DECEMBER 17,2006:
"SIR CHARLES & EDDIE COTTON THROWDOWN AT CLUB CHAMPAGNE"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans,as this year comes to an end,I've had the opportunity to see some spectacular shows these past few months.You would think that by now that some shows would eventually have to lose some of the luster that I've grown attached to.I guess my passion for this genre of music,just won't allow me to have a let down at any of these shows.Club Champagne,in Clarksdale,Mississippi played host to one hell of a blues and southern soul party.The lineup for this show was Eddie Cotton and "The King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles Jones.On this night I was joined by fellow Dawg Pound member Will Lindsey a.k.a. "Chill Will" and honorary Dawg Pound members from Hustle Entertainment,CEO,Rico Owens and his associate "G-Money".
We arrived at Club Champagne a little early because we were anticipating a large crowd for tonight's show.Club Champagne owner,Percy greeted us and showed us to the best reserved table in the house.Over at the bar I noticed from Da Kitty,Kitty Club,Denise Grant a.k.a. "Bluz Queen and Evelyn Davis.As we settled down I said hello to a couple of familar faces,the CEO of Foxy Productions,Levonne Sampson,original Bar-Kay member,James Alexander and my mentor and Godfather,Jerry"Boogie"Mason from The Boogie Report who joined us at our table.George Hines was the mc for tonight's show and also one of the braintrust that made this show possible.There were a couple of vendors on hand so the smell of bar-b-que,fish and chicken wings filled the air.With the Bud Light starting to kick in and Da Dawg Pound and Boogie front and center good people let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer on the night was Mississippi Bluesman, Eddie Cotton.I first remember seeing him on the Blues documentary "Last Of The Mississippi Juke Joints".I'm familar with his music but this was my first time seeing him perform live.George Hines gave him a hyped up introduction and the now packed Club Champagne gave him a big ovation.Boogie told me to get myself ready for a "helluva" performance.I'm not a musician but I know the type of guitar a top bluesman play and the first thing I noticed was his GIBSON 335.He opened his performance with a mean guitar lick and I knew right then that he was a real Bluesman.He performed B.B. King's "I Need Your Love" and this was just the beginning of some good old hand-clapping,foot-stomping(led by Boogie and Da Dawg Pound),deep down home traditonal Mississippi Delta Blues.He continued his B.B. King theme with "Rock Me Baby" and a couple of the ladies(Tasha and Joyce) behind us were doing just that.He got real funky with James Brown's "Funky Good Time".He showed his versatility with Latimore's,"Lets Straighten It Out" and it received a huge ovation from the crowd.By now Eddie Cotton had turned this mordern day setting(Club Champagne) into a poor man's old fashion juke joint.For his next song,if I wasn't there to see his Gibson 335 I would have sworn he had Albert King's flying V-Guitar."I'll Play The Blues For You" was a masterful rendition of Albert King's big hit.He performed one of his singles next with "All Night Long" and he was able to get the crowd to sing along with him,with Da Dawg Pound barking the loudest.He closed his performance with an extended but well done version of Little Milton's,"Walking The Back Streets And Crying".Eddie Cotton blew me away with his performance.He is an amazing guitar player,his solos are among the best that I've ever heard.He has mastered the sounds of Albert King,B.B. King and Buddy Guy and created a very hard-hitting funky sound of his own.This was the first performance that I enjoyed the instruments(guitar solos) better than the vocals and don't get me wrong he can sing.He has a sly,insinuating and down right beautiful voice approach to his lyrics,which is a one of a kind sound but its his skill on the guitar that makes his performance electrifying.For you fans who haven't seen this talented artist perform please do whenever he is in an area near you.I assure you that you won't be disappointed at all.DAMN GOOD SHOW!
