NOVEMBER 22,2006:
"THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW SECOND EDITION"
Hello blues and southern soul fans,with the holiday season fast approaching,my blues and southern soul ride continues to get better and better.I've had the opportunity to see more shows and meet more artists in 2006.Hustle Entertainment has been very instrumental on this blues and southern soul ride.
I recently attended "THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW SECOND EDITON" in Greenville,Mississippi and fans this was truly the ULTIMATE SHOW.My good friend Rico Owens,CEO of HUSTLE ENTERTAINMENT who has quickly established himself as one of the biggest and hottest promoters in the industry,provided the wonderful people in the Mississippi Delta with a SPECTACULAR BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL SHOW.
The Washington County Civic Center played host to this star-studded event.The lineup for this awesome show included Steve Perry,Jeff Floyd,Billy Soul Bonds,T.K. Soul and Shirley Brown.Rico and his staff out did themselves with the setup,the place had a festive astmosphere from start to finish.It was a BYOB affair and the people in attendance had plenty of food and drinks on hand. I had plenty of my DAWG POUND members,friends and co-workers(KITTY,KITTY CLUB) on hand.I was joined by fellow DAWG POUND members Edward"EZ-E" Hooker,Clide"Big Dawg"Belton,Will"Chill Will"Lindsey,new DAWG POUND members Earl"Big E"Gray and Tony"Lil T"Brown.Also on hand were the ARKANSAS DIVAS,Mattie Perkins(who was also celebrating her birthday) and Debra Barnes who made the trip from Arkansas to kick it with the K9 Posse. It wouldn't be fair to try and name all of my co-workers(KITTY,KITTY CLUB) in attendance and then forget to name someone so I'll just say that there was over thirty(30) of them on hand with Denise"Bluz Queen"Grant at the fore-front and they all made some noise on this night.We had tables reserved on the floor,which were the best seats in the house(thank you Rico).Before the show I was able to chat backstage with WGNL radio personality,Cyreio Hughes and MISS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY,Pat Brown.It is always good to see and talk to Pat Brown who is one of my favorite female artist.
When I returned to my table the DAWG POUND were barking and making plenty of noise.The sounds of J. Blackfoot,Tyrone Davis and other artists had the now packed house ready for showtime.My gin and juice chased with Bud Light was starting to kick in big time.With the DAWG POUND,the ARKANSAS DIVAS and the KITTY,KITTY CLUB on hand sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Ricky "Sho-Lo"Johnson was the mc for tonight's show.Popular local artists,Mississippi Slim and John Horton got the party started.They belted out plenty of B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland hits that set the tone for the rest of the show.Most memorable was Mississippi Slim's rendition of Mckinely Mitchell's "End Of The Rainbow" which got a big ovation from the crowd.
The next performer was the soulful Steve Perry.We have talked on several occasions but this was my first opportunity to meet and see him perform live.I'm a big Steve Perry fan so I couldn't wait to see this performance and I wasn't alone because the place erupted as Steve Perry walked out on stage.I was so happy to see him receive such a big ovation from the crowd especially the females and my man wouldn't disappoint them with his performance.He opened up his performance with "Meat On Her Bones" which got the people in the back of us,up and dancing led by my dawg pound member Clide"Big Dawg"Belton(he would lead the dance party for the rest of the night).His next song was "You're A Freak" and the ladies all surrounded Big Dawg and did their best freak dance and my man who by now was the life of this southern soul party held his own with all of them.He slowed the party down with "Let Me Go" which is a nice ballad that really allowed Steve to showcase his terrifc vocals.He got the dance party started again with the booty shakin "Donkey Donk" and once again the ladies were holding nothing back.There was a whole lot of shakin going on if you know what I mean.I love the way the grown folks do the damn thang.His next two songs were "Come Back Love" and "Too Late".He closed his performance with my personal favorite,"U Can't Raise Her" and the ladies went crazy.This song has become the ladies theme song and has made Steve very popular with female fans nationwide.At an earlier show that I covered I dubbed Donnie Ray's performance as southern soul's best kept secret well Steve Perry is in the same class.Blessed with a strong stage presence and with much charisma Steve looks like a seasoned veteran.The ladies already showed me that he will always be one of their favorite artist.I'm glad that Rico Owens was able to bring Steve to the Mississippi Delta and the fans in attendance felt the same way.For you fans who haven't seen this talented brother perform please do so when he is in an area near you and to all the promoters who want a great performer at your next show look no further than Steve Perry.After his energetic performance I dubbed him "The Sensational One".DAMN GOOD PERFORMANCE!
