"THE YOUNG GUNS TOUR 2006"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.2006 has been one incredible ride for me.I've had the opportunity to meet and see some of today's biggest blues and southern soul artists perform for the very first time.So in just a few short months I've probably seen more shows and artists than all of 2005 combined.Artists in the past have offered me backstage passes before but I'm just a true dedicated fan so I felt I had no reason to be backstage.Fast forward to July 1,2006."The Young Guns Tour 2006" officially began in Mobile,Alabama.Herman Wilson and Keith Miles are working very hard behind the scenes to be a part of Southern Soul history.They allowed me acess backstage so I could cover this show.I want to thank them for allowing me this opportunity.I usually do my reviews sitting in the crowd with the rest of the best group ever assembled,you the fans of this blues and southern soul thang.Well my first instinct was to try and be very business like because you are in the presence of record excecutives,promoters and the artist themselves.
As I sat backstage I began observing the musicans and some of the band members from various artists.There was plenty of laughter and even some alcohol consumption and I still refused to relax.Well all that changed when I spotted Jackie Neal's two beautiful twin sisters.Charlene and Darlene Neal are two of the most wonderful people in the world.This was my first opportunity to meet them.When I put my arms around the two of them I got that same feeling that I had when I put my arms around Jackie.Those two pretty faces with smiles to match made me loosen up. It seems like every review I mention Jackie Neal's name and the sight of her two sisters took me back again to the first and only time that I saw her perform.Her nephew Tyree Neal came over and Charlene and Darlene introduced us.We all took a couple of photos together and I told them how much I really loved Jackie.I don't think that I will ever get over the loss of our beloved Jackie Neal.If I had decline the opportunity to sit backstage I probably would have never had the chance to meet this wonderful family.I just wanted to share this before I began my review.Meeting them was one of the highlights for me on this night.So 2006 continues to be one hell of a ride for me.
The setting was The Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds in Mobile,Alabama. The scheduled lineup for this groundbreaking show was Nathaniel Kimble,Kenne' Wayne,T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Jeff Floyd and Sir Charles Jones.The crowd wasn't nearly as large as I had anticipated.With a roster of big name artists I was hoping to see a bigger crowd.There were plenty of vendors on hand and the smell of good southern food filled the air.The people in attendance were all enjoying the music provided by the local DJ's and this set the tone for the show.I was joined at this show by the founder and current moderator of the best blues and southern soul group(Down-Home-Blues-Group) on the internet,MZ. Honey(Verna) and MZ Teena.Also in attendance from the dhbg was the Godfather of blues and southern soul radio,Jerry "Boogie" Mason.This was my first time meeting them also.I was walking with camera in hand when MZ. Honey spotted me.I went over to the gate and gave her the biggest hug and kiss that I could.I've always like this genre of music but when I joined this group my passion grew deeper,so I would like to thank you MZ. Honey for the passion.I also gave Boogie a big hug also.Its his website that informs so many fans and help so many artists launch their music,that inspired me to start my website for the fans of this genre of music.So thank you Boogie for the inspiration.Mz. Honey and MZ Teena were comfortable right down by the stage and Boogie along with DJ Quiet Storm was bringing up the rear with his toys(cameras) for reporting.With the Godmother and Godfather of the down-home-blues-group(dhbg)present and me still melting from being held by Charlene and Darlene Neal,sit back fans and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first "YOUNG GUN" to perform was my man T.K. Soul and the ladies as always were ready for the bad boy of southern soul.I positioned myself down front by the stage to get some closeup photos.He opened his performance with "Meet Me At The Spot" and the women down front were already on their feet.I glanced over to checkout MZ. Honey and she was into his show as well.He and his band went into a dance routine and this received a nice ovation from the crowd.After a few closeup photos I made my way backstage.His next song was "My Kind Of Girl" and T.K. was performing at a high level so I could tell that he was really trying to get the crowd pumped up for this show.His next two songs were "Ring My Bell" and "If You Don't Want Me" and they were crowd pleasers as well.For his next song,"Real Love" he was joined on stage by his niece and this girl didn't come to play.I've seen them do this song before but on this day in Mobile she gave a gut wrenching performance.She received a huge ovation for her performance."Where Jody Stay" was his next song and when T.K. began to simulate a knock on the door the crowd erupted.It was as though the people in Mobile hadn't seen that one before or they just loved it because T.K. was doing it,whatever the reason the crowd simply loved it."Cheatin And Lying" had everyone up and dancing.He closed his performance with my personal favorite "My Life".While performing this song two more dhbg members arrived.Recording artist,Kenne' Wayne and his brother Kirk Landry who also plays guitar for Kenne' arrived backstage.I had never met them before.We introduced ourselves and again I thought to myself if I weren't backstage this chance meeting probably wouldn't have happened.After T.K. exited the stage we took a couple of photos together and was even joined by Kenne' for a couple.Already "The Young Guns Tour 2006" was shaping up to be my best show ever.
