OCTOBER 11,2007:
"2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR SECOND STOP"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans I am excited to be sitting here and writing my review for the second stop on the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.I'm definetly feeling like a lil kid who is opening up all his presents on Christmas Day.Last week I was able to experience all the excitement that surrounds this WDIA Juke Joint Tour and I thought I had it figured out.Good people was I wrong.I told myself,you better drive up early so you can get setup and possibly be able to converse with all these hardworking artists.Showtime was at 6:00 pm so I wanted to arrive a couple of hours early.LD'S CLUB PISCES was the host for this blues and southern soul party.
I arrived at the show around 3:30 pm and I couldn't believe my eyes it was a long line assembled and fans were hoping to gain entry into tonights venue.I never imagined that it would be so many people already there.The show was still about three(3) hours away and these fans were all here and waiting to get their partying on.I had to find out how long these folks had been standing and waiting to gain entry.One lady,MS. Tiffany Hardy said she had come all the way from Columbus,Ohio with some of her girlfriends and they had been at Club Pisces since 12:30.Thats approximately three(3) hours and still another three hours before showtime so we are talking about fans waiting at least six(6) hours to be apart of this WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.AMAZING!
Once again Jackie Ward who is The Promotions Director for Clear Channel Radio Memphis WDIA-AM * WHAL-FM allowed me acess and VIP courtesy to cover this blues and southern soul gathering,so its through her graciuos heart that I'm able to bring to you all the reviews and photos from this awesome tour.When I arrived I was greeted by Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton(They look like sisters to me)who were working very hard preparing for tonights festivities.My good friends Bill and Anna Coday(CEO of B&J Records),Kevin Wilson(B&J recording artist),Karen Wolfe,Cookie(Karen's sister and backup singer),Star(Karen's backup singer) and Christine Davis(blues promoter from Holly Springs,MS) were already in attendance so I was able to chat with them as I waited for the show to begin.Also in attendace was the lovely Toni Greene,The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul,O.B. Buchana and recording artist Sam Fallie(12 Steps 4 Cheaters).
It was packed inside and I'm very thankful that I didn't have to experience all the pushing and shoving from the previous show.Slowly but surely my WDIA posse were all starting to assemble themselves in VIP.First there was The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Charles"Kojak"Caldwell,Mel Deberry,my good friends Jeff Lee and Steve Ladd who both had just left the air at WDIA.Pulling up the rear was Fred"Hollywood"Moore and the Queen of the airwaves,Bev Johnson.So with the crew from B&J Records and my WDIA posse all assembled and the Bud Light oh so cold good people sit back and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Mel Deberry and Bobby O'Jay got the party started as they brought out local artist Preston Shannon to the stage.He only performed one song "Baby I Will" but his deep and guttral voice caught my attention.I can tell that he was no stranger to the stage I wish I could have heard more but he did get the crowd going with a good performance.
Karen Wolfe was up next and she has always been a favorite of mine.She opened her performance with her smash hit "Backdoor Love Affair" and she received a nice ovation from the crowd.She closed her performance with "What Kind Of Man Is This?" and she allowed her backup singer Kelvin Wilson to share the spotlight as he showed the ladies what kind of man he was.He is a terrific singer and has a brand new single titled "Daytime Wit A Flashlight" that you fans can expect to hit stores next month.I thought it was wonderful that my girl Karen Wolfe allowed him to display his terrific voice.I was disappointed that she didn't do "Unloveable Habits" which is a favorite of mine.Karen you are truly special and I can't wait to see you perform again.
The next performer was my homeboy David Brinston.I haven't seen him perform in years.He has always had a unique singing style that I simply enjoy.I describe that style as Southern Fried Soul And Blues.He opened his performance with "Work That Thang" and he had a couple of sexy dancers that sho nuff was working it.For fans who haven't seen David perform his dancers were working that thang just as hard as the Bobby Rush dancers so now you know what they're really working with.He closed his performance with "Party Til The Lights Go Out" and this cut had everyone up and cutting a rug.It was so good to see him perform again.
The next performer was The Legendary Latimore and the applause he received was deafing to the ears.He was truly humbled by the big ovation.He opened his performance with his classic hit "Lets Straighten It Out" and his deep souful baritone voice filled the entire juke joint as the women were all screaming as the legend did his thing.He closed his performance with a new single from his new cd titled "My Give A Damn Gave Out A Long Time Ago".This is one of his best songs in years and it will definetly dominate a lot of playlist.He received another huge ovation as he exited the stage.Latimore appeared to really be doing well these days.I'm so glad to see that he is still performing like vintage Latimore.