The next performer on the night was my man Jeff Floyd.In past reviews I've used one word to describe his performance and this night wouldn't be any different.POWERFUL!I can't think of another artist who displays as much energy with his vocals than Jeff Floyd.He opened up his performance with a rendition of Frankie Beverly and Maze's cut "Before I Let Go" and it must have been plenty of old school in attendance because he got a big ovation from the crowd.He followed that with Teddy Pendergrass's song "I Don't Love You Anymore" which received an even bigger ovation.By now he had the crowd up and making plenty of noise.His next song was "Somebody Gonna Loose A Good Woman Tonight" which happened to be EZ-E's personal favorite.Its amazing how Jeff can carry this song so masterfully without his friend and mentor,William Bell.He turned down his powerful voice on this cut and displayed a softer mellow sound to the approval of everyone in attendance.He continued his softer side with "Try A Little Tenderness" which is a nice soulful ballad.He got the dance party going again(led by Big Dawg) with "You Had It All" and "I Got My Woman Upset".By now Big Dawg had become the dance partner for all the females that were seated behind us.He was starting to steal some of the show.I tried to get my newest members,Lil T and Big E up and partying but this was their first show and they were kind of laid back but they were still enjoying the show.He closed his performance with my personal favorite,"I've Found Love(On A Lonely Highway)" and he didn't hold anything back on this song.His powerful voice sounded like thunder as it echoed through the building.I continue to stand by my opinion when I say that Jeff Floyd has the most powerful voice in the industry.It was good to see Jeff perform again.I was able to talk with him after his performance and we can be looking for a new cd in the very near future.POWERFUL PERFORMANCE!
The next performer of the night was the newly resurgent Billy Soul Bonds.I had the opportunity to see him perform a couple of months ago and I was glad to be getting the opportunity to see him perform again.For this performance I joined the ARKANSAS DIVAS,Mattie and Debra at their table.As Billy Soul Bonds came to the stage he recieved a thunderous ovation from the crowd.Greenville was definetly Mr.Scat Cat territory.He opened up his performance with "Give Them Their Flowers",he begins to ad-lib with the crowd.The thing I liked the most about this song is that he talks about the passing of some of our beloved artists but reminds us to support our surviving artists.His next song,"Moving On Again" kept the people in attendance into his show.Toward the end of the song he did renditions of Tyrone Davis,Marvin Sease and Wilson Meadows songs and the crowd loved it.His next song was a wonderful rendition of Jerry Butler & The Impressions classic hit,"For Your Precious Love" and he did Jerry Butler justice on this one."I Found Her In Time" and "Leaving A Good Woman" allowed him to display his versatile vocal range.His next song,"Baby I've Been Missing You" is also my personal favorite.This song has dominated my playlist the last couple of months and it sounded so sweet live on this night.He closed his performance with the song that has put him back on the map.Just like Theodis Ealey with "Stand Up In It",Marvin Sease with "Candylicker" and Clarence Carter with "Stroking", "Scat,Cat Here Kitty Kitty" will now be his signature song.The place erupted and everyone was up and dancing,I was able to dance with the birthday Diva(Mattie Perkins) as Billy had fun with the ladies.Its so good to see an old school artist back in the mix with the young guns of southern soul.GREAT PERFORMANCE!
It was very late but the place was still packed to see the next performer on the night.My man T.K. Soul hit the stage and the ladies all rushed down front to the stage area to get a closer look at "The Bad Boy Of Southern Soul".As he walked out he paid a brief tribute to the late Gerald Levert as he sampled a line of one of G-Bear's(Gerald Levert) classic hits.He opened his performance with "My Kind Of Girl" and the women down front were all screaming that they were the right kind.He performed his newest single,"Party Like Back In The Day" which was well received by the crowd."Where Jody Stay" was his next song and when T.K. began to simulate a knock on the door the crowd erupted.I've seen him do this before and the crowd still enjoys it.Like a magnet all eyes were drawn to him.The young man has much charisma and his showmanship is among the best in the game.His next three songs were,"Meet Me At The Spot Tonight"(huge ovation as he and his band displayed their dance routine),"Ring My Bell" and another one of his new singles,"It Ain't Cheating Til You Get Caught".He closed his performance with "Cheatin And Lying".T.K. Soul is the top showman in the industry and he had three of his biggest fans on hand tonight.Three women,Eleasah Granberry,Gloria White and Mattie Perkins and I'm sure that there are thousands of others with the same claim that they are his #1 fan.This was another electricfying performance by my man T.K. Soul. It was really late by now but to my suprise there was still a good size crowd in attendance even though people were beginning to leave.
