OCTOBER 24,2007:
"THE FOURTH STOP ON THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans,the last three weeks have probably been the best consecutive weeks that I've had the pleasure to experience on my blues and southern soul ride.The 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR has been an enjoyable ride thus far.Being able to relax in the middle of the work week has been so refreshing to me.My blues and southern soul ride continued on THE FOURTH STOP OF THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR."CLUB BOSS" played host to this blues and southern soul party.
When I arrived as always Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton had their sleeves rolled up and were really grinding to get prepared for tonight's show.My good friend and WDIA radio personality,Steve Ladd was also presence and giving the ladies a helping hand.Jackie and the rest of the WDIA staff have been so kind to me and I felt like I should roll my sleeves up and give them a hand but Jackie Ward with a smile on her face told me that she appreciated the offer but they had everything under control.Now that is a strong black woman she told a black man don't worry about working just sit back and relax,damn(Jackie will you marry me?)
Club Boss was truly a traditional juke joint that I was very familar with(I grew up in the Mississippi Delta) and I felt very comfortable here.It wasn't a very big place and I already knew that everyone wouldn't be able to get in tonight and it was raining outside.I actually had a chance to talk to some familar faces that I had seen on the previous shows but hadn't had the opportunity to introduce myself.
First there was DJ Willie Walker who has been responsible for all the tracks and all the sounds before and during the interlude of performers for the entire tour so far.He is a very humble and down to earth guy and I was able to finally get a photo of him(checkout my photo gallery on my website).I also met the co-sponsors for the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR,representing the Washinton Brothers Roofing were Lisa and Chillie who arrived early and had a front row seats for tonight's show.Also on hand was Jessie Dodson(Shirley Brown's keyboard player),Angelo Earl(Shirley Brown's guitar player),Star(Karen Wolfe's backup singer) and local recording artist Ms. Nickki who has been turning heads with her hit single "Just In The Nick Of Time".It was really good to converse with all of them.By now the juke joint was starting to really fill up and in a matter of minutes it was wall to wall.
My WDIA posse had assembled in VIP led by The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Mel Deberry,Kojak,Steve Ladd and Jeff Lee.My boys Marcus Water and Leon Shead(Eye Flash Film) were in the house and taking photos from all angles.My good friend "The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana was also in the house.So with my cold Bud Light in hand and my honorary Dawg Pound in the house sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The Legendary Bobby O'Jay got the party started as he introduced the first performer of the night.Local recording artist Nate Dog(No not the rapper) opened up the show and he is a regular performer at "Club Boss".He received a big ovation from the audience who was very familar with him.I didn't know much about him so I had to sit back and really observe his performance.He opened up his performance with "If You Gonna Walk On My Love" and his vocals sounded alright but it was his charisma that stood out the most.He is no stranger to the stage as he begin to ad-lib with the crowd and everyone knows when you allow the crowd to be a part of the show they will always show you some love.He left the stage area and serenaded an older woman who was sitting down front and this received another large ovation from the crowd.He returned to the stage and begin to do a rendition of "Stormy Monday" and when you are in an old style juke joint any traditional blues classic will receive a big ovation.His vocals didn't measure up to Bobby Blue Bland or Latimore's version of this blues classic but he did soulfully carry this tune.He closed his performance with "The Same Thang It Took To Get Her" and anything with a Johnnie Taylor hook can bring the house down and he really did a great job on this one.Nate Dog has the presence of a strong performer and the crowd in attendance loved his performance especially the ladies.He set a great tone for the rest of the show.
The next performer was my girl,"The Songstress",Lacee who is also a Memphis native and she got a big ovation from the crowd.I haven't seen her perform in awhile and I was glad to have this opportunity to see her perform again.She opened up her performance with a rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood" and man did she do the Queen Of Soul justice on this one.She reached way down and belted out a sultry,gut-wrenching performance.This diva brought me to my feet with this performance,it felt like church in this juke joint.She closed her performance with her new single titled "Groove".She told the fans that she was feeling good and actually asked a fan down front to undo the straps on her shoes as she kicked them off and left the stage area.She had everyone up and getting their groove on.Lacee has always been one of my favorite divas and I hate I don't get to see her perform often.Before she exited the stage she acknowledge all her family and friends who were in attendance and they made some serious noise as she left the stage.Great performance!
