Fri 6/3 @ 8PM
Vocalist/harmonica player Bill “Mr. Stress” Miller, who died in May 2015, was a fixture in Cleveland’s blues scene starting in the ’60s, doing his thing in bars such as the Euclid Tavern in University Circle for more than 30 years. As Chrissie Hynde (who occasionally sat in with his band) famously sang on the tune “Precious” on the Pretenders’ 1979 debut album “Howard the Duck and Mr. Stress both stayed/stuck in a world they never made…”
Regardless of that lack of upward and outward momentum, many local blues musicians and fans think Mr. Stress was a local treasure. The Mr. Stress Blues Band ran through dozens of members during their run. They weren’t known for doing anything cutting edge but rather for their faithful renditions of blues classics. And they didn’t leave much of a recorded legacy although they did put out an album Killer Stress in 1994. By the end of the ’90s, Miller had curtailed his schedule due to failing vision and poor; a stroke in 2014 eventually led to his death.
Now there’s another snapshot of a moment in the band’s long history: an album (available on both vinyl and CD) called Mr. Stress Blues Band live at the Brick Cottage 1972/1973, released on the Smog Veil label owned by former Clevelander Frank Mauceri. Its premise is as straightforward as its name — and as the Mr. Stress Blues Band was. The previously unreleased live tracks, recorded at another University Circle dive a few blocks from the Euc, include blues repertoire staples by Muddy Waters, Albert King, B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf, among others. The release comes with a booklet containing vintage photos and extensive commentary from former band members.
Smog Veil is celebrating the release with a CD release show at the Beachland Ballroom. Those performing include Mr. Stress Blues Band alumni, swing/jump/blues band Blue Lunch, Anthony Lovano’s Supernatural Band featuring Tim Matson, and the Alan Greene Band, fronted by long-time Mr. Stress guitarist Greene. Tickets are $10.
Cleveland, OH 44110