The next artist was THE DIVA ,Shirley Brown.All the other artist were using tracks but Shirley Brown was not having that.She hit the stage with her band on hand.I guess when you have reached legendary status you can dictate your performance and to be honest I'm glad she did because a live band in a packed juke joint is definetly a tribute to the good old days.I was really into a "good old juke joint" mood now.She opened her performance with "Sleep With One Eye Open" and the packed house was feeling this cut for real especially the ladies as a table of women on the side of me were all singing their hearts out.She closed her performance with her classic hit "Woman To Woman" and she received a standing ovation as she exited the stage.I want to extend my thanks to her as she took a few moments to talk with me and she even took a picture with me(She doesn't take a lot of pictures anymore).She is and will always be "THE DIVA OF SOUTHERN SOUL BLUES".
The next performer of the night was Floyd Taylor(Son of blues legend Johnnie Taylor) and this was my first opportunity to see him perform.It is truly amazing how much he looks and sounds like his father but make no mistake about it,Floyd Taylor is his own man and his talent speaks for itself.He opened up his performance with one of his early hits "I'm Crazy About That Woman In Red" and the ladies were melting as Floyd rocked the juke joint.He closed his performance with "You Still Got It" and the son of the legend has truly emerged as FLOYD TAYLOR.He gave shout outs to Latimore and Shirley Brown and I can only imagine all the roads traveled together by Johnnie Taylor,Latimore and Shirley Brown.Those were truly the good old days.
The next performer was The Juke Joint Man himself,Carl Sims.He was brought out on stage by the beautiful Bev Johnson and the two of them shared a few moments on stage.He opened up his performance with "House Of Love" and thats exactly what the packed house showed him.His next song was "I'm A Blues Man" and this got the crowd up and juking led by Bev Johnson and Fred"Hollywood"Moore.He closed his performance with "I'm Trapped" and this is a personal favorite of mine.It was sing along with Carl Sims as he asked the crowd to help him on this song.LD,the owner of Club Pisces wanted him to perform "It Ain't A Juke Joint Without The Blues" but Bev Johnson told him he already had did three songs(one more than the other artist).I've always enjoyed the sounds of Carl Sims and it was good to see him perform again.
The next performer was one of my favorite Southern Soul divas,Sheba Potts-Wright and it was so good to see her again.She always take the time to meet and greet me whenever I'm at one of her shows and I'm very thankful to her for that.She had a foot injury(she came to the show on a cane) but being the entertainer that she is she left the cane at her table as she came on stage.She opened her performance with "I Need A Cowboy To Ride My Pony" and I couldn't even notice a a discomfort with her foot as she dazzled the crowd with her sexy dance moves.She closed her show with a bang.The very popular"Slow Roll It" received a thunderous applause from the crowd led by all the fellas who were really whooping it up.She was joined on stage by one of her Slow Roll It Dancers(Theresa).Her show is a must see for all of you who haven't had the opportunity to see her perform.I must commend her on still performing when it was obvious that she did have a foot injury.Thank you sweetie and thats why you are truly one of my favorite southern soul divas.
Newcomer Jewel Jones was the last performer on the night.I wasn't familar with her music but she and her backup singers aren't strangers to the stage.The Memphis native received a lot of love from the hometown folks.She does have a nice voice and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the near future. I said it last week and probably will be saying for the rest of the tour but I think it is wonderful how the good people at WDIA provide the fans of this genre of music with these exciting shows and all of them for free.
I would like to thank Bill and Anna Coday,Karen Wolfe,David Brinston,Latimore,Shirley Brown,Floyd Taylor,Sheba Potts Wright,Sam Fallie and O.B. Buchana.I would like to give special thanks to Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton,Jeff Lee,Steve Ladd,Bobby O'Jay,Kojak,Mel Deberry,Fred"Hollywood"Moore,Bev Johnson and the rest of the WDIA staff in attendance who showed me so much love at this southern soul party.
To all the fans in the Memphis area I hope you all can come out and be a part of this blues and southern soul party.For more information on the remainder of "The WDIA 2007 Juke Joint Tour" please go to www.am1070wdia.com The smaller the club the bigger the party and I had a blast at this juke joint and like always I wanted to share it with you,the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.I'll be seeing you down by the stage.