The next "YOUNG GUN" to hit the stage was my homeboy(Mississippi native),Nathaniel Kimble.I've seen his show a couple of times but I've never had the chance to meet him.Again I positioned my self down front to get some closeup photos.He opened his performance with "Let Me Live My Life" and this was a nice catchy tune that got the crowd up and dancing.His next song was "Ride The Brown Horse" and again this was an upbeat song that kept the folks out their lawn chairs.My homeboy was really working the crowd with his performance.I made way back stage to watch the rest of his performance.He changed the tempo with his next song,"I'm Gonna Wait" is a nice slowed down song that allowed Nathaniel to display his soulful vocals and it also allowed for him to ad-lib with the crowd.Staying true to his peers in the industry he displayed his licker(tounge) for all the females to see and staying even more true were the females who loved it.He switched gears again with his next song,"Please Don't Go" was another uptempo song which set well with the people in attendance.It was at that moment that I realized that his music is better suited for people who like to cut a rug or who simply just love to jook.These southern soul artists today are very smart entertainers.A Tyrone Davis song can move a mountain so you know when the music began for T.D.'s "Sure Wasn't Me" the crowd went wild.He closed his performance with his biggest hit to date "Can U Bagg It Up" and believe me some grown folks dancing really began.I won't even go into details but just take my word it was some GROWN FOLK BAGGIN IT UP.Nathaniel displayed a lot of energy with his performance and I don't know if he felt like he had to match T.K.'s earlier performance or not but he did put on a great show for the people in Mobile and the fans were very appreciative.While Nathaniel was performing O.B. Buchana arrived backstage.We took some photos together and some with Charlene and Darlene Neal.Nathaniel joined us on a couple as well.
The next "YOUNG GUN" to perform was the oldest of the "YOUNG GUNS".Kenne' Wayne was on next and I have been waiting a long time for this performance.Kenne' has a strong fan base in the Mississippi Delta but I can't ever recall him performing in this area before.I hope that all of that will change eventually.I positioned myself again down front to get some closeup photos.When he walked out on stage nearly all in attendance were on their feet and the section of women standing by me were all screaming.Just the presence of Kenne' had the crowd pumped and Kenne' was very appreciative for the reception he received.I glanced over to MZ. Honey and she had a BIG KOOL-AID smile on her face.His first song was "Can I Be Your Man" and the ladies in attendance were more than willing to oblige.When I see an artist perform for the very first time the first thing that I observe are the artists live vocals.He has an amazing soulful delivery.His next song "Love Down" got the people in Mobile out of their seats.Kenne' just like the artists before him was exerting an aboundant amount of energy with his performance."The Young Guns" theme was working its mojo again.He slowed his performance down with his next song "Gonna Miss You".This nice smooth melody sounded just like a Johnnie Taylor cut,damn good.I made my way backstage to catch the rest of his performance.His next song was a terrific rendition of Z.Z. Hill's "Down Home Blues" and this brought EVERYBODY to their feet.The blues was alive and kicking in Mobile,Alabama and Kenne' Wayne was bringing it big time.There was plenty of foot-stomping and hand-clapping going on.MZ Honey and MZ Teena were having a blast as I glanced at them from the stage."My Angel" was his next song and I have to give big props to Kenne'.He is a member of the dhbg family and for this song he directed his attention to MZ. Honey who was up and standing.It was very heart-warming to watch as Kenne' was singing this song to her.He had all the women swooning with this cut.His next song was "A & B Conversation" and the chemistry between Kenne' and Sonja Williams on this cut was magnificent.They ad-lib with the crowd and this kept everyone into his performance.Once again his smooth laid back delivery was on display on this cut and his soulful voice filled the air.He closed his performance with my personal favorite"The Party Ain't Over".Before he exited stage left he gave the women in attendance a thrill.He displayed his "LICKA STICKA"(tounge) for the ladies and the women went wild.Kenne' Wayne is a very gifted singer with an amazing voice.He is cut from the same cloth as Johnnie Taylor.After his performance we took a couple of more photos and I talked with him and his brother Kirk briefly.We vowed to stay in touch and I told him that the Mississippi Delta is waiting on him.GREAT PERFORMANCE!