The last performer of the night was Shirley Brown.It has been awhile since I last seen her perform so I couldn't wait to see her performance.She opened her performance with "Respect" and she must have felt like she wasn't getting any because she made the comment,"yeah,I see you all walking out of my show".That was funny as hell to me.Her next song was "Too Much Candy" and the remaining people in attendance gave her a nice applause."Joy And Pain" was her next song and it's also one of my favorite Shirley Brown songs.It was helluva late by now but Shirley being the ULTIMATE DIVA continued her performance with "Poon Tang Man" and "I've Got To Sleep With One Eye Open".She closed her performance with her classic hit "Woman To Woman".I've been a fan of her music for awhile.Her motion on stage was limited and it appeared that she moved very gently at times.I don't know if she had any type of physical discomforts but her voice was magnificent.Even though many of the people in attendance had left she gave an awesome performance.
First of all I want to thank my man,Rico Owens,for putting together THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW.Your love,passion and commitment for this genre of music is appreciated by the beloved artists and fans.I wish you well as you continue to put together the shows that so many have come to love and enjoy.Fans lets continue to show our support for the artists,Rico and all the other promoters who allow us to assemble and witness such a wonderful gathering of talented performers.
I would like to give a shout out to Pat Brown,Steve Perry,Jeff Floyd,Billy Soul Bonds and T.K. Soul who all took the time to meet,greet and spend time with myself,the DAWG POUND and the KITTY,KITTY CLUB.I also want to give a shout out to my man Cyreio Hughes and a special shout out to THE ARKANSAS DIVAS whom I really enjoyed partying with.To my DAWG POUND members,Lil T,Big E,Chill Will,EZ-E and Big Dawg I had a blast.Like always I had a great time at this show and I wanted to share it with you the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
Big K9
"THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW SECOND EDITION"
Hello blues and southern soul fans,with the holiday season fast approaching,my blues and southern soul ride continues to get better and better.I've had the opportunity to see more shows and meet more artists in 2006.Hustle Entertainment has been very instrumental on this blues and southern soul ride.
I recently attended "THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW SECOND EDITON" in Greenville,Mississippi and fans this was truly the ULTIMATE SHOW.My good friend Rico Owens,CEO of HUSTLE ENTERTAINMENT who has quickly established himself as one of the biggest and hottest promoters in the industry,provided the wonderful people in the Mississippi Delta with a SPECTACULAR BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL SHOW.
The Washington County Civic Center played host to this star-studded event.The lineup for this awesome show included Steve Perry,Jeff Floyd,Billy Soul Bonds,T.K. Soul and Shirley Brown.Rico and his staff out did themselves with the setup,the place had a festive astmosphere from start to finish.It was a BYOB affair and the people in attendance had plenty of food and drinks on hand. I had plenty of my DAWG POUND members,friends and co-workers(KITTY,KITTY CLUB) on hand.I was joined by fellow DAWG POUND members Edward"EZ-E" Hooker,Clide"Big Dawg"Belton,Will"Chill Will"Lindsey,new DAWG POUND members Earl"Big E"Gray and Tony"Lil T"Brown.Also on hand were the ARKANSAS DIVAS,Mattie Perkins(who was also celebrating her birthday) and Debra Barnes who made the trip from Arkansas to kick it with the K9 Posse. It wouldn't be fair to try and name all of my co-workers(KITTY,KITTY CLUB) in attendance and then forget to name someone so I'll just say that there was over thirty(30) of them on hand with Denise"Bluz Queen"Grant at the fore-front and they all made some noise on this night.We had tables reserved on the floor,which were the best seats in the house(thank you Rico).Before the show I was able to chat backstage with WGNL radio personality,Cyreio Hughes and MISS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY,Pat Brown.It is always good to see and talk to Pat Brown who is one of my favorite female artist.