The next performer was B&J recording artist Kelvin Wilson.I met him on the second stop of the WDIA juke joint tour when he sang backup for Karen Wolfe but on this night it was his time to shine as a solo artist.He opened up his performance with "Daytime Wit A Flashlight" which is a nice sleeky tune with a great southern soul vibe.He closed his performance with "Pink Paintbrush" and he really had the crowd into his performance.Several women came down front and extended their hands to him and like a seasoned performer he was able to oblige every extended hand and continue to carry his song.With Bill and Anna Coday guidance at B&J Records I see some good things with the "Flashlight Man"(Remember who gave you that name).
The next performer was the diva Barbara Carr and with all the artist that I've covered in the past I couldn't believe that this was my first opportunity to see her perform.I've been a fan of hers for years she has brought us such favorites as "The Bo Hawg Grind" and "Bone Me Like You Own Me".She received a huge ovation from the packed juke joint and she was very appreciative as she waved to the audience.She opened her performance with "Footprints On The Ceiling" and this is a cut with a traditional down home blues vibe to it.She had the juke joint rocking with this song.Some young lady grabbed me and I begin to leave my "Footprints On The Dance Floor"(Barbara if you make this a song I want some credit for the title).What would a juke joint be without a hole in the wall tribute and thats just what she did on her next song titled"It Sho Was Me At The Hole In The Wall" and again me and my dance partner begin to cut a rug on the packed dance floor.She really had this juke joint jumping an I was in an "old fashion juke joint mood".Barbara Carr is an old school diva with a sassy and gritty singing style.Her music is perfect for all who still love to visit the "hole in the wall" establishments.If I had to operate a juke joint Barbara Carr's music would definetly dominate my playlist.
The next performer on the night was the owner of the "Boss Club",Dr. O.T. Sykes.He is also a regular performer at his establishment and the crowd showed him a lot of love as he hit the stage.He opened his peformance with Johnnie Taylor's "Who's Making Love To Your Old Lady" which got the packed house again up and "jooking".His next song was a Memphis favorite,"I'm A Soul Man"(Recorded at the old Stax record company in Memphis)by the legendary duo of Sam & Dave.Everyone else performed two tracks but Dr. Sykes was feeling alright as he performed another Johnnie Taylor classic"Just Because".He wasn't ready to quit and the packed house wasn't either as he continued his JT theme with "Try Me Tonight".He closed his performance with two James Brown hits,"Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "Try Me" which really went over well with the crowd.If you live in the Memphis area or just visiting and like good live entertaiment I recommend that you drop in at "Club Boss" and hear the good Dr. O.T. Sykes do his thing.
The next performer was "The Living Legend",Marvin Sease.Of course he received the biggest ovation on the night.I haven't seen him in over a year and I've heard all kinds of conversations about his health but he appeared to be alright on this night.The noise level in this small juke joint was deafing.He was truly the artist that everyone came to see.He opened his performance with "Mr. Jody" and people were jumping up and down,you couldn't move during this performance.Young,old,black and white everyone were on their feet and making some noise.I'm glad the fans of this genre of music aren't pick pockets because with us packed in like sardines you could have lost your pants and you wouldn't even know it.He closed his performance with the southern soul classic and his signature song "Candylicker" and it was thundering inside the boss club.The place erupted as he begin to display his tickler to the fans even this elderly lady( who had to be in her 70's or 80's) made her way through the crowd(I still can't see how she managed that)and begin to drop it like it was hot.This had everyone applauding and laughing their a** off too.It was so good to see this legend still bringing us fans his wonderful gift.Like I said in an earlier review about Bobby Blue Bland,with the recent deaths of so many of our beloved artist for this genre of music I treasure the performances of legends such as Marvin Sease.He will always be one of my all time favorites and I do hope and pray that he will be around entertaining us for a lot of years.Damn good performance!