The next "YOUNG GUN" to perform was my homeboy(actually born in my hometown)O.B. Buchana.This is one of the coolest cats on the face of the earth.A Gentle Giant is the best way to describe him.He allowed me to just be myself and we really got along very well.He took the time to pose for many photos and to just be in his presence made me feel like I was with my Dawg Pound members.Once again I posted down front to get some closeup photos.MZ. Honey is a big O.B. Buchana fan and she was definetly ready for his performance.He had the best entrance of the night.With a smoke filled stage "The Gentle Giant" of southern soul made his way on stage and Mobile,Alabama showed him much love.Everybody were still on their feet and the mode for this show was pure electricity.A Grown Folks party was about to begin and O.B. Buchana was the guest of honor.His first song was "I'm In Love" and "Booty Scoot" had fans up and dancing."It's Over" allowed O.B. to showcase his deep soulful baritone voice,and you can see the influence that Tyrone Davis actually had on him."You Can Be A Fool And Don't Know It" sounded like another cut from the early Tyrone Davis years.His next song"Like My Woman" was from his new cd and the men and women were feeling this cut.The highlight of his performance was when him and his hype man was joined on stage by a female fan.Like a feather they picked her up in the air and O.B. spreaded her legs over his shoulder and began to simulate his version of "Candy Licking",Marvin Sease eat your damn heart out.I hadn't seen that before.He did portions of his other big hits like"Back Up Lover","Thats My Bad","I Can't Choose" and a song from his new cd "Let Me Sleep With My Head In It".He Closed his performance with "I Got Caught".I came to Mobile a big fan of O.B. but I left a friend.
Damn good show. The next "Young Gun" to perform was Jeff Floyd.He was a local favorite and the crowd erupted when he hit the stage.His backup singers and dancers got a nice ovation from me and the rest of the guys in attendance.LAWD HAVE MERCY,those shorts that they had on were really SHORT.I can describe Jeff Floyd's whole performance with one word,POWERFUL.He opened his performance with "Swing Out On Love" followed by"Lets Git It On" and Solo's "Heaven" and his powerful voice echoed through the night."Lovin' Someone On the Outside","Boss Solo","Nobody Wants You" and "You Had It All" had the fans up and dancing."Somebody Gonna Lose A Good Woman Tonight" really showcased Jeff's ability to deliver a nice silky ballad.He closed his performance with "I've Found Love On A Lonely Highway".
BIG K9
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.2006 has been one incredible ride for me.I've had the opportunity to meet and see some of today's biggest blues and southern soul artists perform for the very first time.So in just a few short months I've probably seen more shows and artists than all of 2005 combined.Artists in the past have offered me backstage passes before but I'm just a true dedicated fan so I felt I had no reason to be backstage.Fast forward to July 1,2006."The Young Guns Tour 2006" officially began in Mobile,Alabama.Herman Wilson and Keith Miles are working very hard behind the scenes to be a part of Southern Soul history.They allowed me acess backstage so I could cover this show.I want to thank them for allowing me this opportunity.I usually do my reviews sitting in the crowd with the rest of the best group ever assembled,you the fans of this blues and southern soul thang.Well my first instinct was to try and be very business like because you are in the presence of record excecutives,promoters and the artist themselves.
As I sat backstage I began observing the musicans and some of the band members from various artists.There was plenty of laughter and even some alcohol consumption and I still refused to relax.Well all that changed when I spotted Jackie Neal's two beautiful twin sisters.Charlene and Darlene Neal are two of the most wonderful people in the world.This was my first opportunity to meet them.When I put my arms around the two of them I got that same feeling that I had when I put my arms around Jackie.Those two pretty faces with smiles to match made me loosen up. It seems like every review I mention Jackie Neal's name and the sight of her two sisters took me back again to the first and only time that I saw her perform.Her nephew Tyree Neal came over and Charlene and Darlene introduced us.We all took a couple of photos together and I told them how much I really loved Jackie.I don't think that I will ever get over the loss of our beloved Jackie Neal.If I had decline the opportunity to sit backstage I probably would have never had the chance to meet this wonderful family.I just wanted to share this before I began my review.Meeting them was one of the highlights for me on this night.So 2006 continues to be one hell of a ride for me.
