OCTOBER 20,2007:
"2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR THIRD STOP"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.My 2007 blues and southern soul ride continued on the third stop of the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.There is an old cliche' that says rain,sleet or snow the show must go on.This blues and southern soul gathering took that cliche' to a whole new level.LUCILLES CLUB & DINER played host for this blues and southern soul party.
When I arrived it was cloudy skies and it appeared that it was more of an overcast than stormy weather(boy was I ever so wrong) and besides with all of us being on the inside the rain wouldn't matter anyway I thought to myself.Well good people they were holding this one on the outside.WDIA's Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and some more of the hardworking staff from WDIA were really spending an aboundance of energy preparing for the show.They were setting up the stage area,pitching VIP tents for the performing artist and placing tables and chairs for all the fans who were going to be in attendance.Upon arrival I was greeted by Memphis native and independent recording artist Jerry L.I was familar with his music and we enjoyed a good conversation about the blues and southern soul industry.He has recently appeared on Dylann DeAnna's Blues Critic(www.bluescritic.com) and Funky Larry's Soul And Blues Report(www.soulandbluesreport.com)so fans please be on the lookout for this talented brother.Also on hand were my good friends Bill and Anna Coday along with B&J recording artist James Smith a.k.a. "THE PLUMBER MAN",Christine Davis(blues promoter),the CEO of Allison Records,Steve Ganaway and "THE SEXY LADY OF SOUTHERN SOUL", Allinson recording artist,my homegirl and friend Roni.I don't get to see her often so I was especially happy to be in her presence again.We were all sitting under the tents and enjoying good food,drinks and conversations when all of a sudden the rain came.I thought to myself,they will have to cancel this show,wrong answer.The umbrellas came out from the fans as well as the WDIA crew and no one was leaving.Just when I thought I had seen everything on this tour the loyalty of the fans and WDIA to see this show through was so AMAZING to me.So with so many good people in attendance and GOD'S teardrops upon us good people allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
WDIA personality,Mel Deberry got this show started,he assured the fans that even though it was raining that we were still going to have a good time and the fans all agreed with him.I didn't have an umbrella so I had to position myself so I could try and cover this show for you fans to enjoy(I know you all appreciate me).
My homegirl,Roni was the first performer on the night and she told the crowd that they were the best for staying and showing their support.As always my girl was looking so beautiful and sexy and all the guys in attendance hollered in the rain(the damnest thing I've ever seen).She opened her performance with a new song from her upcoming CD titled "Come Back Kind Of Love" and she really got the crowd going.Steve Ganaway held an umbrella for her as she left the stage area and brought her performance to fans in attendance.I guess you can say that she was truly "Singing In The Rain",eat your heart out Gene Kelly.This would be a trend that all the other artist would follow throughout the rest of the show.She closed her performance with her smash hit "A Fool On My Hands" and this received an uproar from the crowd who were trying to applaud and hold their umbrellas too.Even though it was raining Roni gave a great performance she was truly a trailblazer on the night.When she left the stage to get close to the fans all the other artist to follow took heed and this would be the routine for all the artist on the night.The fans really appreciated her,when she brought the show to them.She will have a new cd released on November 1st,fans please go out and buy this cd and show your support for "THE SEXY LADY OF SOUTHERN SOUL".She was the perfect performer to start this show that I now dubbed "SINGING IN THE RAIN". The rest of the WDIA crew had made it to the party by now led by The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Steve Ladd,Jeff Lee and Fred"Hollywood"Moore.
The next performer was Ecko recording artist,Donnie Ray and like Roni I don't get to see him perform much and I was so glad to be able to watch him perform again.He opened his performance with "Smooth Operator" and this song is a duet with "The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana and I was hoping that he was in attendance but to my disappointment he wasn't but my man D-Ray masterfully carried the song through.He received a lot of love as he left the stage area and brought his performance to the fans.He closed his performance with "Play It Off" which is a nice silky ballad that went over well as he serenaded the ladies in the rain.I was disappointed that he didn't sing "A Letter To My Baby" which is a personal favorite of mine but he did give the fans a good performance that made them forget about the rain.