When I returned to my table the DAWG POUND were barking and making plenty of noise.The sounds of J. Blackfoot,Tyrone Davis and other artists had the now packed house ready for showtime.My gin and juice chased with Bud Light was starting to kick in big time.With the DAWG POUND,the ARKANSAS DIVAS and the KITTY,KITTY CLUB on hand sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Ricky "Sho-Lo"Johnson was the mc for tonight's show.Popular local artists,Mississippi Slim and John Horton got the party started.They belted out plenty of B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland hits that set the tone for the rest of the show.Most memorable was Mississippi Slim's rendition of Mckinely Mitchell's "End Of The Rainbow" which got a big ovation from the crowd.
The next performer was the soulful Steve Perry.We have talked on several occasions but this was my first opportunity to meet and see him perform live.I'm a big Steve Perry fan so I couldn't wait to see this performance and I wasn't alone because the place erupted as Steve Perry walked out on stage.I was so happy to see him receive such a big ovation from the crowd especially the females and my man wouldn't disappoint them with his performance.He opened up his performance with "Meat On Her Bones" which got the people in the back of us,up and dancing led by my dawg pound member Clide"Big Dawg"Belton(he would lead the dance party for the rest of the night).His next song was "You're A Freak" and the ladies all surrounded Big Dawg and did their best freak dance and my man who by now was the life of this southern soul party held his own with all of them.He slowed the party down with "Let Me Go" which is a nice ballad that really allowed Steve to showcase his terrifc vocals.He got the dance party started again with the booty shakin "Donkey Donk" and once again the ladies were holding nothing back.There was a whole lot of shakin going on if you know what I mean.I love the way the grown folks do the damn thang.His next two songs were "Come Back Love" and "Too Late".He closed his performance with my personal favorite,"U Can't Raise Her" and the ladies went crazy.This song has become the ladies theme song and has made Steve very popular with female fans nationwide.At an earlier show that I covered I dubbed Donnie Ray's performance as southern soul's best kept secret well Steve Perry is in the same class.Blessed with a strong stage presence and with much charisma Steve looks like a seasoned veteran.The ladies already showed me that he will always be one of their favorite artist.I'm glad that Rico Owens was able to bring Steve to the Mississippi Delta and the fans in attendance felt the same way.For you fans who haven't seen this talented brother perform please do so when he is in an area near you and to all the promoters who want a great performer at your next show look no further than Steve Perry.After his energetic performance I dubbed him "The Sensational One".DAMN GOOD PERFORMANCE!
The next performer on the night was my man Jeff Floyd.In past reviews I've used one word to describe his performance and this night wouldn't be any different.POWERFUL!I can't think of another artist who displays as much energy with his vocals than Jeff Floyd.He opened up his performance with a rendition of Frankie Beverly and Maze's cut "Before I Let Go" and it must have been plenty of old school in attendance because he got a big ovation from the crowd.He followed that with Teddy Pendergrass's song "I Don't Love You Anymore" which received an even bigger ovation.By now he had the crowd up and making plenty of noise.His next song was "Somebody Gonna Loose A Good Woman Tonight" which happened to be EZ-E's personal favorite.Its amazing how Jeff can carry this song so masterfully without his friend and mentor,William Bell.He turned down his powerful voice on this cut and displayed a softer mellow sound to the approval of everyone in attendance.He continued his softer side with "Try A Little Tenderness" which is a nice soulful ballad.He got the dance party going again(led by Big Dawg) with "You Had It All" and "I Got My Woman Upset".By now Big Dawg had become the dance partner for all the females that were seated behind us.He was starting to steal some of the show.I tried to get my newest members,Lil T and Big E up and partying but this was their first show and they were kind of laid back but they were still enjoying the show.He closed his performance with my personal favorite,"I've Found Love(On A Lonely Highway)" and he didn't hold anything back on this song.His powerful voice sounded like thunder as it echoed through the building.I continue to stand by my opinion when I say that Jeff Floyd has the most powerful voice in the industry.It was good to see Jeff perform again.I was able to talk with him after his performance and we can be looking for a new cd in the very near future.POWERFUL PERFORMANCE!
