MARCH 8,2008:
"2008 MILLENNIUM BLUES SHOW"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans my 2008 Blues and Southern Soul ride continues in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.I recently attended "The 2008 Millennium Blues Show" in Greenwood,Mississippi.The Leflore County Civic Center was the venue for this blues and southern soul gathering.Cyerio Hughes(WGNL radio personality)was the mc for this show.
The lineup included Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham,J.Blackfoot,Clarence Carter & Denise Lasalle.This is an annual event that always draws a big crowd and on this night it would be no different.The civic center was jammed packed and everyone in attendance were ready to get their BLUES on.The sounds of Carl Marshall,Sir Charles,T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis had the crowd up singing and dancing as they waited for the show to begin.I was joined on this night in Da Dawg Pound by some of my original Dawg Pound members, Carnez Parris(Sir Cap)and Timothy Edmonds(Mane).Also on hand were "DA CLARKSDALE DIVAS",Roni,Claudette,Keelah and Latriest.It was a byob affair so with my gin and juice on hand and chased with some cold Bud Light good people let me take you on this Blues and Southern Soul ride.
The first performer on the night was my man Vick Allen.He might be new to some of you fans but Vick has been around the industry for a long time.Some of you might remember him from his years with the grammy award winning gospel group "The Canton Spirituals" but he is now becoming one of the most popular soul singers in the southern soul industry.I've seen his performance a few times and I always look forward to seeing him perform.The packed house gave him a nice ovation as he was introduced.The previous times I saw him perform he was playing tracks but now he had his band(all from Greenwood,Mississippi) with him tonight and this enhanced his performance from the very start.He opened his performance with his single "I Better Walk Away" from his "Old School,New School Flava" cd and the crowd was feeling him on this jam.His next song "When You Pack Your Bags" is from his latest cd and he left the stage area and begin to sing throughout the crowd.He looked like a seasoned veteran as he had the ladies swooning.He really gave the crowd a thrill as he performed a song he wrote for his friend and mentor,Willie Clayotn."I love Me Some You" was the song and Vick gave a very soulful rendition that would make even Willie Clayton smile.Greenwood is right down the road from Greenville,Mississippi which happen to be the hometown of Tyrone Davis so when he started on Tyrone Davis "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" the place erupted,people were up and dancing and loving this performance a lot.He continued his Tyrone Davis tribute with "Give It Up,Turn It Loose".He closed his performance with one of his old school jams "Lets Dance" and thats exactly what the people in attendance did.Due to time restraint he didn't perform his southern soul smash hit "Baby Come Back Home" and myself and everyone else was very disappointed.He wanted to do the right thing and repsect the artists performing next so he complied but I can tell you now as the night went on he was the only artist that complied so next time Vick,the hell with the time restraints and just do the damn thang.If the folks in Greenwood didn't know Vick Allen I assure you they know him now.This was the best performance that I've seen him do.He was very charasmatic on this night and this helped him to go over well with the crowd.Vick is a terrific soul singer with a very strong stage presence.I've seen his maturation as a performer the last couple of years and he has definetly emerged as a must see artist.This was an outstanding performance that really set a nice tone for the rest of the show.To get all the latest Vick Allen music,upcoming shows and other news please visit his website at www.vickallen.com and also checkout his myspace page at www.myspace.com/vickallen
The next performer on the night was one of my favorite artist,Omar Cunningham.His shows are far and few but I always make it a focal point to catch him anytime he is in the area.This was Sir Cap first time seeing him perform and Mane had seen him one other time so they were just as enthused as I was to see him perform.His band is so tight,his keyboard player must have been a big fan of Roger Troutman as he used a keyboard synthesizer and did a robotic-sounding vocal that brought Omar to the stage and this blended nicely with the angelic vocals from his backup singers,the beautiful and very talented Youngblood sisters,Tonya and Sonya(I love you girls).I was very ipmressed and the crowd loved it even more.Omar has always been very popular with the ladies so its no suprise that the women were up and making some serious noise as he opened his show. He opened his performance with "Before I Let