MAY 14,2006:
1ST ANNUAL CANTON BLUESFEST
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.Yesterday I attended my first outdoor blues show in about three(3)years at THE JUNKYARD SPEEDWAY in Canton,Mississippi.The lineup for the show included Lacee,Ms. Monique,Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham, and Willie Clayton.I was joined at the show by fellow Dawg Pound member Cyrus Duvall(Sly Cy).
When I first arrived it wasn't a very large crowd on hand but after about thirty(30) minutes the fans really started pouring in.The sight of the big stage made me reflect back some twenty plus years ago when I was just a kid attending all those outdoor shows back in the Mississippi Delta.Every year B.B. King does an outdoor concert for his homecoming but I haven't attended his outdoor concerts for a couple of years now.I always catch his second show at Club Ebony but after yesterday I plan on going to more and more outdoor concerts.It was a bright sunny day and you couldn't have asked for a better enviroment.The Bar-B-Q grills were smoking and the Beer was on ice.Sit back good people and let me take you on this BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL RIDE.
The first performer on the evening was JEA/Right-Now recording artist Lacee.I've heard her song You-Gon-Make Me(Clown About My Man)but I wasn't very familar with her.Well good people all that has changed now.She walked out on stage and immediately commanded the crowds attention.Since this was a grown folks show Lacee was a little sassy and explicit with her performance and the crowd loved it.She opened the show with "Im In Over My Head" and was then joined on stage by recording artist Archie Love for her next song titled "Ooh Wee".Their chemistry together on stage was wonderful.With their powerful voices blending together and the way they ad-lib with one another was very solid.The crowd was really into her performance by now.I hope to see more duets from these two recording artists.Her next song was a rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood" and this got the crowd out their lawn chairs.She did the Queen of soul justice on this one.She closed her performance with her biggest hit to date "You-Gon-Make Me Clown About My Man".After her performance I had the opportunity to meet her Events Coordinator,LeVonne Sampson and we chatted briefly about Lacee.She introduced me to James Alexander and Larry Dodson of the famed Bar-Kays who own JEA/RIGHT NOW RECORDS.Lacee is a sensational performer who reminds me of a young Denise Lasalle especially with her grown and sassy lyrics.She set the tone for a great show.
The next performer was my girl Ms. Monique.She and I have anticipated this day for awhile now and when I found out that she would be in the surrounding area I promised her that I would attend her show.This was my first opportunity to see her perform.As I was standing there waiting on her to come on stage I began thinking about Jackie Neal.I wish that she was here to see the divas of southern soul representing the industry now.My thoughts were soon turned back to the stage as the soulful Ms. Monique made her way onto the stage.For those of you who have seen her show already know that her entrance is one of the most heavenly sights for the eyes to see.Like an angel coming down from heaven Ms. Monique graced the stage and the crowd gave her a big ovation.She is smooth,sassy and soul sexy.My heart along with the other guys in attendance just melted.LAWD HAVE MERCY!She opened her performance with "Get Up" and believe me all the fellows did.Sly Cy and myself with Bud Light in hand began to get our groove on.I was glad to see that Cy was enjoying himself and my girl Monique had a lot to do with it.Her next song was my personal favorite"Mr. Do Right" and it sounded so good.Her soulful vocals filled the air and I could have listen to her sing this song all night long.The fellows as well as the ladies were loving this one as well.To hear all the positive things being said about Ms. Monique was very nice.She has a strong stage presence with an amazing powerful voice.She closed her performance with "Love Therapy" and once again her soulful voice was sweet music to the ears.Ms. Monique is truly classic soul all over again.I call her the Beyonce Knowles of southern soul music but make no mistake about it she is her own woman.I'm a big fan of hers and she is one of my favorite recording artists.Since our beloved Jackie Neals' death I've been in tuned with the ladies of southern soul music now more than ever.Denise Lasalle will always be my favorite but Ms. Monique and a couple of more divas are now close behind.In a industry that is so male dominated I want to let the ladies know that your music is right up their with the guys and it is so good to see the impact that you all are starting to have on the Blues And Southern Soul scene.After her performance we took a couple of photos together and agreed to keep in touch.I am very humbled but I'm also very glad to call her my friend.Great show Ms. Do Right.