Big K9
"2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR SECOND STOP"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans I am excited to be sitting here and writing my review for the second stop on the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.I'm definetly feeling like a lil kid who is opening up all his presents on Christmas Day.Last week I was able to experience all the excitement that surrounds this WDIA Juke Joint Tour and I thought I had it figured out.Good people was I wrong.I told myself,you better drive up early so you can get setup and possibly be able to converse with all these hardworking artists.Showtime was at 6:00 pm so I wanted to arrive a couple of hours early.LD'S CLUB PISCES was the host for this blues and southern soul party.
I arrived at the show around 3:30 pm and I couldn't believe my eyes it was a long line assembled and fans were hoping to gain entry into tonights venue.I never imagined that it would be so many people already there.The show was still about three(3) hours away and these fans were all here and waiting to get their partying on.I had to find out how long these folks had been standing and waiting to gain entry.One lady,MS. Tiffany Hardy said she had come all the way from Columbus,Ohio with some of her girlfriends and they had been at Club Pisces since 12:30.Thats approximately three(3) hours and still another three hours before showtime so we are talking about fans waiting at least six(6) hours to be apart of this WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.AMAZING!
Once again Jackie Ward who is The Promotions Director for Clear Channel Radio Memphis WDIA-AM * WHAL-FM allowed me acess and VIP courtesy to cover this blues and southern soul gathering,so its through her graciuos heart that I'm able to bring to you all the reviews and photos from this awesome tour.When I arrived I was greeted by Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton(They look like sisters to me)who were working very hard preparing for tonights festivities.My good friends Bill and Anna Coday(CEO of B&J Records),Kevin Wilson(B&J recording artist),Karen Wolfe,Cookie(Karen's sister and backup singer),Star(Karen's backup singer) and Christine Davis(blues promoter from Holly Springs,MS) were already in attendance so I was able to chat with them as I waited for the show to begin.Also in attendace was the lovely Toni Greene,The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul,O.B. Buchana and recording artist Sam Fallie(12 Steps 4 Cheaters).
It was packed inside and I'm very thankful that I didn't have to experience all the pushing and shoving from the previous show.Slowly but surely my WDIA posse were all starting to assemble themselves in VIP.First there was The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Charles"Kojak"Caldwell,Mel Deberry,my good friends Jeff Lee and Steve Ladd who both had just left the air at WDIA.Pulling up the rear was Fred"Hollywood"Moore and the Queen of the airwaves,Bev Johnson.So with the crew from B&J Records and my WDIA posse all assembled and the Bud Light oh so cold good people sit back and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Mel Deberry and Bobby O'Jay got the party started as they brought out local artist Preston Shannon to the stage.He only performed one song "Baby I Will" but his deep and guttral voice caught my attention.I can tell that he was no stranger to the stage I wish I could have heard more but he did get the crowd going with a good performance.
Karen Wolfe was up next and she has always been a favorite of mine.She opened her performance with her smash hit "Backdoor Love Affair" and she received a nice ovation from the crowd.She closed her performance with "What Kind Of Man Is This?" and she allowed her backup singer Kelvin Wilson to share the spotlight as he showed the ladies what kind of man he was.He is a terrific singer and has a brand new single titled "Daytime Wit A Flashlight" that you fans can expect to hit stores next month.I thought it was wonderful that my girl Karen Wolfe allowed him to display his terrific voice.I was disappointed that she didn't do "Unloveable Habits" which is a favorite of mine.Karen you are truly special and I can't wait to see you perform again.
The next performer was my homeboy David Brinston.I haven't seen him perform in years.He has always had a unique singing style that I simply enjoy.I describe that style as Southern Fried Soul And Blues.He opened his performance with "Work That Thang" and he had a couple of sexy dancers that sho nuff was working it.For fans who haven't seen David perform his dancers were working that thang just as hard as the Bobby Rush dancers so now you know what they're really working with.He closed his performance with "Party Til The Lights Go Out" and this cut had everyone up and cutting a rug.It was so good to see him perform again.
The next performer was The Legendary Latimore and the applause he received was deafing to the ears.He was truly humbled by the big ovation.He opened his performance with his classic hit "Lets Straighten It Out" and his deep souful baritone voice filled the entire juke joint as the women were all screaming as the legend did his thing.He closed his performance with a new single from his new cd titled "My Give A Damn Gave Out A Long Time Ago".This is one of his best songs in years and it will definetly dominate a lot of playlist.He received another huge ovation as he exited the stage.Latimore appeared to really be doing well these days.I'm so glad to see that he is still performing like vintage Latimore.