The setting was The Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds in Mobile,Alabama. The scheduled lineup for this groundbreaking show was Nathaniel Kimble,Kenne' Wayne,T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Jeff Floyd and Sir Charles Jones.The crowd wasn't nearly as large as I had anticipated.With a roster of big name artists I was hoping to see a bigger crowd.There were plenty of vendors on hand and the smell of good southern food filled the air.The people in attendance were all enjoying the music provided by the local DJ's and this set the tone for the show.I was joined at this show by the founder and current moderator of the best blues and southern soul group(Down-Home-Blues-Group) on the internet,MZ. Honey(Verna) and MZ Teena.Also in attendance from the dhbg was the Godfather of blues and southern soul radio,Jerry "Boogie" Mason.This was my first time meeting them also.I was walking with camera in hand when MZ. Honey spotted me.I went over to the gate and gave her the biggest hug and kiss that I could.I've always like this genre of music but when I joined this group my passion grew deeper,so I would like to thank you MZ. Honey for the passion.I also gave Boogie a big hug also.Its his website that informs so many fans and help so many artists launch their music,that inspired me to start my website for the fans of this genre of music.So thank you Boogie for the inspiration.Mz. Honey and MZ Teena were comfortable right down by the stage and Boogie along with DJ Quiet Storm was bringing up the rear with his toys(cameras) for reporting.With the Godmother and Godfather of the down-home-blues-group(dhbg)present and me still melting from being held by Charlene and Darlene Neal,sit back fans and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first "YOUNG GUN" to perform was my man T.K. Soul and the ladies as always were ready for the bad boy of southern soul.I positioned myself down front by the stage to get some closeup photos.He opened his performance with "Meet Me At The Spot" and the women down front were already on their feet.I glanced over to checkout MZ. Honey and she was into his show as well.He and his band went into a dance routine and this received a nice ovation from the crowd.After a few closeup photos I made my way backstage.His next song was "My Kind Of Girl" and T.K. was performing at a high level so I could tell that he was really trying to get the crowd pumped up for this show.His next two songs were "Ring My Bell" and "If You Don't Want Me" and they were crowd pleasers as well.For his next song,"Real Love" he was joined on stage by his niece and this girl didn't come to play.I've seen them do this song before but on this day in Mobile she gave a gut wrenching performance.She received a huge ovation for her performance."Where Jody Stay" was his next song and when T.K. began to simulate a knock on the door the crowd erupted.It was as though the people in Mobile hadn't seen that one before or they just loved it because T.K. was doing it,whatever the reason the crowd simply loved it."Cheatin And Lying" had everyone up and dancing.He closed his performance with my personal favorite "My Life".While performing this song two more dhbg members arrived.Recording artist,Kenne' Wayne and his brother Kirk Landry who also plays guitar for Kenne' arrived backstage.I had never met them before.We introduced ourselves and again I thought to myself if I weren't backstage this chance meeting probably wouldn't have happened.After T.K. exited the stage we took a couple of photos together and was even joined by Kenne' for a couple.Already "The Young Guns Tour 2006" was shaping up to be my best show ever.
The next "YOUNG GUN" to hit the stage was my homeboy(Mississippi native),Nathaniel Kimble.I've seen his show a couple of times but I've never had the chance to meet him.Again I positioned my self down front to get some closeup photos.He opened his performance with "Let Me Live My Life" and this was a nice catchy tune that got the crowd up and dancing.His next song was "Ride The Brown Horse" and again this was an upbeat song that kept the folks out their lawn chairs.My homeboy was really working the crowd with his performance.I made way back stage to watch the rest of his performance.He changed the tempo with his next song,"I'm Gonna Wait" is a nice slowed down song that allowed Nathaniel to display his soulful vocals and it also allowed for him to ad-lib with the crowd.Staying true to his peers in the industry he displayed his licker(tounge) for all the females to see and staying even more true were the females who loved it.He switched gears again with his next song,"Please Don't Go" was another uptempo song which set well with the people in attendance.It was at that moment that I realized that his music is better suited for people who like to cut a rug or who simply just love to jook.These southern soul artists today are very smart entertainers.A Tyrone Davis song can move a mountain so you know when the music began for T.D.'s "Sure Wasn't Me" the crowd went wild.He closed his performance with his biggest hit to date "Can U Bagg It Up" and believe me some grown folks dancing really began.I won't even go into details but just take my word it was some GROWN FOLK BAGGIN IT UP.Nathaniel displayed a lot of energy with his performance and I don't know if he felt like he had to match T.K.'s earlier performance or not but he did put on a great show for the people in Mobile and the fans were very appreciative.While Nathaniel was performing O.B. Buchana arrived backstage.We took some photos together and some with Charlene and Darlene Neal.Nathaniel joined us on a couple as well.