You Go" and the women down front were all feeling this one."Baby Don't Leave Me" continued to make the women melt.He got the people dancing with "Hell At The House".His next song was my personal favorite,"Sweet,Sweet" and it sounded just like its namesake.I've always boasted that in my opinion Omar has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS in the industry and it continues to remain true.This song should be played on all the mainstream radio stations and his face should be seen on BET,MTV and VH1.He even passed out roses to the ladies as he performed this soul ballad."Married Woman,Married Man" got the people back up and dancing.His soulful voice filled the air with his rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come".He closed his performance with the song that put him on the map."Check To Check" had everyone on their feet and dancing once again.Omar Cunningham's body of work speaks for itself.He is one of the top performers in the industry and did I mention that he has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS IN THE INDUSTRY.To get all the latest Omar Cunnigham music,upcoming shows and other news please visit his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/omarcham and www.myspace.com/omarcunninghammusic1
The next performer was a true living legend,J.Blackfoot was introduced and he received a huge ovation as he made his way to the stage.He was accompanied on this night by "The Queen",Ann Hines.His first song was "Just Got Paid" and this uptempo jam had the people on their feet and dancing.His next song,"After The Tone" which is also one of my personal favorites and it sounded oh so good."Your Man Is Home Tonight" was his next song and although I've heard Carl Sims verison of the southern soul hit I've always liked Uncle J's version better.Speaking of Uncle J,Sir Charles wasn't available on this night but J. Blackfoot's backup singer(I didn't catch his name)did Sir Charles justice as they performed the southern soul duet "I'm Just A Fool Part 2" and the crowd loved it.The next two songs were the highlight of his performance for me as he teamed up with Ann Hines and did two of my favorite southern soul songs,"Just One Lifetime" never sounded any better as the two of them belted out vocals that moved the crowd.One couple was actually crying as they slow danced and sang this song to each other.The moment was so surreal,I don't know if it was true love or the alcohol but it was a sight to behold.Their next duet was the classic "Two Different People" and I've never seen them perform this song together and for those who haven't their chemistry together on stage is magical.It was like watching the legendary Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell perform as they laughed,shrugged,tucked and tease doing the entire song.He paid tribute to the hardest working man in show business as he did a rendition of James Brown's "Please,Please,Please" he even mastered the going to his knees and having his royal robe draped over him which really went over well with the audience.He closed his performance with his classic hit "Taxi" and man the roof blew off the civic center.This was THE BEST J. Blackfoot performance that I've ever seen and just like fine wine he gets better with time.As he walked off stage the people in Greenwood wanted more of the living legend and believe me he wanted to go back out there but as we all know that these shows are on a schedule.Damn good show.
Dr. C.C.,Clarence Carter came on next and I was glad to have the opportunity to see him perform again.As I was watching this Legend being led to the stage I could only think about some of the greats(Johnnie Taylor,Tyrone Davis & Little Milton ) who have gone on to Soul Heaven.I was glad that I was here tonight to see this living legend perform.Anyone who is familar with any of his shows know the man has a big since of humor.He can talk s**t with the best of them.His raw language got the audience attention,I know it got mine.He opened his performance with "Too Weak To Fight".He performed "Take It All Off" followed by Ray Charles "What I'd Say"(huge ovation) and then he performed one of my father's favorite songs "Patches".I got a little emotional during that song because I began thinking about my Pops.It would have been nice if he were here to enjoy this with me.Next he performed my personal favorite "Slip Away" and the house was feeling it.Old school was bringing the house down.He closed the show with his signature song "Strokin" and you can just imagine how everyone both young and old reacted as he performed this classic hit.One couple got a lil bit too explict and I won't even go into details lets just say that this song is definetly for the grown folks.It was really great to see an icon like Clarence Carter perform. With so many of our beloved artists going home I make sure that I get a chance to see a performance whenever I get the opportunity.