The house was starting to empty after Marvin's performance and I have to tell those who left shame on you because the next performer is definetly an artist on the rise.My homeboy,Nathaniel Kimble was up next and I can say that he is truly the one artist that has made the biggest strides on the southern soul scene.His popularity has spread nationwide and his songs have been dominating the recent radio playlists.He opened his performance with "You Make Me Happy" and the fans who stayed around gave my boy a lot of love led by my WDIA posse Bobby O'Jay,Kojak,Steve Ladd and Jeff Lee.The ladies remaining in attendance were also "happy" to see my boy on stage doing his thing.He closed his performance with the very popular southern soul classic "Can U Bagg It Up" and the elderly lady who briefly stole the show during Marvin Sease's performance again was the center of attention as she proved that even an old woman can still "bagg it up".The batteries in my camera had went down and I couldn't capture this moment for you all to see.Nathaniel Kimble has quitely put his name up their with the heavyweights in the industry, he thanked the fans who stuck around and he recieved a nice ovation from some true die hard blues and southern soul fans.
The final performer on the night was Waldoxy(Malaco group) recording artist Larome Powers.I had the opportunity to see him perform earlier in the year and I was really impressed with his vocals.He opened his performance with his hit single "Shake & Shimmey" which is very popular on the southern soul charts and the old lady who now had received celebrity status continue to provide us with some good but funny entertainment.Bless her heart because she really was having the time of her life.He closed his performance with "I Feel Like Cheating" and the remaining fans showed him some love.He has the sound of a seasoned southern soul singer and I hope under the direction of Malaco he can begin to make his mark in the industry.
This show was one of my favorites so far on this spectacular tour,"Club Boss" reminded me of the juke joint establishments back home and anytime you feel like you at home you have to be really having a wang dang doodle of a time.There was plenty of foot-stomping,hand-clapping and just plain old good wholesome fun going on in "Club Boss".This was the perfect example of "the smaller the club the bigger the party".I want to give a shout out to Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton,Dj Willie Walker,Jesse Dodson,Angelo Earl,Marcus Water,Leon Shead,Star,MS. Nickki,Lacee,Nathaniel Kimble and O.B. Buchana I really enjoyed my time with you all on this night.To the old lady who got her groove on baby thanks for those moments because I always will reflect back and get a good laugh from that.
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
"THE FOURTH STOP ON THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans,the last three weeks have probably been the best consecutive weeks that I've had the pleasure to experience on my blues and southern soul ride.The 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR has been an enjoyable ride thus far.Being able to relax in the middle of the work week has been so refreshing to me.My blues and southern soul ride continued on THE FOURTH STOP OF THE 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR."CLUB BOSS" played host to this blues and southern soul party.
When I arrived as always Jackie Ward and Juanita Burton had their sleeves rolled up and were really grinding to get prepared for tonight's show.My good friend and WDIA radio personality,Steve Ladd was also presence and giving the ladies a helping hand.Jackie and the rest of the WDIA staff have been so kind to me and I felt like I should roll my sleeves up and give them a hand but Jackie Ward with a smile on her face told me that she appreciated the offer but they had everything under control.Now that is a strong black woman she told a black man don't worry about working just sit back and relax,damn(Jackie will you marry me?)
Club Boss was truly a traditional juke joint that I was very familar with(I grew up in the Mississippi Delta) and I felt very comfortable here.It wasn't a very big place and I already knew that everyone wouldn't be able to get in tonight and it was raining outside.I actually had a chance to talk to some familar faces that I had seen on the previous shows but hadn't had the opportunity to introduce myself.
First there was DJ Willie Walker who has been responsible for all the tracks and all the sounds before and during the interlude of performers for the entire tour so far.He is a very humble and down to earth guy and I was able to finally get a photo of him(checkout my photo gallery on my website).I also met the co-sponsors for the 2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR,representing the Washinton Brothers Roofing were Lisa and Chillie who arrived early and had a front row seats for tonight's show.Also on hand was Jessie Dodson(Shirley Brown's keyboard player),Angelo Earl(Shirley Brown's guitar player),Star(Karen Wolfe's backup singer) and local recording artist Ms. Nickki who has been turning heads with her hit single "Just In The Nick Of Time".It was really good to converse with all of them.By now the juke joint was starting to really fill up and in a matter of minutes it was wall to wall.
