AUGUST 5,2006: "THROWBACK FRIDAY" Hello blues and southern soul fans.With the dog days of summer upon us this Big Dawg was able to escape to Vicksburg,Mississippi to experience one hell of a show.Before I begin my review a friend of mine asked me,"how can you write a good review everytime"? Well my answer is a simple one.I work long hard hours just like millions of other americans do,I use the blues and southern soul music to be my escape.Wheter I'm playing them on my stereo or listening to them on the internet radio the blues and southern soul music allows me to free my mind from all the stress and worries that come from work.If I plan to attend a show my mindset is to go and have a good time PERIOD.I won't allow myself to be worried or bothered about something while I'm attending a show.Throw in my GIN & Juice and chased with some COLD BUD LIGHT,I'm as happy as a lark before I step inside the venue,thats why I am able to always give good reviews.Last night in Vicksburg was no different. Too Sweet Productions played host to a blues show dubbed "THROWBACK FRIDAY".The lineup for this show was Donnie Ray,T.K. Soul and Mel Waiters.The good people in Vicksburg sho-nuff know how to party southern soul style.BYOB was in full effect so you know the drinks and food were plentiful.I always describe this enviroment as being a festive one.The Vicksburg Auditorium was the site for this southern soul party and it was standing room only inside.I love to see a full house for these hardworking artists.I arrived early because this was my first time attending a show in Vicksburg.I arrived before the doors opened and to my suprise one of the sponsors recognized me and allowed me to enter and I was really appreciative for that.As I walked inside the smell of fried fish and bar-b-q filled the air.They actually had a kitchen and were preparing to sell fish and bar-b-q plates inside the auditorium.I asked," if I could buy a fish plate right now"?The answer was yes and for those of you who don't know from my website that fried fish served with hush puppies and fries is my favorite meal.After I finished my plate,Mel Waiters band was doing a sound check and Donnie Ray's band were standing by.I got the opportunity to chat with some of the members from both bands and they all were familar with me and my website and that just showed me that the fruits of my labor are truly being recognized by the artist in this industry.You the fans have always been appreciative but now I truly realize that the artists feel the same way.I went backstage and bumped into a couple of familar faces.Willie Clayton's bodyguard Steve was in the house as well as MS. Equal Opportunity,Pat Brown.I chatted with the two of them as the crowd began to pour in.I positioned myself right down by the stage because the fans were really starting to pour in.So with my gin & juice starting to kick in and my belly satisfied,sit back good people and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride. A local band by the name,The Project Band opened up the show and the people in attendance gave them a decent reception.All the vocals were done by four females who did several renditions of some classic soul hits such as Betty Wright's "Cleanup Woman","Tonight Is The Night",the Staple Singer's "I'll Take You There" but the one the got the biggest approval was Jackie Neal's "Right Thang,Wrong Man".Overall it was a good performance and they did set a good tone for tonight's show. The next performer was southern soul recording artist,Donnie Ray and this was my first opportunity to see him perform.I've listen to his music and I've always enjoyed it.I've never,ever heard anyone talk about this guy live performance.I see artists nominated for awards and his name is never,ever mentioned in any category.I know some of you fans have seen him perform but I can honestly say that this man is southern soul's BEST KEPT SECRET.Its possible I'll be saying this again about another artist that I might see in the future but for now I stand by my comment.The people in Vicksburg must be familar with him because he received a thunderous ovation when he hit the stage.He opened his performance with "Bang That Thang" and the party was on.I jumped to my feet because everyone near me did and I wasn't about to be a wet blanket for this performance.We were all cutting a rug down by the stage.His next song,"I'll Be Good To You" kept the people dancing and Donnie even got into the act as he showcased some slick dance moves for the crowd.His next selection was "Bottoms Up" and now it was clear that Mr. Ray wanted everyone up and dancing.It was some gorgeous women down by the stage and they were all shaking their bottoms to the delight of myself and I'm sure all the other guys who got a closeup view.LAWD HAVE MERCY!Looking ain't never hurt nobody.He slowed it down with his next song,"Too Close For Comfort"and this was my first time hearing this cut.For those of you who haven't heard this one please hurry up and do so.I've already added it to my favorite's list.This song allowed him to display his soulful side.Like the flick of a switch he was able to swoon the entire crowd.I was the luckiest man in the building