<![CDATA[MADCatfish Blues Festival - Blog]]>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:07:41 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Got a Minute? MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot & E-Promo: A Walk-Thru of the Step-by-Step Production Process]]>Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:35:50 GMThttp://www.madcatfish.net/blog/got-a-minute-madcatfish-blues-radio-spot-e-promo-a-walk-thru-of-the-step-by-step-production-processIt's one thing to write the words for a radio spot and think you've done a decent job.  It's another thing altogether to turn it over to someone with the talent and skill to turn it into a work of art for the ears.  I had the chance to watch a jazz and blues radio master produce two promotional spots, complete with voiceover and an overlay of a blues music track - in about 15 minutes flat.

The smooth, resonating voice of James Janisse brought the words to life. It was amazing to watch James Janisse produce two radio spots, complete with voiceover and music - in about 15 minutes - but that's what happens when the process is turned over to someone who is among the best at what they do.  Fortunately I had the presence of mind to capture each step so that I could share it with you. - I counted at least three (3) major steps for the radio spot.  The fourth and final step is related to the production of the E-promo that we can place on our website, social media and other digital platforms.  Each of the audio, video and e-promo files are slightly more than 1 minute, so you can listen and watch all four (4) in less than five (5) minutes.  Enjoy...
...the "Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot"
Step #1 - Write the Script
See MADCatfish Blues radio script --->
The first thing is to decide the most important things to convey about the Who? What? When? Where? and How? people can participate.  Next a decision needs to be made about the length of the commercial (15 seconds? 30 seconds? etc.). Finally, the content needs to be written to fit within the total time selected.

You should expect to edit the script after reading through it several times to be sure that it fits within the allotted time.  Eventually, you will be able to associate the approximate number of words, to the length of a radio spot.

Step #2 - Record the Voiceover
Click > below to hear the original audio (without blues music added)
After a quick perusal of the script on my MacBook screen, followed by two live readings to pace his timing, James Janisse was satisfied and proceeded to record the final voiceover track.  Note: I wrote the initial script; James Janisse reviewed and make editing recommendations.

...Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot:
Step #2 (continued) Click the > below to watch Video of James Janisse Recording the Final Voiceover 
Step #4 - Producing the E-Promo
It was onto the next and final phase of having some type of digital presentation prepared that I would be able to upload onto the internet.  Thank goodness for having a millennial in the house to expedite final phase of the production (a 27-year old daughter who recently moved back home to save money to purchase her first home).  Once I downloaded all of the photos of artists, sponsor logos and the .mp3 files to my free Dropbox account, it took her about two hours to create this e-promo.  Amazing to know what's currently possible from a production stand point.
...Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot:
Step #3 - Add Blues Music Track
This man is a walking encyclopedia of everything jazz and blues, which was right on time when it came to selecting music that would fit the time allotted, as well as deliver the right mood for the commercial.

Step #3 (continued) Click > below to watch Video of James Janisse Adding Blues Music
Finally, it was time for James Janisse to combine the two tracks (voice and blues music) into an MP3 file, and for my benefit, he burned it onto a CD. Thought I'd allow room for a little trivia engagement and ask if you know the name of the blues track that he selected.  Better yet, can you name the artist as well?
Want to make your work more enjoyable whenever and wherever you have an internet connection?  Logon to KJMJRadio.com for "The Finest in Jazz & Blues", compliments of James Janisse. 
]]><![CDATA[MADCatfish Blues Movie Clip]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2015 06:42:37 GMThttp://www.madcatfish.net/blog/madcatfish-blues-movie-clip
Artist Spotlight: Ray Bailey

Starting the week of Sunday, July 26, 2015 we will share a video clip that showcases something about the blues, as part a weekly "MADCatfish Blues Movie Clip" series.  We thought we would kick-off the first week with an electrifying "Off the Hook!" performance by Native Angeleno, guitarist Ray Bailey.  He will be featured during the upcoming MADCatfish Blues Festival at Santa Anita Track on Labor Day Weekend.

Everybody who's anybody among blues royalty of a certain age in Southern California, played onstage in Los Angeles at the legendary Babe and  Ricky's 
Excerpt and outake from Babe's and Ricky's Inn, a documentary by Ramin Niami
Blues Club at some point. It was one of the spots where the kings of blues music would drop-in when they were in town - B.B. King, Albert King, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton and others heavy hitters.  This blues club was a special place where pros and amateurs alike, took to the stage to pay homage to the blues, America's true party music.

Throughout his formative musical development years, Ray Bailey got a chance to meet and play along with many of the heavy hitters, since he basically grew up at the blues club after starting to hang around the place with his guitar at the age of 15.Ray Bailey hasn't yet earned the celebrity status of being a household name,
but he has been lauded as "L.A.'s Blues Virtuoso."  Truly, among his peers, he has earned his place among L.A. Blues Music Royalty.  When he takes the stage at the upcoming 1st Annual Southern California MADCatfish Blues Festival this Labor Day Weekend, you can be assured that he'll be a point of discussion in every household represented in the audience.  Ray Bailey will close both days of this regional blues festival presented at the historic Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, CA.  He's planning a fitting tribute to one of his main inspirations and an international blues music icon, the legendary B.B. King.

The consummate artist, Ray Bailey is putting together a different show, with a different blues band both days.  "Ray Bailey & Friends" on Saturday, followed by "The Ray Bailey Review" on Sunday. MADCatfish Blues Festival could not think of a more fitting artists to put the exclamation point on this inaugural launch of the newest annual celebration of blues music in Southern California.

We'd love to know what you think about how Ray handles this popular blues song.  If you like what you see and hear, pass it along by sharing it on Facebook and other social media.  By all means, stay in touch for announcements on upcoming events and next week's MADCatfish Blues Movie Clip.
 
- La Quetta M. Shamblee
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