Dogs re-turned our visit. They soon headed off to Florence, SC. We said our goodbye’s and hopped on the Big Mirada RV. Next stop Orlando!

What a show this was! Sally Spring joined by Husband Ted Lyons and Lee and Susan Terry, were extra fine. It was really special for us to play a show together. I first met Sally way back when I was ten or eleven! She came to our home to practice with my brother Elmon. Even still that was one of the few times I had heard her perform. Well, it was worth the wait. Her voice is strong, leading, melodic, commanding! We could only answer with swagger and punch. The Rough Band rocked for two hours! None other than Mike Kennedy joined us on drums for a coulple of songs, Brent Buckner sat in on harmonica (wow!), and even the vacationing Brian Sides joined in on guitar, (smoking!). Mr. "the" Darrell Blackburn took a break from his Silver Moon Saloon gig and stole away the show singing on "Even When the Sun is Shining, Calvin Says It Looks Like Rain" and "All Wound Up" Ricky Lee Nathey and Sam Moss fought all night, pushing the musical commentaries to unlogical extremes all night long. Jay Johnson and Hank Heidtmann, are the rhythm section...they pumped all night long...caught the first thing smoking and never let up!
The Garage sound system and team, Cathy Clark and Brian on sound are the tip-top. It is so nice to play at places that have thought enough about the music to invest in the proper equipment. Thanks always to Richard Emmett, (Garage Owner), He and brother AJ hung all night. Alex Forsyth recorded the whole show for posterity...we may hear some of it again soon!

For the wise few who showed up The Rough Band powered through the NCAA Tourney with tone, taste, and tenacity.
I've got to hand it to Alex Forsyth and Rob Slater. These two cats worked hard and made this performance special. Rob joined us on-stage and gave me another public guitar lesson. Alex recorded the show, so I can go back and pick up tidbits I missed. The band showed up to play...and they worked it hard. Jay Johnson and Henry Heidtmann worked it all night. They have the "we been doing this for the last 30 years and it shows" groove! It worked on me! We had special guests Elmon May, Jr. with the lovely Miss Ellie. I bet they didn't have that at the NCAA! Poor Duke, The old man went to Duke. If you poor Duke sinner's would have come to church at the Blind Tiger, you might have got a win.

We were really proud to score a show at the Blue Bayou Club. It has become the place for the blues in NC. Gary Lee, the owner is true blue. He treated us like we'd flown in from Chicago. We had some great guests, too. Will McFarlane and Rob Slater both set in for 3 or 4 songs to end up the first set. Henry and Jay wore matching jackets, so that Rick and I had to beat the women away with boom microphone stands. Rick was in paritcularly good form. He layed line after line of golden tone and taste. Rex and DJ Gass came early and made sure we sound checked ok! They brought along a whole table. We could use some more of that! Man fine fine dancers were hangin. We do seem to draw the most beautiful people. Rob Slater sat in on guitar and gave or rather burned some new lessons into me. He works me hard everytime he shows up. Our pal Alex Forsyth recorded the gig and also makes sure I don't ramble off into any monologues.

Thanks to all you folks who rolled out to Rubber Soul Friday. We had a great time playing for you. Mr Sam Moss was full of tone, taste, and tenacity...what a player. Of course Mr Nathy, back brace and all brought his pain to forbearence, and rolled everyone into his living room, and pulled his pedal steel levers...man hearts on fire. I can't say enough about the band, Henry and Jay sharp as tacks and searching out the groove even when I hide it so well. Rob Slater sat in on guitar for a coulple of tunes, and raised the bar immediately. Thanks to all...see you soon.

Hey Folks,
We had a great time at our show last night at Greensboro's 4 Corner's Market. We met lots of new folks. Jan, Ann, Nona and Kelly all signed up for our email list. Our pals Hazel and Eric showed us what blues dancin' is all about. Mike Wesolowski was in particularly fine shape. Rebounding from the downer of having all his equipment stolen, he used his formidable chops to escort us into the mystic! Bobby Kelly, trying out his new Zeta electric upright bass held us all upright and to account. Talk about being grounded, BK is keeps himself and everyone around in the moment.
Myself I ride the waves, try to pur the icing on the cake, yeah, yeah, yeah! We'll see you soon,
Pete

What great shows we had at Rubber Soul and 6th & Vine, Friday and Saturday. Fine, fine audiences at both. Mike Wilcox joined us at the Friday gig. Marty Beck did the same on Saturday. Rick Nathy was particularly hot Satuday night. I thought his pedal steel was gonna jump off the stage and start dancin' with the beautiful people. Heney Heidmann led the band for the finale set playing "The One After 909" and "I Saw Her Standin' There." Rick Nathey led on "Matchbox Blues" and "Honey Don't" We finished off loud and proud with Darrell Blackburn and my song, "All Wound Up".
Happy New Year from Sam, Jay, Henry, Rick and myself.

Hey Folks,
Thanks for paying all the covers and buying cds.
Thanks for the tips and the applause.
The applause is great!
Most of all thanks for coming out, hanging out,
and sharing your time with me and the cats.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Peter May

Folks,
Thanks so much for all your support this past year. We've had some great shows, lots of laughs, and even "special awkward moments!" There's more on the way in 2006.
All the Best,
Peter

What a ride we had at 6th & Vine last evening. The Rough Band whipped the whole joint into a frenzy. Wild dirty dancin' broke out and spread like hives. Special musical guests Rob Slater, Marty Beck and Brent Buckner pushed the band to a flat out pure bred boogie. The staff kept everyone happy all night long. Owner Chris Barnes never said no and he never said stop. By the time the band launced into "Let It Bleed" we were all dancin' with our eyes rolled back in our heads. What a long cold drink we had!

Hey folks,
Sorry about last Sunday. It's come to my attention that some of you showed up only to find me AWOL. I was under the impression that the show was scheduled 9-12. I was wrong! These Sunday shows are 8-11. I'll be on time next time!

I've put several new soundclips up. The live bits are from our last Rubber Soul gig. Alex Forsyth recorded it. The always reliable Neal Goode ran sound that night.
Let me know if you like it. I'm thinking about releasing the whole thing.

By the way, if you're reading this you must be on the updated website. Email me any comments, complaints, or suggestions!

Thanks,
Pete

What a cool gig. The Rough Band was on fire. Sorry for those of you who didn't make it inside. I heard that it sounded great outside too. Mr. Brian Sides was on hand and did some guitar smoking on "Diviing Duck Blues" Hank doubled up on bass and keys. He didn't do no messing around. Sam and Ricky...well there ain't words for it. Jay Johnson beat the hardware off his drum set. The Rubber Soul crew are always so cool. Neil Goode is one of our favorite sound techs. Jim behind the bar kept everyone happy. Alex Forsyth took great pictures of the band and recorded the whole show in digital audio.