Got My Mojo Workin'

[Adelita]

Destiny. In the dictionary it states: The inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person or thing is destined; one's lot; A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control; The power or agency thought to predetermine events.

Some people are destined to become great artists. Some people are destined to be great musicians. Some people are destined to live in Albuquerque. And some are destined to do all three. This is the case with Jeff Sipe. If you don't know his name, you should. He’s a master folk artist, an accomplished bass player, and the sort of Burqueño that embodies the spirit of our city.

I’ve known Jeff and his wife Roxanna from the sidelines, so to speak. My daughter and I spent a lovely Sunday morning with them at Lindo Mexico for a delicious meal. Between sips of a Coca Cola from the bottle and hysterically funny conversation, I learned that destiny has played a big part in his life.

Jeff has the mojo - he's a solid, “in the pocket” rhythm master. His love of the blues transcends his bass and finds life in his mixed media works of art. Jeff is originally from New London, Wisconsin – not exactly what you would think of as a blues mecca. But there was a healthy blues scene there and Jeff was lucky enough that many local musicians honored, revered, and wanted to sound like Little Walter. He was lucky that Luther Allison played around his hometown frequently.

I asked Jeff which blues musicians he considered his heroes. He said Slim Harpo and Taj Mahal – who not only made him decide to be a musician, but made him realize that playing the blues was a worthy profession. How lucky for us! And where can you see Jeff perform with his band the HooDoos? Mostly around Santa Fe and Taos. Seems that there aren’t many blues venues in ‘Burque. How sad for us.

Jeff made it to ‘Burque in 1976. He said that he always knew he would live here and be a professional musician. I asked Jeff what he missed about old Burque and he said Okies, the Living Batch, Brotherhood of Life and Salt of the Earth bookstores and Baca’s lounge on Central with its flocked wallpaper and red lights. And what is his favorite thing about ‘Burque now? La Virgen de Guadalupe procession with all of the beautiful family altars, Aztec dancers and Matachines.

My daughter and I got to spend some time at Jeff and Roxanna’s house and what we loved about going there was not only all the fantastic art that surrounded us, but the absolute genuine feeling of home. We got to see Jeff’s amazing paintings, but also Roxanna’s art – she’s an incredible quilter. We fell in love with her way cool quilted postcards! Roxanna, who is originally from Mammoth AZ, is a burst of energy that is the perfect compliment to Jeff’s mellow nature. And I love her because she promised to “mad dog” any boys that come my teenage daughter’s way!

It was important for me to have my daughter spend some time with Jeff and Roxanna because one of her most treasured possessions in the whole world is a portrait of her father, painted by Jeff. It was a gift to her when her daddy passed away six years ago. It was destiny that brought Jeff and Roxanna to ‘Burque and it was destiny that our paths crossed.

The blues captured my heart many years ago. And now Jeff and Roxanna's friendship has done that too. Thank you both for loving the blues.

[misterhinkydink]

Mmmm, lipstick pickups. Nice story.

[Van]

I really love jd sipe's paintings. I am lucky enough to have several and one in particular, a beautiful large portrait of Frida Kahlo, elicits more positive comments from guests than any other painting I own. It's just absolutely gorgeous. Jeff is truly something else!

[vashti]

Lovely post Lita, inspired and inspiring - thanks.

[Tom Blunt]

Adelita, You have captured the essence of these 2 wonderful people in your post. I'm the lucky owner of Jeff's art. His work is my favorite among my extensive folk art collection of trades w/ my fellow folk art friends. I've not had the pleasure of hearing the HooDoo's live but enjoy their cd on my road trips & look forward to their new release. I hear from friends in Santa Fe that they ROCK! Roxanna could have another career as a stand up comedian! Just watch out por los gatos terribles! Glad that you are bring notice to 2 of "Burque's Best"
Peace, Love, & Art, Tom

[Steve Whitman]

Oh yea, Jeff's da MAN! I commissioned a painting of James Jamerson (the Motown bassist) for my birthday a couple of years ago, and it hangs in my bedroom. The HooDoos play at Zinc sometimes. All of us blues bassists love his playing and his big grin.

[cathyray]

I have had the pleasure of knowing these fine folks for many years now. The painting of Taj that Jeff gave me for my birthday a few years back is something I would run into the burning house to save. Jeff & Roxanna are truly some of my favorite friends. Great article!

[cc]

All right, Adelita!
Thank you for choosing to share this!
My spouse Jeff (JB) remembers Jeff Sipes from his art and his visits to the Living Batch.
I remember his art too.