My WDIA posse had assembled in VIP led by The Legendary Bobby O'Jay,Mel Deberry,Kojak,Steve Ladd and Jeff Lee.My boys Marcus Water and Leon Shead(Eye Flash Film) were in the house and taking photos from all angles.My good friend "The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana was also in the house.So with my cold Bud Light in hand and my honorary Dawg Pound in the house sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The Legendary Bobby O'Jay got the party started as he introduced the first performer of the night.Local recording artist Nate Dog(No not the rapper) opened up the show and he is a regular performer at "Club Boss".He received a big ovation from the audience who was very familar with him.I didn't know much about him so I had to sit back and really observe his performance.He opened up his performance with "If You Gonna Walk On My Love" and his vocals sounded alright but it was his charisma that stood out the most.He is no stranger to the stage as he begin to ad-lib with the crowd and everyone knows when you allow the crowd to be a part of the show they will always show you some love.He left the stage area and serenaded an older woman who was sitting down front and this received another large ovation from the crowd.He returned to the stage and begin to do a rendition of "Stormy Monday" and when you are in an old style juke joint any traditional blues classic will receive a big ovation.His vocals didn't measure up to Bobby Blue Bland or Latimore's version of this blues classic but he did soulfully carry this tune.He closed his performance with "The Same Thang It Took To Get Her" and anything with a Johnnie Taylor hook can bring the house down and he really did a great job on this one.Nate Dog has the presence of a strong performer and the crowd in attendance loved his performance especially the ladies.He set a great tone for the rest of the show.
The next performer was my girl,"The Songstress",Lacee who is also a Memphis native and she got a big ovation from the crowd.I haven't seen her perform in awhile and I was glad to have this opportunity to see her perform again.She opened up her performance with a rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood" and man did she do the Queen Of Soul justice on this one.She reached way down and belted out a sultry,gut-wrenching performance.This diva brought me to my feet with this performance,it felt like church in this juke joint.She closed her performance with her new single titled "Groove".She told the fans that she was feeling good and actually asked a fan down front to undo the straps on her shoes as she kicked them off and left the stage area.She had everyone up and getting their groove on.Lacee has always been one of my favorite divas and I hate I don't get to see her perform often.Before she exited the stage she acknowledge all her family and friends who were in attendance and they made some serious noise as she left the stage.Great performance!
The next performer was B&J recording artist Kelvin Wilson.I met him on the second stop of the WDIA juke joint tour when he sang backup for Karen Wolfe but on this night it was his time to shine as a solo artist.He opened up his performance with "Daytime Wit A Flashlight" which is a nice sleeky tune with a great southern soul vibe.He closed his performance with "Pink Paintbrush" and he really had the crowd into his performance.Several women came down front and extended their hands to him and like a seasoned performer he was able to oblige every extended hand and continue to carry his song.With Bill and Anna Coday guidance at B&J Records I see some good things with the "Flashlight Man"(Remember who gave you that name).
The next performer was the diva Barbara Carr and with all the artist that I've covered in the past I couldn't believe that this was my first opportunity to see her perform.I've been a fan of hers for years she has brought us such favorites as "The Bo Hawg Grind" and "Bone Me Like You Own Me".She received a huge ovation from the packed juke joint and she was very appreciative as she waved to the audience.She opened her performance with "Footprints On The Ceiling" and this is a cut with a traditional down home blues vibe to it.She had the juke joint rocking with this song.Some young lady grabbed me and I begin to leave my "Footprints On The Dance Floor"(Barbara if you make this a song I want some credit for the title).What would a juke joint be without a hole in the wall tribute and thats just what she did on her next song titled"It Sho Was Me At The Hole In The Wall" and again me and my dance partner begin to cut a rug on the packed dance floor.She really had this juke joint jumping an I was in an "old fashion juke joint mood".Barbara Carr is an old school diva with a sassy and gritty singing style.Her music is perfect for all who still love to visit the "hole in the wall" establishments.If I had to operate a juke joint Barbara Carr's music would definetly dominate my playlist.