The next performer was singer and songwriter,Sam Fallie.He has collabrated with a lot of artists in the Memphis area including J. Blackfoot,Archie Love and The Bar-Kays just to name a few but now its time for "MR. SAM" to step out of the shadows and make his mark in the industry.He opened his performance with "SINCE YOU BEEN GONE" and he wasted no time in taking his show to the fans.He was full of energy and had the crowd hyped.Mr. Sam displayed some nice footwork as he danced his way through this song that had a lil Al Green vibe to it.He closed his performance with his smash hit "12 Steps 4 Cheaters" and this song has dominated a lot of airtime on every dj's playlist.It has to be a popular hit with the fans in Memphis too because they made a lot of noise when the music track got started.He was feeding off the crowd as he poured a lot into this performance.I was really impressed with his style and showmanship as he looked like a seasoned performer out there doing his thing.For you fans who haven't heard this brother sing you are going to enjoy his music for real.To buy his music and find out more on Mr. Sam please go to www.myspace.com/jeamrsam. I really enjoyed this performance,Mr. Sam welcome to DA DAWG POUND.
The next performer was B&J recording artist James Smith.This was my first time seeing him perform.He continued the singing in the rain theme as he left the stage area and performed "Work That Body".He closed his performance with his hit song "Plumber Man" and this cut had the people in the crowd getting their jook on for real as they danced in the rain.Only at a blues and southern soul gathering can you see the artist and the fans stll having a great time in such nasty weather.For fans not familar with his music and after watching him perform he reminded me of the late great Ronnie Lovejoy.The fans all appeared to be pleased with "The Plumber Man". The rain was really starting to pour down now and I really couldn't get to cover the rest of the show comfortably.Jackson,Mississippi had a couple of singers on hand to keep the crowd entertained including Tina Diamond.
My good friend Bill Coday did his part and thrilled the fans with "Get Your Lie Straight".Of course the fans didn't care about getting wet when Billy Soul Bonds performed "Scat,Cat Here Kitty,Kitty" and Vick Allen got much love as he performed his smash hit "Baby Come Back Home".
The highlight of the show for me was the performance by The Legendary Bobby Blue Bland.It was first announced that he might not perform but when the band begin setting up we all knew that The Legend wasn't going to disappoint the faithful fans who by now had to be soaking wet including myself.He was led to the stage by several uniformed police officers and the sight would remind you of the president being led by his security staff.He recieved the biggest ovation of the night as Bobby O'Jay introduced him to the crowd.He opened up his performance with "Stormy Monday"(stormy Wedensday would have been more appropiate) and I looked toward the crowd and some of these folks were standing in the rain without an umbrella listening to the legend perform.I've seen some loyal fans in my lifetime but to see these fans at that moment wasn't like anything that I've seen before.The entire WDIA staff were also enjoying this particular performance as well.Bobby O'Jay,Steve Ladd,Fred Moore,Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton weren't fazed by the rain at all.He sampled a string of his classic hits as he brought his performance to an end.He received another huge roar from the faithful fans who really showed their appreciation for him not letting them down.With the recent deaths of so many of our beloved artists I always treasure performances by legends such as Bobby Blue Bland.I hope and pray that he will be around for a long time so he can continue to bless us with his music.He was truly the sunshine on this rainy day.
I want to apologize to the other artists for having a very abbreviated review but I really couldn't cover this show like I normally do.I had no idea that it would be outside and I sure wasn't prepared for a thunderstorm.I would like to commend all the artists for braving the elements and giving the fans a wonderful show despite the bad weather.To the staff of WDIA you all are truly a dedicated and loyal organization.Most promoters would have canceled this show but you all were determined to see it through and I must say it was a job well done.Your hardwork and efforts were truly appreciated by myself and all the fans in attendance.For information on the remainder of "THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR" please go to www.am1070wdia.com Despite the bad weather I really enjoyed myself and like always I wanted to share it all 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 THIRD STOP"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.My 2007 blues and southern soul ride continued on the third stop of the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR.There is an old cliche' that says rain,sleet or snow the show must go on.This blues and southern soul gathering took that cliche' to a whole new level.LUCILLES CLUB & DINER played host for this blues and southern soul party.