The next performer was Vick Allen and this was my second opportunity to see him perform.I saw him once before in Jackson,Missisippi at one of Willie Clayton's cd release parties.As he walked out on stage I quickly noticed that his stage presence was a lot different from the last time I saw him perform.He looked more comfortable and confident.He opened his performance with "I Better Walk Away" and the crowd gave him a nice ovation.He followed that with "Who You Been Given It to" and my personal favorite "Creepin Ain't Easy" which by now had made several of the women in the crowd flock to the stage.His next song "Clean House" was a show stopper.He really had the women going with this one.Let me just say this,when he displayed his tongue to the women Marvin Sease would have had to take a backseat for this one.Enough said."Wrong Place Wrong Time" kept the women on their feet.I love to see artist paying tribute to the old school and his next two selections brought everyone front and center and cutting a rug.Tyrone Davis "If I could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" and "Give It Up Turn It Loose" filled the night air.It was a great tribute to Tyrone Davis.He closed his performance with "Lets Dance" and the crowd was in total agreement.His performance was more polished since the first time I saw him perform and with his soulful voice I only expect to see and hear great things from this talented brother.After his performance we took a photo together.I talked to him briefly and he said that he would stay in touch.
The next performer was my man Omar Cunningham.It had been awhile since I seen him perform or talked to him but like always the brother saw me and showed me some love.It was really good to see him again.He has always been one of my favorite artists.He opened his performance with "Before I let Go" and immediately all the women in attendance flocked to the stage.This brother stage presence is outstanding.I've always said that his live vocals are the best in the industry and his powerful voice filled the night air.He already had the audience at his command.He followed that with one of his classic hits "Hell At The House" and once again me and Sly Cy began to cut a rug.It was getting late but everyone in attendance was still getting their groove on.He slowed it down with one of my favorite songs "Baby Don't Leave Me".As I was standing there with Sly Cy,Ms Monique and her manager Tony Taylor came over to me to thank me for supporting them and she presented me with an autograph picture of herself.This was the classiest act ever displayed to me by a recording artist.I gave her a big hug and almost came to tears.This is why I love this blues and southern soul thang.My attention was back to Omar's performance and he continued to swoon the crowd.During "Married Man" and "Sweet,Sweet" he was giving away free t-shirts and I felt bad for the women who damn near broke neck trying to get one.It was nice to see that doing the attempt to get those t-shirts no violence erupted.He closed his performance with "Check To Check" which happens to be the song that shot him to superstardom.It has always been one of my favorites.After his performance we took a couple of photos together and he told me that he had been following my website.We vowed to stay in touch this time around.As always damn good show.
The last performer of the night was the dynamic Willie Clayton.I've seen him,T.K. Soul and Denise Lasalle perform a lot the last couple of years but as always I never get tired of them.Last night was no exception.Earlier during the show I took a couple of photos with him and its always good to see and talk to him.I got the opportunity to talk to his son Young Bap who told me that Willie had just finished shooting a music video so blues and southern soul fans stay tuned for that one.He opened his performance with "I Want You" and followed that with "Party Like We Use To".During "Simply Beautiful" he was joined on stage by Vick Allen and Omar Cunningham.He has been a mentor and friend to these young guns and you can see their admiration for him as well.He performed my personal favorite "I Love Me Some You" and like fine wine its sounds better and better whenever I hear him sing it live.Now I realize what I miss most about these outdoor shows.The sound of music and voices filling the air,simply beautiful.He performed "Love Mechanic","If You Ever Get Lonely","Unconditionally","Three People Sleeping In My Bed" and "Wiggle".Young Bap(son) joined him on stage for a couple of songs as he closed his performance.It was late and me and Sly Cy was ready to exit stage left. I had a great time last night and as always I wanted to share it with you the true fans of the BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC.I would like to give a shout out to the crew of the Soul And Blues Report.I had the opportunity to meet Funky Larry and the crew at the show.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
Big K9
1ST ANNUAL CANTON BLUESFEST
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.Yesterday I attended my first outdoor blues show in about three(3)years at THE JUNKYARD SPEEDWAY in Canton,Mississippi.The lineup for the show included Lacee,Ms. Monique,Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham, and Willie Clayton.I was joined at the show by fellow Dawg Pound member Cyrus Duvall(Sly Cy).