The last performer on the night was my godmother,the Queen of the Blues,Denise Lasalle.She was led on stage by her son and my good friend Ray.She received the loudest ovation of the night.This being her hometown you can get very comfortable at home so she was very explicit tonight.Can't no one in this industry male or female talk more sh*t than Denise Lasalle and tonight would be no different.I've seen her show so many times and I'm not tired of it yet.She opened her performance with"Lady In The Streets".Her next song was "Down Home Blues" and the southern soul party quickly became an old juke joint party.Denise kept the party going with my personal favorite "Trapped By This Thing Called Love",I can listen to her sing this song all night long.She paid tribute to Little Milton as she did a rendition of "The Blues Is Alright" and she allowed the crowd to sing along on this cut.Her next song was "Drop That Zero" and the ladies were really feeling this song."Snap,Crackle And Pop" was the best part of her performance as she had the crowd cracking up with her raw and explicit lyrics.Her reference to Clarence Carter(Strokin'),Love Doctor(Slow Roll It),Theodis Ealey(Stand Up In It) and Marvin Sease(Candy Licker) went over very well.It was late but no one had left the building as she did her own rendition of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" with her version called "The Thrill Is Still On".Her next song was from her latest cd titled "You Got To Pay Before You Pump" and yes fellas she's telling all the ladies you got to pay to hit it.She closed her performance with "My Toot Toot" and she was joined on stage by her son Ray and he received a nice ovation from the women on hand as he begin to display his freaky side.It is always a pleasure for me to see a Denise Lasalle performance and I hope and pray that I will be able to see her for many more years to come.
This was one of the best shows that I've ever attended.I would like to thank Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham,J.Blackfoot,Ann Hines,Karen Wolfe(Denise Lasalle's backup singer) and Denise Lasalle who all took the time to converse with me at this show.I know how occupied you all be at these shows.I also would like to give a shout out to my man Cyerio Hughes(thanks for all the love),Willard Frederick(the hardest working merchandise man at any show),the Clarksdale Divas,(Roni,Claudette,Keelah and Latriest you ladies do know how to get your blues on) and last but not least my original Dawg Pound members Sir Cap and Mane.I'm glad you lost sheep have came back to the flock I really enjoyed hanging out at a show with you guys again.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.
BIG K9
"2008 MILLENNIUM BLUES SHOW"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans my 2008 Blues and Southern Soul ride continues in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.I recently attended "The 2008 Millennium Blues Show" in Greenwood,Mississippi.The Leflore County Civic Center was the venue for this blues and southern soul gathering.Cyerio Hughes(WGNL radio personality)was the mc for this show.
The lineup included Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham,J.Blackfoot,Clarence Carter & Denise Lasalle.This is an annual event that always draws a big crowd and on this night it would be no different.The civic center was jammed packed and everyone in attendance were ready to get their BLUES on.The sounds of Carl Marshall,Sir Charles,T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis had the crowd up singing and dancing as they waited for the show to begin.I was joined on this night in Da Dawg Pound by some of my original Dawg Pound members, Carnez Parris(Sir Cap)and Timothy Edmonds(Mane).Also on hand were "DA CLARKSDALE DIVAS",Roni,Claudette,Keelah and Latriest.It was a byob affair so with my gin and juice on hand and chased with some cold Bud Light good people let me take you on this Blues and Southern Soul ride.