When I arrived it was cloudy skies and it appeared that it was more of an overcast than stormy weather(boy was I ever so wrong) and besides with all of us being on the inside the rain wouldn't matter anyway I thought to myself.Well good people they were holding this one on the outside.WDIA's Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and some more of the hardworking staff from WDIA were really spending an aboundance of energy preparing for the show.They were setting up the stage area,pitching VIP tents for the performing artist and placing tables and chairs for all the fans who were going to be in attendance.Upon arrival I was greeted by Memphis native and independent recording artist Jerry L.I was familar with his music and we enjoyed a good conversation about the blues and southern soul industry.He has recently appeared on Dylann DeAnna's Blues Critic(www.bluescritic.com) and Funky Larry's Soul And Blues Report(www.soulandbluesreport.com)so fans please be on the lookout for this talented brother.Also on hand were my good friends Bill and Anna Coday along with B&J recording artist James Smith a.k.a. "THE PLUMBER MAN",Christine Davis(blues promoter),the CEO of Allison Records,Steve Ganaway and "THE SEXY LADY OF SOUTHERN SOUL", Allinson recording artist,my homegirl and friend Roni.I don't get to see her often so I was especially happy to be in her presence again.We were all sitting under the tents and enjoying good food,drinks and conversations when all of a sudden the rain came.I thought to myself,they will have to cancel this show,wrong answer.The umbrellas came out from the fans as well as the WDIA crew and no one was leaving.Just when I thought I had seen everything on this tour the loyalty of the fans and WDIA to see this show through was so AMAZING to me.So with so many good people in attendance and GOD'S teardrops upon us good people allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
WDIA personality,Mel Deberry got this show started,he assured the fans that even though it was raining that we were still going to have a good time and the fans all agreed with him.I didn't have an umbrella so I had to position myself so I could try and cover this show for you fans to enjoy(I know you all appreciate me).
My homegirl,Roni was the first performer on the night and she told the crowd that they were the best for staying and showing their support.As always my girl was looking so beautiful and sexy and all the guys in attendance hollered in the rain(the damnest thing I've ever seen).She opened her performance with a new song from her upcoming CD titled "Come Back Kind Of Love" and she really got the crowd going.Steve Ganaway held an umbrella for her as she left the stage area and brought her performance to fans in attendance.I guess you can say that she was truly "Singing In The Rain",eat your heart out Gene Kelly.This would be a trend that all the other artist would follow throughout the rest of the show.She closed her performance with her smash hit "A Fool On My Hands" and this received an uproar from the crowd who were trying to applaud and hold their umbrellas too.Even though it was raining Roni gave a great performance she was truly a trailblazer on the night.When she left the stage to get close to the fans all the other artist to follow took heed and this would be the routine for all the artist on the night.The fans really appreciated her,when she brought the show to them.She will have a new cd released on November 1st,fans please go out and buy this cd and show your support for "THE SEXY LADY OF SOUTHERN SOUL".She was the perfect performer to start this show that I now dubbed "SINGING IN THE RAIN". The rest of the WDIA crew had made it to the party by now led by The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Steve Ladd,Jeff Lee and Fred"Hollywood"Moore.
The next performer was Ecko recording artist,Donnie Ray and like Roni I don't get to see him perform much and I was so glad to be able to watch him perform again.He opened his performance with "Smooth Operator" and this song is a duet with "The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana and I was hoping that he was in attendance but to my disappointment he wasn't but my man D-Ray masterfully carried the song through.He received a lot of love as he left the stage area and brought his performance to the fans.He closed his performance with "Play It Off" which is a nice silky ballad that went over well as he serenaded the ladies in the rain.I was disappointed that he didn't sing "A Letter To My Baby" which is a personal favorite of mine but he did give the fans a good performance that made them forget about the rain.