The next performer of the night was the newly resurgent Billy Soul Bonds.I had the opportunity to see him perform a couple of months ago and I was glad to be getting the opportunity to see him perform again.For this performance I joined the ARKANSAS DIVAS,Mattie and Debra at their table.As Billy Soul Bonds came to the stage he recieved a thunderous ovation from the crowd.Greenville was definetly Mr.Scat Cat territory.He opened up his performance with "Give Them Their Flowers",he begins to ad-lib with the crowd.The thing I liked the most about this song is that he talks about the passing of some of our beloved artists but reminds us to support our surviving artists.His next song,"Moving On Again" kept the people in attendance into his show.Toward the end of the song he did renditions of Tyrone Davis,Marvin Sease and Wilson Meadows songs and the crowd loved it.His next song was a wonderful rendition of Jerry Butler & The Impressions classic hit,"For Your Precious Love" and he did Jerry Butler justice on this one."I Found Her In Time" and "Leaving A Good Woman" allowed him to display his versatile vocal range.His next song,"Baby I've Been Missing You" is also my personal favorite.This song has dominated my playlist the last couple of months and it sounded so sweet live on this night.He closed his performance with the song that has put him back on the map.Just like Theodis Ealey with "Stand Up In It",Marvin Sease with "Candylicker" and Clarence Carter with "Stroking", "Scat,Cat Here Kitty Kitty" will now be his signature song.The place erupted and everyone was up and dancing,I was able to dance with the birthday Diva(Mattie Perkins) as Billy had fun with the ladies.Its so good to see an old school artist back in the mix with the young guns of southern soul.GREAT PERFORMANCE!
It was very late but the place was still packed to see the next performer on the night.My man T.K. Soul hit the stage and the ladies all rushed down front to the stage area to get a closer look at "The Bad Boy Of Southern Soul".As he walked out he paid a brief tribute to the late Gerald Levert as he sampled a line of one of G-Bear's(Gerald Levert) classic hits.He opened his performance with "My Kind Of Girl" and the women down front were all screaming that they were the right kind.He performed his newest single,"Party Like Back In The Day" which was well received by the crowd."Where Jody Stay" was his next song and when T.K. began to simulate a knock on the door the crowd erupted.I've seen him do this before and the crowd still enjoys it.Like a magnet all eyes were drawn to him.The young man has much charisma and his showmanship is among the best in the game.His next three songs were,"Meet Me At The Spot Tonight"(huge ovation as he and his band displayed their dance routine),"Ring My Bell" and another one of his new singles,"It Ain't Cheating Til You Get Caught".He closed his performance with "Cheatin And Lying".T.K. Soul is the top showman in the industry and he had three of his biggest fans on hand tonight.Three women,Eleasah Granberry,Gloria White and Mattie Perkins and I'm sure that there are thousands of others with the same claim that they are his #1 fan.This was another electricfying performance by my man T.K. Soul. It was really late by now but to my suprise there was still a good size crowd in attendance even though people were beginning to leave.
The last performer of the night was Shirley Brown.It has been awhile since I last seen her perform so I couldn't wait to see her performance.She opened her performance with "Respect" and she must have felt like she wasn't getting any because she made the comment,"yeah,I see you all walking out of my show".That was funny as hell to me.Her next song was "Too Much Candy" and the remaining people in attendance gave her a nice applause."Joy And Pain" was her next song and it's also one of my favorite Shirley Brown songs.It was helluva late by now but Shirley being the ULTIMATE DIVA continued her performance with "Poon Tang Man" and "I've Got To Sleep With One Eye Open".She closed her performance with her classic hit "Woman To Woman".I've been a fan of her music for awhile.Her motion on stage was limited and it appeared that she moved very gently at times.I don't know if she had any type of physical discomforts but her voice was magnificent.Even though many of the people in attendance had left she gave an awesome performance.
First of all I want to thank my man,Rico Owens,for putting together THE ULTIMATE BLUES SHOW.Your love,passion and commitment for this genre of music is appreciated by the beloved artists and fans.I wish you well as you continue to put together the shows that so many have come to love and enjoy.Fans lets continue to show our support for the artists,Rico and all the other promoters who allow us to assemble and witness such a wonderful gathering of talented performers.
I would like to give a shout out to Pat Brown,Steve Perry,Jeff Floyd,Billy Soul Bonds and T.K. Soul who all took the time to meet,greet and spend time with myself,the DAWG POUND and the KITTY,KITTY CLUB.I also want to give a shout out to my man Cyreio Hughes and a special shout out to THE ARKANSAS DIVAS whom I really enjoyed partying with.To my DAWG POUND members,Lil T,Big E,Chill Will,EZ-E and Big Dawg I had a blast.Like always I had a great time at this show and I wanted to share it with you the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
Big K9