The first performer on the night was my man Vick Allen.He might be new to some of you fans but Vick has been around the industry for a long time.Some of you might remember him from his years with the grammy award winning gospel group "The Canton Spirituals" but he is now becoming one of the most popular soul singers in the southern soul industry.I've seen his performance a few times and I always look forward to seeing him perform.The packed house gave him a nice ovation as he was introduced.The previous times I saw him perform he was playing tracks but now he had his band(all from Greenwood,Mississippi) with him tonight and this enhanced his performance from the very start.He opened his performance with his single "I Better Walk Away" from his "Old School,New School Flava" cd and the crowd was feeling him on this jam.His next song "When You Pack Your Bags" is from his latest cd and he left the stage area and begin to sing throughout the crowd.He looked like a seasoned veteran as he had the ladies swooning.He really gave the crowd a thrill as he performed a song he wrote for his friend and mentor,Willie Clayotn."I love Me Some You" was the song and Vick gave a very soulful rendition that would make even Willie Clayton smile.Greenwood is right down the road from Greenville,Mississippi which happen to be the hometown of Tyrone Davis so when he started on Tyrone Davis "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" the place erupted,people were up and dancing and loving this performance a lot.He continued his Tyrone Davis tribute with "Give It Up,Turn It Loose".He closed his performance with one of his old school jams "Lets Dance" and thats exactly what the people in attendance did.Due to time restraint he didn't perform his southern soul smash hit "Baby Come Back Home" and myself and everyone else was very disappointed.He wanted to do the right thing and repsect the artists performing next so he complied but I can tell you now as the night went on he was the only artist that complied so next time Vick,the hell with the time restraints and just do the damn thang.If the folks in Greenwood didn't know Vick Allen I assure you they know him now.This was the best performance that I've seen him do.He was very charasmatic on this night and this helped him to go over well with the crowd.Vick is a terrific soul singer with a very strong stage presence.I've seen his maturation as a performer the last couple of years and he has definetly emerged as a must see artist.This was an outstanding performance that really set a nice tone for the rest of the show.To get all the latest Vick Allen music,upcoming shows and other news please visit his website at www.vickallen.com and also checkout his myspace page at www.myspace.com/vickallen
The next performer on the night was one of my favorite artist,Omar Cunningham.His shows are far and few but I always make it a focal point to catch him anytime he is in the area.This was Sir Cap first time seeing him perform and Mane had seen him one other time so they were just as enthused as I was to see him perform.His band is so tight,his keyboard player must have been a big fan of Roger Troutman as he used a keyboard synthesizer and did a robotic-sounding vocal that brought Omar to the stage and this blended nicely with the angelic vocals from his backup singers,the beautiful and very talented Youngblood sisters,Tonya and Sonya(I love you girls).I was very ipmressed and the crowd loved it even more.Omar has always been very popular with the ladies so its no suprise that the women were up and making some serious noise as he opened his show. He opened his performance with "Before I Let You Go" and the women down front were all feeling this one."Baby Don't Leave Me" continued to make the women melt.He got the people dancing with "Hell At The House".His next song was my personal favorite,"Sweet,Sweet" and it sounded just like its namesake.I've always boasted that in my opinion Omar has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS in the industry and it continues to remain true.This song should be played on all the mainstream radio stations and his face should be seen on BET,MTV and VH1.He even passed out roses to the ladies as he performed this soul ballad."Married Woman,Married Man" got the people back up and dancing.His soulful voice filled the air with his rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come".He closed his performance with the song that put him on the map."Check To Check" had everyone on their feet and dancing once again.Omar Cunningham's body of work speaks for itself.He is one of the top performers in the industry and did I mention that he has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS IN THE INDUSTRY.To get all the latest Omar Cunnigham music,upcoming shows and other news please visit his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/omarcham and www.myspace.com/omarcunninghammusic1
The next performer was a true living legend,J.Blackfoot was introduced and he received a huge ovation as he made his way to the stage.He was accompanied on this night by "The Queen",Ann Hines.His first song was "Just Got Paid" and this uptempo jam had the people on their feet and dancing.His next song,"After The Tone" which is also one of my personal favorites and it sounded oh so good."Your Man Is Home Tonight" was his next song and although I've heard Carl Sims verison of the southern soul hit I've always liked Uncle J's version better.Speaking of Uncle J,Sir Charles wasn't available on this night but J. Blackfoot's backup singer(I didn't catch his name)did Sir Charles justice as they performed the southern soul duet "I'm Just A Fool Part 2" and the crowd loved it.The next two songs were the highlight of his performance for me as he teamed up with Ann Hines and did two of my favorite southern soul songs,"Just One Lifetime" never sounded any better as the two of them belted out vocals that moved the crowd.One couple was actually crying as they slow danced and sang this song to each other.The moment was so surreal,I don't know if it was true love or the alcohol but it was a sight to behold.Their next duet was the classic "Two Different People" and I've never seen them perform this song together and for those who haven't their chemistry together on stage is magical.It was like watching the legendary Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell perform as they laughed,shrugged,tucked and tease doing the entire song.He paid tribute to the hardest working man in show business as he did a rendition of James Brown's "Please,Please,Please" he even mastered the going to his knees and having his royal robe draped over him which really went over well with the audience.He closed his performance with his classic hit "Taxi" and man the roof blew off the civic center.This was THE BEST J. Blackfoot performance that I've ever seen and just like fine wine he gets better with time.As he walked off stage the people in Greenwood wanted more of the living legend and believe me he wanted to go back out there but as we all know that these shows are on a schedule.Damn good show.