The next "YOUNG GUN" to perform was the oldest of the "YOUNG GUNS".Kenne' Wayne was on next and I have been waiting a long time for this performance.Kenne' has a strong fan base in the Mississippi Delta but I can't ever recall him performing in this area before.I hope that all of that will change eventually.I positioned myself again down front to get some closeup photos.When he walked out on stage nearly all in attendance were on their feet and the section of women standing by me were all screaming.Just the presence of Kenne' had the crowd pumped and Kenne' was very appreciative for the reception he received.I glanced over to MZ. Honey and she had a BIG KOOL-AID smile on her face.His first song was "Can I Be Your Man" and the ladies in attendance were more than willing to oblige.When I see an artist perform for the very first time the first thing that I observe are the artists live vocals.He has an amazing soulful delivery.His next song "Love Down" got the people in Mobile out of their seats.Kenne' just like the artists before him was exerting an aboundant amount of energy with his performance."The Young Guns" theme was working its mojo again.He slowed his performance down with his next song "Gonna Miss You".This nice smooth melody sounded just like a Johnnie Taylor cut,damn good.I made my way backstage to catch the rest of his performance.His next song was a terrific rendition of Z.Z. Hill's "Down Home Blues" and this brought EVERYBODY to their feet.The blues was alive and kicking in Mobile,Alabama and Kenne' Wayne was bringing it big time.There was plenty of foot-stomping and hand-clapping going on.MZ Honey and MZ Teena were having a blast as I glanced at them from the stage."My Angel" was his next song and I have to give big props to Kenne'.He is a member of the dhbg family and for this song he directed his attention to MZ. Honey who was up and standing.It was very heart-warming to watch as Kenne' was singing this song to her.He had all the women swooning with this cut.His next song was "A & B Conversation" and the chemistry between Kenne' and Sonja Williams on this cut was magnificent.They ad-lib with the crowd and this kept everyone into his performance.Once again his smooth laid back delivery was on display on this cut and his soulful voice filled the air.He closed his performance with my personal favorite"The Party Ain't Over".Before he exited stage left he gave the women in attendance a thrill.He displayed his "LICKA STICKA"(tounge) for the ladies and the women went wild.Kenne' Wayne is a very gifted singer with an amazing voice.He is cut from the same cloth as Johnnie Taylor.After his performance we took a couple of more photos and I talked with him and his brother Kirk briefly.We vowed to stay in touch and I told him that the Mississippi Delta is waiting on him.GREAT PERFORMANCE!
The next "YOUNG GUN" to perform was my homeboy(actually born in my hometown)O.B. Buchana.This is one of the coolest cats on the face of the earth.A Gentle Giant is the best way to describe him.He allowed me to just be myself and we really got along very well.He took the time to pose for many photos and to just be in his presence made me feel like I was with my Dawg Pound members.Once again I posted down front to get some closeup photos.MZ. Honey is a big O.B. Buchana fan and she was definetly ready for his performance.He had the best entrance of the night.With a smoke filled stage "The Gentle Giant" of southern soul made his way on stage and Mobile,Alabama showed him much love.Everybody were still on their feet and the mode for this show was pure electricity.A Grown Folks party was about to begin and O.B. Buchana was the guest of honor.His first song was "I'm In Love" and "Booty Scoot" had fans up and dancing."It's Over" allowed O.B. to showcase his deep soulful baritone voice,and you can see the influence that Tyrone Davis actually had on him."You Can Be A Fool And Don't Know It" sounded like another cut from the early Tyrone Davis years.His next song"Like My Woman" was from his new cd and the men and women were feeling this cut.The highlight of his performance was when him and his hype man was joined on stage by a female fan.Like a feather they picked her up in the air and O.B. spreaded her legs over his shoulder and began to simulate his version of "Candy Licking",Marvin Sease eat your damn heart out.I hadn't seen that before.He did portions of his other big hits like"Back Up Lover","Thats My Bad","I Can't Choose" and a song from his new cd "Let Me Sleep With My Head In It".He Closed his performance with "I Got Caught".I came to Mobile a big fan of O.B. but I left a friend.
Damn good show. The next "Young Gun" to perform was Jeff Floyd.He was a local favorite and the crowd erupted when he hit the stage.His backup singers and dancers got a nice ovation from me and the rest of the guys in attendance.LAWD HAVE MERCY,those shorts that they had on were really SHORT.I can describe Jeff Floyd's whole performance with one word,POWERFUL.He opened his performance with "Swing Out On Love" followed by"Lets Git It On" and Solo's "Heaven" and his powerful voice echoed through the night."Lovin' Someone On the Outside","Boss Solo","Nobody Wants You" and "You Had It All" had the fans up and dancing."Somebody Gonna Lose A Good Woman Tonight" really showcased Jeff's ability to deliver a nice silky ballad.He closed his performance with "I've Found Love On A Lonely Highway".
BIG K9