When I first arrived it wasn't a very large crowd on hand but after about thirty(30) minutes the fans really started pouring in.The sight of the big stage made me reflect back some twenty plus years ago when I was just a kid attending all those outdoor shows back in the Mississippi Delta.Every year B.B. King does an outdoor concert for his homecoming but I haven't attended his outdoor concerts for a couple of years now.I always catch his second show at Club Ebony but after yesterday I plan on going to more and more outdoor concerts.It was a bright sunny day and you couldn't have asked for a better enviroment.The Bar-B-Q grills were smoking and the Beer was on ice.Sit back good people and let me take you on this BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL RIDE.
The first performer on the evening was JEA/Right-Now recording artist Lacee.I've heard her song You-Gon-Make Me(Clown About My Man)but I wasn't very familar with her.Well good people all that has changed now.She walked out on stage and immediately commanded the crowds attention.Since this was a grown folks show Lacee was a little sassy and explicit with her performance and the crowd loved it.She opened the show with "Im In Over My Head" and was then joined on stage by recording artist Archie Love for her next song titled "Ooh Wee".Their chemistry together on stage was wonderful.With their powerful voices blending together and the way they ad-lib with one another was very solid.The crowd was really into her performance by now.I hope to see more duets from these two recording artists.Her next song was a rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood" and this got the crowd out their lawn chairs.She did the Queen of soul justice on this one.She closed her performance with her biggest hit to date "You-Gon-Make Me Clown About My Man".After her performance I had the opportunity to meet her Events Coordinator,LeVonne Sampson and we chatted briefly about Lacee.She introduced me to James Alexander and Larry Dodson of the famed Bar-Kays who own JEA/RIGHT NOW RECORDS.Lacee is a sensational performer who reminds me of a young Denise Lasalle especially with her grown and sassy lyrics.She set the tone for a great show.
The next performer was my girl Ms. Monique.She and I have anticipated this day for awhile now and when I found out that she would be in the surrounding area I promised her that I would attend her show.This was my first opportunity to see her perform.As I was standing there waiting on her to come on stage I began thinking about Jackie Neal.I wish that she was here to see the divas of southern soul representing the industry now.My thoughts were soon turned back to the stage as the soulful Ms. Monique made her way onto the stage.For those of you who have seen her show already know that her entrance is one of the most heavenly sights for the eyes to see.Like an angel coming down from heaven Ms. Monique graced the stage and the crowd gave her a big ovation.She is smooth,sassy and soul sexy.My heart along with the other guys in attendance just melted.LAWD HAVE MERCY!She opened her performance with "Get Up" and believe me all the fellows did.Sly Cy and myself with Bud Light in hand began to get our groove on.I was glad to see that Cy was enjoying himself and my girl Monique had a lot to do with it.Her next song was my personal favorite"Mr. Do Right" and it sounded so good.Her soulful vocals filled the air and I could have listen to her sing this song all night long.The fellows as well as the ladies were loving this one as well.To hear all the positive things being said about Ms. Monique was very nice.She has a strong stage presence with an amazing powerful voice.She closed her performance with "Love Therapy" and once again her soulful voice was sweet music to the ears.Ms. Monique is truly classic soul all over again.I call her the Beyonce Knowles of southern soul music but make no mistake about it she is her own woman.I'm a big fan of hers and she is one of my favorite recording artists.Since our beloved Jackie Neals' death I've been in tuned with the ladies of southern soul music now more than ever.Denise Lasalle will always be my favorite but Ms. Monique and a couple of more divas are now close behind.In a industry that is so male dominated I want to let the ladies know that your music is right up their with the guys and it is so good to see the impact that you all are starting to have on the Blues And Southern Soul scene.After her performance we took a couple of photos together and agreed to keep in touch.I am very humbled but I'm also very glad to call her my friend.Great show Ms. Do Right.