Dr. C.C.,Clarence Carter came on next and I was glad to have the opportunity to see him perform again.As I was watching this Legend being led to the stage I could only think about some of the greats(Johnnie Taylor,Tyrone Davis & Little Milton ) who have gone on to Soul Heaven.I was glad that I was here tonight to see this living legend perform.Anyone who is familar with any of his shows know the man has a big since of humor.He can talk s**t with the best of them.His raw language got the audience attention,I know it got mine.He opened his performance with "Too Weak To Fight".He performed "Take It All Off" followed by Ray Charles "What I'd Say"(huge ovation) and then he performed one of my father's favorite songs "Patches".I got a little emotional during that song because I began thinking about my Pops.It would have been nice if he were here to enjoy this with me.Next he performed my personal favorite "Slip Away" and the house was feeling it.Old school was bringing the house down.He closed the show with his signature song "Strokin" and you can just imagine how everyone both young and old reacted as he performed this classic hit.One couple got a lil bit too explict and I won't even go into details lets just say that this song is definetly for the grown folks.It was really great to see an icon like Clarence Carter perform. With so many of our beloved artists going home I make sure that I get a chance to see a performance whenever I get the opportunity.
The last performer on the night was my godmother,the Queen of the Blues,Denise Lasalle.She was led on stage by her son and my good friend Ray.She received the loudest ovation of the night.This being her hometown you can get very comfortable at home so she was very explicit tonight.Can't no one in this industry male or female talk more sh*t than Denise Lasalle and tonight would be no different.I've seen her show so many times and I'm not tired of it yet.She opened her performance with"Lady In The Streets".Her next song was "Down Home Blues" and the southern soul party quickly became an old juke joint party.Denise kept the party going with my personal favorite "Trapped By This Thing Called Love",I can listen to her sing this song all night long.She paid tribute to Little Milton as she did a rendition of "The Blues Is Alright" and she allowed the crowd to sing along on this cut.Her next song was "Drop That Zero" and the ladies were really feeling this song."Snap,Crackle And Pop" was the best part of her performance as she had the crowd cracking up with her raw and explicit lyrics.Her reference to Clarence Carter(Strokin'),Love Doctor(Slow Roll It),Theodis Ealey(Stand Up In It) and Marvin Sease(Candy Licker) went over very well.It was late but no one had left the building as she did her own rendition of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" with her version called "The Thrill Is Still On".Her next song was from her latest cd titled "You Got To Pay Before You Pump" and yes fellas she's telling all the ladies you got to pay to hit it.She closed her performance with "My Toot Toot" and she was joined on stage by her son Ray and he received a nice ovation from the women on hand as he begin to display his freaky side.It is always a pleasure for me to see a Denise Lasalle performance and I hope and pray that I will be able to see her for many more years to come.
This was one of the best shows that I've ever attended.I would like to thank Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham,J.Blackfoot,Ann Hines,Karen Wolfe(Denise Lasalle's backup singer) and Denise Lasalle who all took the time to converse with me at this show.I know how occupied you all be at these shows.I also would like to give a shout out to my man Cyerio Hughes(thanks for all the love),Willard Frederick(the hardest working merchandise man at any show),the Clarksdale Divas,(Roni,Claudette,Keelah and Latriest you ladies do know how to get your blues on) and last but not least my original Dawg Pound members Sir Cap and Mane.I'm glad you lost sheep have came back to the flock I really enjoyed hanging out at a show with you guys again.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.
BIG K9