On any other night Eddie Cotton's performance would have been enough for any die hard blues and southern soul fan but when you have "The King Of Southern Soul" in the house his presence alone commands a crowd's full attention.George Hines once again gave a hyped up introduction for Sir Charles and when he appeared the crowd went wild.I sat and watched the ladies scream with every bit of energy that they could muster up.It was almost surreal to witness the impact that he had on the entire crowd as he blessed the club with his mere presence.It has been awhile since I last seen him as a matter of fact he reminded me that it had been over a year and a half since we saw each other in Memphis,TN.He opened up his performance with "Friday" and the ladies began to move right in front of our table.I don't believe the women were even listening to him sing,just gawking at him appeared to be enough for them.Security had to keep several of the women from rushing the performance area.His next song was "For Better Or Worse" and he begin to adlib with the women who by now surrounded Da Dawg Pound to get a closer look at "The King Of Southern Soul"."Natural Woman" was his next song and the ladies were all feeling this jam.He loves to sing to the ladies and he had them swooning."Just Can't Let Go" was his next song and security allowed one lady from the crowd to come and hold him as he song to her.I don't know if his soulful vocals or the thought of being in his arms caused it,but the poor lady literally fainted but she would be alright.Now that is some powerful sh*t right there.The grown folks party began on his next song,"Slow Roll It" allowed several women in the crowd to get their groove on with him and fellas it was some sexy women up there with him(Joyce with the red & white dress ,I got one word for you,DAMN!).I can't remember the exact number but several women were able to get their freak on with Sir Charles on this cut.Him and his band got a big ovation as they went into a slick dance routine."Just Like Fire" kept this blues and southern soul party going.He performed his newest single "Drop That Thang" and LAWD HAVE MERCY!That red and white dress was stealing the show and Joyce if you and your man are reading this I hope it don't get you in any trouble.That red and white dress wasn't the only thing dropping it like it was hot,Sir Charles picked up one young lady and began to simulate some grown folks stuff,that lil country boy strong ya'll.He closed his performance with "Is There Anybody Lonely" and suddenly the house became a dance floor for everyone.His soulful voice sounded so good as he walked through the crowd.My man Omar Cunningham has the best live vocals,my friend T.K. Soul is the best showman but when it comes to charisma there is none better than Sir Charles.He is a terrific singer and dancer with a strong stage presence.His cds have been far and few the last couple of years but his popularity,especially with the ladies still remains among the best in the industry.I was glad to have the opportunity to see him perform again.
I heard talk about him not conversing with the fans or media anymore and I won't to put that to rest.After the show he greeted every fan,took photos and signed autographs,I was able to talk to him as we took several photos together.We agreed to stay in touch so now I'll be able to update you fans regularly about news from "The King Of Southern Soul".AWESOME PERFORMANCE! In closing,I just want to send a shout out to my friend,CEO of Foxy Productions,Levonne Sampson who was very busy working on this night.I'm sorry that we didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the show together but I'll see you again down by the stage.
I also would like to give a shout out to James Alexander of the Bar-Kays,Percy and Delois(club owners),George Hines,my Godfather,Jerry"Boogie"Mason and Da Kitty,Kitty Club(Bluz Queen & Evelyn).I want to thank Eddie Cotton and Sir Charles who both took the time to meet,greet and spend some time with me and Da Dawg Pound.To my lil sista,Anita Gray in Baton Rouge,LA,Sir Charles sends you his love and told me to tell you that he will for sure be doing a show in Baton Rouge in the very near future.To my Dawg Pound members,Chill Will,Rico Owens and G-Money 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
"SIR CHARLES & EDDIE COTTON THROWDOWN AT CLUB CHAMPAGNE"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans,as this year comes to an end,I've had the opportunity to see some spectacular shows these past few months.You would think that by now that some shows would eventually have to lose some of the luster that I've grown attached to.I guess my passion for this genre of music,just won't allow me to have a let down at any of these shows.Club Champagne,in Clarksdale,Mississippi played host to one hell of a blues and southern soul party.The lineup for this show was Eddie Cotton and "The King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles Jones.On this night I was joined by fellow Dawg Pound member Will Lindsey a.k.a. "Chill Will" and honorary Dawg Pound members from Hustle Entertainment,CEO,Rico Owens and his associate "G-Money".
We arrived at Club Champagne a little early because we were anticipating a large crowd for tonight's show.Club Champagne owner,Percy greeted us and showed us to the best reserved table in the house.Over at the bar I noticed from Da Kitty,Kitty Club,Denise Grant a.k.a. "Bluz Queen and Evelyn Davis.As we settled down I said hello to a couple of familar faces,the CEO of Foxy Productions,Levonne Sampson,original Bar-Kay member,James Alexander and my mentor and Godfather,Jerry"Boogie"Mason from The Boogie Report who joined us at our table.George Hines was the mc for tonight's show and also one of the braintrust that made this show possible.There were a couple of vendors on hand so the smell of bar-b-que,fish and chicken wings filled the air.With the Bud Light starting to kick in and Da Dawg Pound and Boogie front and center good people let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer on the night was Mississippi Bluesman, Eddie Cotton.I first remember seeing him on the Blues documentary "Last Of The Mississippi Juke Joints".I'm familar with his music but this was my first time seeing him perform live.George Hines gave him a hyped up introduction and the now packed Club Champagne gave him a big ovation.Boogie told me to get myself ready for a "helluva" performance.I'm not a musician but I know the type of guitar a top bluesman play and the first thing I noticed was his GIBSON 335.He opened his performance with a mean guitar lick and I knew right then that he was a real Bluesman.He performed B.B. King's "I Need Your Love" and this was just the beginning of some good old hand-clapping,foot-stomping(led by Boogie and Da Dawg Pound),deep down home traditonal Mississippi Delta Blues.He continued his B.B. King theme with "Rock Me Baby" and a couple of the ladies(Tasha and Joyce) behind us were doing just that.He got real funky with James Brown's "Funky Good Time".He showed his versatility with Latimore's,"Lets Straighten It Out" and it received a huge ovation from the crowd.By now Eddie Cotton had turned this mordern day setting(Club Champagne) into a poor man's old fashion juke joint.For his next song,if I wasn't there to see his Gibson 335 I would have sworn he had Albert King's flying V-Guitar."I'll Play The Blues For You" was a masterful rendition of Albert King's big hit.He performed one of his singles next with "All Night Long" and he was able to get the crowd to sing along with him,with Da Dawg Pound barking the loudest.He closed his performance with an extended but well done version of Little Milton's,"Walking The Back Streets And Crying".Eddie Cotton blew me away with his performance.He is an amazing guitar player,his solos are among the best that I've ever heard.He has mastered the sounds of Albert King,B.B. King and Buddy Guy and created a very hard-hitting funky sound of his own.This was the first performance that I enjoyed the instruments(guitar solos) better than the vocals and don't get me wrong he can sing.He has a sly,insinuating and down right beautiful voice approach to his lyrics,which is a one of a kind sound but its his skill on the guitar that makes his performance electrifying.For you fans who haven't seen this talented artist perform please do whenever he is in an area near you.I assure you that you won't be disappointed at all.DAMN GOOD SHOW!