as I was caught right in the middle of two beautiful sisters who decided that I was BIG enough to dance with the two of them.I LOVE THIS BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL THANG.I promise you that this song is going to be a big hit for him.He pick the tempo back up with "Come Back" and "Get It While It's Hot".He received his biggest applause of the night with "Let's Go Dancing" and thats exactly what the people in Vicksburg did.From the people uptop to the people down on the floor nearly everyone was up and dancing.He closed his performance with probably his biggest hit to date,"A Letter To My Baby" and the place erupted.He had everyone up on their feet for his entire performance including me.I can't ever remember standing so early at a show for an artist entire performance before.Donnie Ray is a terrific singer with a strong stage presence.I was simply blown away by his performance.I am now a BIG FAN of Donnie Ray.After his performance I went over to his merchandise area and introduced myself and fans this man already knew who I was.Its moments like this that really make me want to continue to bring you the fans with me to all of these shows.It is truly humbling to be in the presence of these beloved artists but its my personal joy to share it with you the fans.We can't turn on BET,MTV and VH1 so I'm glad to be able to at least provide you with some news and photos of some of today's biggest blues and southern soul artists. The next performer was T.K. Soul and its amazing how his shows continue to get better all the time.He made a entrance right through the middle of the crowd covered with his silk boxing robe and being led to the stage by his bodyguard as well as Big Steve(Willie Clayton's bodyguard).He opened his performance with "You Can Ring My Bell" followed by "Short Skirts,Tight Jeans".The highlight of his performance came when he performed "My Kind Of Girl".A lucky young lady in the crowd won a T.K. Soul drawing for an autographed silk robe(like the one he performs in).He left the stage and went to her table and personally presented her with the robe as he serenaded her.Another young lady who will be married in only a few hours requested a personal performance because she didn't have a bacholrette party so with her fiance' by her side and with his blessings he allowed T.K. to give his wife one last moment of freedom with another man.T.K. Soul is my boy and I love him dearly but after watching him bump and grind with this man fiance' she'll be thinking about T.K. while she is getting married today.Fellas don't do it.Keep him away from your woman.He performed several of his other songs including "If You Don't Want Me","Meet Me At The Spot","Where Jody Stay", and"Cheating And Lying".He was joined on stage by his neice for "Real Love Is Calling" and she continues to gain more confidence with each performance.I can see her stage presence getting stronger.He closed his performance with my personal favorite "My Life".As usual he delivered big.The crowd was into his performance the whole time especially the ladies. The last performer of the night was Mel Waiters and Vicksburg must be Mel Waiters country because the building erupted when he hit the stage.He opened his performance with "Pop It Baby" and as he went low to pop it the women gave him a nice ovation.His next song,"Smaller The Club" had the Vicksburg auditorium rocking.He performed two of his early hits next."Hit It And Quit It" and "Swing Out" according to Mel himself were made big hits from the fans in the Jackson and Vicksburg,Mississippi area.By the reception he received when he performed them they are still big hits in Vicksburg."Throwback Days" and "Get It On Song" are two singles from his new cd.The "Get It On Song" is going to be another hit for Mel.He was able to ad-lib with the ladies in attendance on this one.His next song,"Got My Whiskey" allowed him to receive his biggest ovation of the night.It was one guy that had too much whiskey,the poor guy was down front asleep doing a Mel Waiters performance.That should be a crime in Mississippi.How can you fall asleep on Mel?Mel did his personal testimony next and he gave GOD all the praise for his sucess as an artist with "Thank You Jesus".The crowd was very respectful as Mel was giving GOD his glory and even T.K. Soul came on stage and shook Mel's hand as he performed his spiritual hymn.He closed his performance with the song that shot him to superstardom."Hole In The Wall" was the perfect song because it was 2:00 am in the morning.The crowd was trying to get Mel to extend the song because it was still standing room only this late in the show but Mel told the crowd he had to go. Tonight was a great night for the fans of this blues and southern soul thang.Plenty of food and drinks accompanied by the sounds of these dynamic recording artists made this a sucessful southern soul party.The highlight for me was having the opportunity to see Donnie Ray perform.As always I had a great time and I just wanted to share it with you the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. Big K9
WELCOME 2 DA DAWG POUND! DA HOME OF BIG K9
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