The next performer was Vick Allen and this was my second opportunity to see him perform.I saw him once before in Jackson,Missisippi at one of Willie Clayton's cd release parties.As he walked out on stage I quickly noticed that his stage presence was a lot different from the last time I saw him perform.He looked more comfortable and confident.He opened his performance with "I Better Walk Away" and the crowd gave him a nice ovation.He followed that with "Who You Been Given It to" and my personal favorite "Creepin Ain't Easy" which by now had made several of the women in the crowd flock to the stage.His next song "Clean House" was a show stopper.He really had the women going with this one.Let me just say this,when he displayed his tongue to the women Marvin Sease would have had to take a backseat for this one.Enough said."Wrong Place Wrong Time" kept the women on their feet.I love to see artist paying tribute to the old school and his next two selections brought everyone front and center and cutting a rug.Tyrone Davis "If I could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" and "Give It Up Turn It Loose" filled the night air.It was a great tribute to Tyrone Davis.He closed his performance with "Lets Dance" and the crowd was in total agreement.His performance was more polished since the first time I saw him perform and with his soulful voice I only expect to see and hear great things from this talented brother.After his performance we took a photo together.I talked to him briefly and he said that he would stay in touch.
The next performer was my man Omar Cunningham.It had been awhile since I seen him perform or talked to him but like always the brother saw me and showed me some love.It was really good to see him again.He has always been one of my favorite artists.He opened his performance with "Before I let Go" and immediately all the women in attendance flocked to the stage.This brother stage presence is outstanding.I've always said that his live vocals are the best in the industry and his powerful voice filled the night air.He already had the audience at his command.He followed that with one of his classic hits "Hell At The House" and once again me and Sly Cy began to cut a rug.It was getting late but everyone in attendance was still getting their groove on.He slowed it down with one of my favorite songs "Baby Don't Leave Me".As I was standing there with Sly Cy,Ms Monique and her manager Tony Taylor came over to me to thank me for supporting them and she presented me with an autograph picture of herself.This was the classiest act ever displayed to me by a recording artist.I gave her a big hug and almost came to tears.This is why I love this blues and southern soul thang.My attention was back to Omar's performance and he continued to swoon the crowd.During "Married Man" and "Sweet,Sweet" he was giving away free t-shirts and I felt bad for the women who damn near broke neck trying to get one.It was nice to see that doing the attempt to get those t-shirts no violence erupted.He closed his performance with "Check To Check" which happens to be the song that shot him to superstardom.It has always been one of my favorites.After his performance we took a couple of photos together and he told me that he had been following my website.We vowed to stay in touch this time around.As always damn good show.
The last performer of the night was the dynamic Willie Clayton.I've seen him,T.K. Soul and Denise Lasalle perform a lot the last couple of years but as always I never get tired of them.Last night was no exception.Earlier during the show I took a couple of photos with him and its always good to see and talk to him.I got the opportunity to talk to his son Young Bap who told me that Willie had just finished shooting a music video so blues and southern soul fans stay tuned for that one.He opened his performance with "I Want You" and followed that with "Party Like We Use To".During "Simply Beautiful" he was joined on stage by Vick Allen and Omar Cunningham.He has been a mentor and friend to these young guns and you can see their admiration for him as well.He performed my personal favorite "I Love Me Some You" and like fine wine its sounds better and better whenever I hear him sing it live.Now I realize what I miss most about these outdoor shows.The sound of music and voices filling the air,simply beautiful.He performed "Love Mechanic","If You Ever Get Lonely","Unconditionally","Three People Sleeping In My Bed" and "Wiggle".Young Bap(son) joined him on stage for a couple of songs as he closed his performance.It was late and me and Sly Cy was ready to exit stage left. I had a great time last night and as always I wanted to share it with you the true fans of the BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC.I would like to give a shout out to the crew of the Soul And Blues Report.I had the opportunity to meet Funky Larry and the crew at the show.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
Big K9