On any other night Eddie Cotton's performance would have been enough for any die hard blues and southern soul fan but when you have "The King Of Southern Soul" in the house his presence alone commands a crowd's full attention.George Hines once again gave a hyped up introduction for Sir Charles and when he appeared the crowd went wild.I sat and watched the ladies scream with every bit of energy that they could muster up.It was almost surreal to witness the impact that he had on the entire crowd as he blessed the club with his mere presence.It has been awhile since I last seen him as a matter of fact he reminded me that it had been over a year and a half since we saw each other in Memphis,TN.He opened up his performance with "Friday" and the ladies began to move right in front of our table.I don't believe the women were even listening to him sing,just gawking at him appeared to be enough for them.Security had to keep several of the women from rushing the performance area.His next song was "For Better Or Worse" and he begin to adlib with the women who by now surrounded Da Dawg Pound to get a closer look at "The King Of Southern Soul"."Natural Woman" was his next song and the ladies were all feeling this jam.He loves to sing to the ladies and he had them swooning."Just Can't Let Go" was his next song and security allowed one lady from the crowd to come and hold him as he song to her.I don't know if his soulful vocals or the thought of being in his arms caused it,but the poor lady literally fainted but she would be alright.Now that is some powerful sh*t right there.The grown folks party began on his next song,"Slow Roll It" allowed several women in the crowd to get their groove on with him and fellas it was some sexy women up there with him(Joyce with the red & white dress ,I got one word for you,DAMN!).I can't remember the exact number but several women were able to get their freak on with Sir Charles on this cut.Him and his band got a big ovation as they went into a slick dance routine."Just Like Fire" kept this blues and southern soul party going.He performed his newest single "Drop That Thang" and LAWD HAVE MERCY!That red and white dress was stealing the show and Joyce if you and your man are reading this I hope it don't get you in any trouble.That red and white dress wasn't the only thing dropping it like it was hot,Sir Charles picked up one young lady and began to simulate some grown folks stuff,that lil country boy strong ya'll.He closed his performance with "Is There Anybody Lonely" and suddenly the house became a dance floor for everyone.His soulful voice sounded so good as he walked through the crowd.My man Omar Cunningham has the best live vocals,my friend T.K. Soul is the best showman but when it comes to charisma there is none better than Sir Charles.He is a terrific singer and dancer with a strong stage presence.His cds have been far and few the last couple of years but his popularity,especially with the ladies still remains among the best in the industry.I was glad to have the opportunity to see him perform again.
I heard talk about him not conversing with the fans or media anymore and I won't to put that to rest.After the show he greeted every fan,took photos and signed autographs,I was able to talk to him as we took several photos together.We agreed to stay in touch so now I'll be able to update you fans regularly about news from "The King Of Southern Soul".AWESOME PERFORMANCE! In closing,I just want to send a shout out to my friend,CEO of Foxy Productions,Levonne Sampson who was very busy working on this night.I'm sorry that we didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the show together but I'll see you again down by the stage.
I also would like to give a shout out to James Alexander of the Bar-Kays,Percy and Delois(club owners),George Hines,my Godfather,Jerry"Boogie"Mason and Da Kitty,Kitty Club(Bluz Queen & Evelyn).I want to thank Eddie Cotton and Sir Charles who both took the time to meet,greet and spend some time with me and Da Dawg Pound.To my lil sista,Anita Gray in Baton Rouge,LA,Sir Charles sends you his love and told me to tell you that he will for sure be doing a show in Baton Rouge in the very near future.To my Dawg Pound members,Chill Will,Rico Owens and G-Money 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