The next performer was singer and songwriter,Sam Fallie.He has collabrated with a lot of artists in the Memphis area including J. Blackfoot,Archie Love and The Bar-Kays just to name a few but now its time for "MR. SAM" to step out of the shadows and make his mark in the industry.He opened his performance with "SINCE YOU BEEN GONE" and he wasted no time in taking his show to the fans.He was full of energy and had the crowd hyped.Mr. Sam displayed some nice footwork as he danced his way through this song that had a lil Al Green vibe to it.He closed his performance with his smash hit "12 Steps 4 Cheaters" and this song has dominated a lot of airtime on every dj's playlist.It has to be a popular hit with the fans in Memphis too because they made a lot of noise when the music track got started.He was feeding off the crowd as he poured a lot into this performance.I was really impressed with his style and showmanship as he looked like a seasoned performer out there doing his thing.For you fans who haven't heard this brother sing you are going to enjoy his music for real.To buy his music and find out more on Mr. Sam please go to www.myspace.com/jeamrsam. I really enjoyed this performance,Mr. Sam welcome to DA DAWG POUND.
The next performer was B&J recording artist James Smith.This was my first time seeing him perform.He continued the singing in the rain theme as he left the stage area and performed "Work That Body".He closed his performance with his hit song "Plumber Man" and this cut had the people in the crowd getting their jook on for real as they danced in the rain.Only at a blues and southern soul gathering can you see the artist and the fans stll having a great time in such nasty weather.For fans not familar with his music and after watching him perform he reminded me of the late great Ronnie Lovejoy.The fans all appeared to be pleased with "The Plumber Man". The rain was really starting to pour down now and I really couldn't get to cover the rest of the show comfortably.Jackson,Mississippi had a couple of singers on hand to keep the crowd entertained including Tina Diamond.
My good friend Bill Coday did his part and thrilled the fans with "Get Your Lie Straight".Of course the fans didn't care about getting wet when Billy Soul Bonds performed "Scat,Cat Here Kitty,Kitty" and Vick Allen got much love as he performed his smash hit "Baby Come Back Home".
The highlight of the show for me was the performance by The Legendary Bobby Blue Bland.It was first announced that he might not perform but when the band begin setting up we all knew that The Legend wasn't going to disappoint the faithful fans who by now had to be soaking wet including myself.He was led to the stage by several uniformed police officers and the sight would remind you of the president being led by his security staff.He recieved the biggest ovation of the night as Bobby O'Jay introduced him to the crowd.He opened up his performance with "Stormy Monday"(stormy Wedensday would have been more appropiate) and I looked toward the crowd and some of these folks were standing in the rain without an umbrella listening to the legend perform.I've seen some loyal fans in my lifetime but to see these fans at that moment wasn't like anything that I've seen before.The entire WDIA staff were also enjoying this particular performance as well.Bobby O'Jay,Steve Ladd,Fred Moore,Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton weren't fazed by the rain at all.He sampled a string of his classic hits as he brought his performance to an end.He received another huge roar from the faithful fans who really showed their appreciation for him not letting them down.With the recent deaths of so many of our beloved artists I always treasure performances by legends such as Bobby Blue Bland.I hope and pray that he will be around for a long time so he can continue to bless us with his music.He was truly the sunshine on this rainy day.
I want to apologize to the other artists for having a very abbreviated review but I really couldn't cover this show like I normally do.I had no idea that it would be outside and I sure wasn't prepared for a thunderstorm.I would like to commend all the artists for braving the elements and giving the fans a wonderful show despite the bad weather.To the staff of WDIA you all are truly a dedicated and loyal organization.Most promoters would have canceled this show but you all were determined to see it through and I must say it was a job well done.Your hardwork and efforts were truly appreciated by myself and all the fans in attendance.For information on the remainder of "THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR" please go to www.am1070wdia.com Despite the bad weather I really enjoyed myself and like always I wanted to share it all 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