The next performer on the night was the owner of the "Boss Club",Dr. O.T. Sykes.He is also a regular performer at his establishment and the crowd showed him a lot of love as he hit the stage.He opened his peformance with Johnnie Taylor's "Who's Making Love To Your Old Lady" which got the packed house again up and "jooking".His next song was a Memphis favorite,"I'm A Soul Man"(Recorded at the old Stax record company in Memphis)by the legendary duo of Sam & Dave.Everyone else performed two tracks but Dr. Sykes was feeling alright as he performed another Johnnie Taylor classic"Just Because".He wasn't ready to quit and the packed house wasn't either as he continued his JT theme with "Try Me Tonight".He closed his performance with two James Brown hits,"Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "Try Me" which really went over well with the crowd.If you live in the Memphis area or just visiting and like good live entertaiment I recommend that you drop in at "Club Boss" and hear the good Dr. O.T. Sykes do his thing.
The next performer was "The Living Legend",Marvin Sease.Of course he received the biggest ovation on the night.I haven't seen him in over a year and I've heard all kinds of conversations about his health but he appeared to be alright on this night.The noise level in this small juke joint was deafing.He was truly the artist that everyone came to see.He opened his performance with "Mr. Jody" and people were jumping up and down,you couldn't move during this performance.Young,old,black and white everyone were on their feet and making some noise.I'm glad the fans of this genre of music aren't pick pockets because with us packed in like sardines you could have lost your pants and you wouldn't even know it.He closed his performance with the southern soul classic and his signature song "Candylicker" and it was thundering inside the boss club.The place erupted as he begin to display his tickler to the fans even this elderly lady( who had to be in her 70's or 80's) made her way through the crowd(I still can't see how she managed that)and begin to drop it like it was hot.This had everyone applauding and laughing their a** off too.It was so good to see this legend still bringing us fans his wonderful gift.Like I said in an earlier review about Bobby Blue Bland,with the recent deaths of so many of our beloved artist for this genre of music I treasure the performances of legends such as Marvin Sease.He will always be one of my all time favorites and I do hope and pray that he will be around entertaining us for a lot of years.Damn good performance!
The house was starting to empty after Marvin's performance and I have to tell those who left shame on you because the next performer is definetly an artist on the rise.My homeboy,Nathaniel Kimble was up next and I can say that he is truly the one artist that has made the biggest strides on the southern soul scene.His popularity has spread nationwide and his songs have been dominating the recent radio playlists.He opened his performance with "You Make Me Happy" and the fans who stayed around gave my boy a lot of love led by my WDIA posse Bobby O'Jay,Kojak,Steve Ladd and Jeff Lee.The ladies remaining in attendance were also "happy" to see my boy on stage doing his thing.He closed his performance with the very popular southern soul classic "Can U Bagg It Up" and the elderly lady who briefly stole the show during Marvin Sease's performance again was the center of attention as she proved that even an old woman can still "bagg it up".The batteries in my camera had went down and I couldn't capture this moment for you all to see.Nathaniel Kimble has quitely put his name up their with the heavyweights in the industry, he thanked the fans who stuck around and he recieved a nice ovation from some true die hard blues and southern soul fans.
The final performer on the night was Waldoxy(Malaco group) recording artist Larome Powers.I had the opportunity to see him perform earlier in the year and I was really impressed with his vocals.He opened his performance with his hit single "Shake & Shimmey" which is very popular on the southern soul charts and the old lady who now had received celebrity status continue to provide us with some good but funny entertainment.Bless her heart because she really was having the time of her life.He closed his performance with "I Feel Like Cheating" and the remaining fans showed him some love.He has the sound of a seasoned southern soul singer and I hope under the direction of Malaco he can begin to make his mark in the industry.
This show was one of my favorites so far on this spectacular tour,"Club Boss" reminded me of the juke joint establishments back home and anytime you feel like you at home you have to be really having a wang dang doodle of a time.There was plenty of foot-stomping,hand-clapping and just plain old good wholesome fun going on in "Club Boss".This was the perfect example of "the smaller the club the bigger the party".I want to give a shout out to Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton,Dj Willie Walker,Jesse Dodson,Angelo Earl,Marcus Water,Leon Shead,Star,MS. Nickki,Lacee,Nathaniel Kimble and O.B. Buchana I really enjoyed my time with you all on this night.To the old lady who got her groove on baby thanks for those moments because I always will reflect back and get a good laugh from that.
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