Les Dudek. I was a fan back in 1977 when I first heard his album “Say No More.” I remember 1978 very well, almost month by month as music binds me to my memories of my life. I had moved to Starkville, Mississippi in late summer to try my luck at becoming an Electrical Engineer as I wanted to be a studio engineer back in those days. I ended up working in the 3 watt college radio station while I was there and playing some great tunes for the thirty or forty thousand students who might tune in for some rock and roll. I also worked part time at a local grocery store to haul in some money to buy audio gear and records. One of the records I bought was “Say No More” by Les Dudek. I also remember playing it on the air as I loved “Old Judge Jones” and “JailabamBoozle.” The entire album is very enjoyable to listen to as it has elements of many of the artists Les has worked with as an in-demand guitarist, playing and recording with some of rock and rolls biggest names, the Steve Miller Band, Boz Scaggs, The Allman Brothers Band, Dave Mason, Stevie Nicks, Maria Muldaur, Cher and even a few more. I listened to every one of these artists over their career from the 1970’s onward. I can hear the late 1970’s as I listen to this album like I am doing now as I write this. When you listen to “Old Judge Jones” you can hear the tone of Les’ guitar that he still has even now. The way he plays and the amplification he uses have a signature tone. I remember sitting a few feet from him on this night and I even said out loud to myself in the midst of about 90 db of live music “He still has the tone!” That moment gave me that rush where you feel the excitement go up your spine and you know you have arrived at the right show for the evening. https://www.lesdudek.com/
As always I had a seat up front for the show and I arrived early to get parking outside as parking is tough in this neighborhood given the on-going construction downtown. I came in and took my seat and ordered my favorite Catfish Po-Boy with a side of fried okra and a cold local brown Nut Ale. The Blue Note Grill has my kind of food. I enjoyed my soon to arrive hot food while Les and his band setup the gear and went into a sound check.
After figuring out the room and a few sound settings the band wandered off to relax a bit. I struck up a conversation with a guy who had just driven in from several hours away. We had similar stories in that we had done the road trip solo as we were both long time fans and this was the first time I had seen Les solo.
It wasn’t long before another pint of craft beer hit my table and I settled my bill after asking for a glass of water. Soon the show started and the place was completely full. The crowd was into the music and soon people were dancing in front of the stage so I roamed around a bit to shoot some photos with my cell phone. My iPhone 15 Pro Max is not far from a camera in my collection except maybe the zoom capability but I didn’t need it tonight so I just used my phone.
I always enjoy getting a photo of the set list so I can document and remember what was played at the show. I gave up collecting most of these as I have too much music memorabilia already. Les mostly stuck to this list and changed it a bit at the end.
Les was born on August 2, 1952 so the chef and the kitchen crew baked two birthday cakes for him to share with the audience. He got a round of “Happy Birthday” from the crowd towards the end of the show. That was fun to do for him. This establishment is always good about taking care of artists. I love that.
So that was most of my night. The show ended early enough for me to hang out and talk to Les for a few minutes. I did get a photo with him and we had a quick conversation about times gone by in the music business. He said he had been out for a few weeks on the road and was looking forward to getting back to Florida to sleep in his own bed. Soon I was gone and two hours later I was back in my office at home reading.
That was a fun show and if I never have the chance to see Les again I will always remember the night of live music from a musician I have followed for decades. The guy who dueled with Richard Betts on “Ramblin’ Man” and played with the likes of “Steppenwolf” even. Back in 1978 I never had an idea I would ever see him play much less talk to him in person. It was a fun night. See ya down the road.