The next artist was THE DIVA ,Shirley Brown.All the other artist were using tracks but Shirley Brown was not having that.She hit the stage with her band on hand.I guess when you have reached legendary status you can dictate your performance and to be honest I'm glad she did because a live band in a packed juke joint is definetly a tribute to the good old days.I was really into a "good old juke joint" mood now.She opened her performance with "Sleep With One Eye Open" and the packed house was feeling this cut for real especially the ladies as a table of women on the side of me were all singing their hearts out.She closed her performance with her classic hit "Woman To Woman" and she received a standing ovation as she exited the stage.I want to extend my thanks to her as she took a few moments to talk with me and she even took a picture with me(She doesn't take a lot of pictures anymore).She is and will always be "THE DIVA OF SOUTHERN SOUL BLUES".
The next performer of the night was Floyd Taylor(Son of blues legend Johnnie Taylor) and this was my first opportunity to see him perform.It is truly amazing how much he looks and sounds like his father but make no mistake about it,Floyd Taylor is his own man and his talent speaks for itself.He opened up his performance with one of his early hits "I'm Crazy About That Woman In Red" and the ladies were melting as Floyd rocked the juke joint.He closed his performance with "You Still Got It" and the son of the legend has truly emerged as FLOYD TAYLOR.He gave shout outs to Latimore and Shirley Brown and I can only imagine all the roads traveled together by Johnnie Taylor,Latimore and Shirley Brown.Those were truly the good old days.
The next performer was The Juke Joint Man himself,Carl Sims.He was brought out on stage by the beautiful Bev Johnson and the two of them shared a few moments on stage.He opened up his performance with "House Of Love" and thats exactly what the packed house showed him.His next song was "I'm A Blues Man" and this got the crowd up and juking led by Bev Johnson and Fred"Hollywood"Moore.He closed his performance with "I'm Trapped" and this is a personal favorite of mine.It was sing along with Carl Sims as he asked the crowd to help him on this song.LD,the owner of Club Pisces wanted him to perform "It Ain't A Juke Joint Without The Blues" but Bev Johnson told him he already had did three songs(one more than the other artist).I've always enjoyed the sounds of Carl Sims and it was good to see him perform again.
The next performer was one of my favorite Southern Soul divas,Sheba Potts-Wright and it was so good to see her again.She always take the time to meet and greet me whenever I'm at one of her shows and I'm very thankful to her for that.She had a foot injury(she came to the show on a cane) but being the entertainer that she is she left the cane at her table as she came on stage.She opened her performance with "I Need A Cowboy To Ride My Pony" and I couldn't even notice a a discomfort with her foot as she dazzled the crowd with her sexy dance moves.She closed her show with a bang.The very popular"Slow Roll It" received a thunderous applause from the crowd led by all the fellas who were really whooping it up.She was joined on stage by one of her Slow Roll It Dancers(Theresa).Her show is a must see for all of you who haven't had the opportunity to see her perform.I must commend her on still performing when it was obvious that she did have a foot injury.Thank you sweetie and thats why you are truly one of my favorite southern soul divas.
Newcomer Jewel Jones was the last performer on the night.I wasn't familar with her music but she and her backup singers aren't strangers to the stage.The Memphis native received a lot of love from the hometown folks.She does have a nice voice and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the near future. I said it last week and probably will be saying for the rest of the tour but I think it is wonderful how the good people at WDIA provide the fans of this genre of music with these exciting shows and all of them for free.
I would like to thank Bill and Anna Coday,Karen Wolfe,David Brinston,Latimore,Shirley Brown,Floyd Taylor,Sheba Potts Wright,Sam Fallie and O.B. Buchana.I would like to give special thanks to Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton,Jeff Lee,Steve Ladd,Bobby O'Jay,Kojak,Mel Deberry,Fred"Hollywood"Moore,Bev Johnson and the rest of the WDIA staff in attendance who showed me so much love at this southern soul party.
To all the fans in the Memphis area I hope you all can come out and be a part of this blues and southern soul party.For more information on the remainder of "The WDIA 2007 Juke Joint Tour" please go to www.am1070wdia.com The smaller the club the bigger the party and I had a blast at this juke joint and like always I wanted to share it with you,the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.I'll be seeing you down by the stage.
Big K9