Robben Ford

Robben Ford rates right there on top of the lists of great guitarists. His style is unique in the way it fuses jazz with the blues. The question arises, is it kind of Bluesy Jazz or Jazzy Blues? Whatever it is, it is very enjoyable to see live upfront and close. Robben is a very technical player and in the three piece environment it was something to behold! One of my very favorite songs is a great rendition of an old Animals hit: " Don't Let me Be Misunderstood". He really adds new life to Eric Burton's classic. I captured the concert with my Nikon that night and here is a collage of photos. Enjoy!

Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010

Eric Clapton hosts his tribute to the blues and great guitarists the world over at the annual Crossroads Guitar Festival usually held outside of Chicago. It raises awareness and money for the Crossroads, Centre, Antigua, a premier center for the treatment of alcoholism and drug adiction. Year after year everyone of  the artists Eric personally asks are there to preform at the Festival. Although there is a part of me that would very much like to attend, just to say I was there, I do like the convenience of a Blu-ray Disc with a surround sound system, not to mention the air conditioned comfort of home. The lineup for 2010 was stellar. Sonny Landreth starts things out with a bang as usual. The Guitar hero's line up afterwards: Robert Randolph, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughan, ZZ Top, Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Clark Jr., Keb Mo', Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Earl Klugh, John Mayer, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, Warren Haynes, David Hidalgo & Caesar Rosas ( with Los Lobos), Then the super heavyweights begin to appear; Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Ronnie Wood, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood. The night is capped off with "The Thrill Is Gone" BB King and the entire ensemble. That equates to over 3 hours of music, which I think is a good buy for the bucks. The sound quality is crystal clear and well recorded in DTS multi channel. The concert is a great way to sample the music of the greatest players who ever lived! RIP Pinetop Perkins who passed away today at the young age of 97 in Austin, Texas - the oldest Grammy winner.

BB King

A few years ago, BB King opened up another one of his fine establishments here in Central Florida. South International Drive in Orlando is the location of the BB King Blues Club. It sits smack dab in the middle of many  fine hotels, restaurants and clubs. When the Blues club held it's grand opening, non other than the King of Blues opened up the very first gig. Yours truly bid on the photography coverage and had the privilege of capturing the event via my trusty Nikon, photographing patrons, VIPs, as well as the concert. The highlight of the evening for many folks present was of course the actual concert.  However the best part of the night for me was when I spent about ten minutes in a back room talking to Mr. King one on one. BB is in his eighties and he has been preforming for decades. He has influenced practically everyone in the music business, including Clapton, Hendrix, U2 and The Rolling Stones. I was so impressed by his humility despite his legendary status. He was very concerned about passing the torch to the young men and women in the blues today. He even said he had musicians that influenced his life. Among them; Son House, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. His music will be with us forever. Go see the legend while the torch is still in his hand.

Louisiana Bluesmen

It seems every state in the union is represented with a blues musician or two. However, four states top the list. Texas. Mississippi, Illinois and Louisiana. It makes you wonder; is something in the water? Or is some sort of a strange phenomenon occurring we are just not aware of ? The spotlight shines on the great state of  Louisiana this time. I have had the pleasure of seeing with my own eyes and hearing with my own ears the following wonderful musicians from that state. They are ( in no particular order); Tab Benoit from New Orleans, Brian Lee, a blind bluesman also from New Orleans  and Bnois King who shares the stage with Smokin' Joe Kubeck and supplies tremendous vocals and guitar work that makes that group sizzle. All three share something in common. I call it "spicing up the blues" Like a good crayfish and gumbo dinner. Leaves you with a good taste in your mouth. Go see and taste Louisiana blues when you get the chance.
Two other great Louisiana bluesmen to note are: the late Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and of course. the living legend, Buddy Guy.  

                                                                          

Blues Art II

The Winter Park Art Festival held in March each year in Winter Park Florida is not the well - kept secret it once was years ago. Still certain times of the weekend (early mornings) are prime time to beat the massive crowds. Every year there are artists who emulate great blues music and musicians in their handy work. Here are some examples. . . .

                                                                                   

Blues Art

Since my first field trip to the Cincinnati Museum of Art in the third grade of school I have appreciated the many different forms of artwork. That love has carried over into my enthusiasm for the Blues. When you integrate the two, here is what you get . . . . Hope you enjoy