The 2008 Music Line
Up..
|
BRYAN LEE: A New Orleans Blues Institution ....
Bryan played at the Old Absinthe Bar, (on Bourbon Street NOLA) for 15 years
during the 80’ and 90’s . This was a gig that went a long way to establish New
Orleans as a blues town as well as the granddaddy of jazz. Guitarist and leader
of the Jump Street Five Band at the time, Bryan Lee was faithful to his loyal
fans and the music. Today Bryan Lee is still going strong, touring across the
US, Canada and Europe playing the blues with the Blues Power Band.
He recently had the honor of performing with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on his newest
CD/DVD release Ten Days Out. Along with Kenny, Bryan had the distinct honor and
pleasure of being on stage with Pine Top Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Flett ,
and Willie Big Eyes Smith. Bryan, Kenny and his band were also guests on
NBC's Tonight show with Jay Leno on Feb. 14, of 2007. Bryan also had the honor
of performing for BB King in 2005 for his birthday.
"People used to ask me why are you working so hard at all these stupid little
bars, who cares?" "But hey," Bryan said, "there are people who care.
I have to be sincere about it. In all walks of life you search for
sincerity and there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of it."
Born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Lee completely lost his eyesight by the age of
eight. His avid interest in early rock and blues was fostered through the 1950s
by late night listening sessions via the Nashville-based radio station WLAC AM,
where he first encountered the sounds of Elmore James, Albert King and Albert
Collins.
By his late teens, Lee was playing rhythm guitar in a regional band called
The Glaciers that covered Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry
material. Through the 1960s, Lee's interest turned to Chicago blues and he soon
found himself immersed on that scene, opening for some of his boyhood heroes.
Today Lee continues to perform in New Orleans. He also tours several times a
year in the Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, Rocky Mountain States and recently
Europe.
Recent Career Highlights:
2005: BB Kings birthday party:
personally invited to perform .
2006: “Ten Days Out, Blues from the Back Roads”, with Kenny Wayne
Shepard which Featured Bryan and his original tune “Tina Marie”.
2007: Jay Leno Show, Feb 14; performed “Tina Marie” with KWS. -
2007: Won German Record Critics Award.
2008: Tavis Smiley Show (PBS) Feb. 6; performed “Tina Marie” with KWS.
2008: Nominated for
3 Blues Awards:
Best Male Artist - Best Blues Band - Best
Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, "Katrina Was Her Name."
“One listen to Bryan Lee and you’ll be
wondering where this man has been hiding himself. His solid rock guitar
lines and his powerhouse vocals are delivered with a refreshing sense
wide open control. While there nothing timid about Bryan’s music, there
is also never a sense of chaos, no matter what the tempo. Bryan
understands that it is the quiet
places in the blues that make
statements, yet every once in awhile you’ve got to remind people about
the pent up energy encased within those moments of silence. Bryan does
both like a master storyteller”. - Brett Bonner-Living Blues
“Bryan Lee is one of the best bluesman I have ever
heard” - Eric Clapton
“One day too, Bryan, you will be a living legend”
- Muddy Waters
“Nobody plays
the real blues anymore, but you, me and BB” -
Buddy Guy
|
|
DAMON FOWLER ...
Blind Pig Records,
has announced the signing
of young guitar phenom Damon Fowler.
Born and raised in Brandon Florida just outside of Tampa, Damon first
picked up the guitar at the age of 12. After being shown a few chords,
it was apparent that he was a natural. While his friends were listening
to the music flavor of the month, Damon was digging into the Blues, and
was soon playing small clubs in and around the Tampa Bay area. Years
later with thousands of shows behind him, you've got one of the most
unique and seasoned acts on the national circuit.
Damon has been invited to many
major festivals, and has graced the
stage with the best in the business. He has three successful CD's under
his belt, and is currently working on a fourth.
His playing, writing, and vocal ability has brought him many accolades.
His latest include Creative Loafing magazines "Best Guitarist, Best
Lap-Steel player, Best Do-Bro player, & Best Slide player", all rolled
into one tight package. Damon has been touring the country since
November 2004, and has built a dedicated fan base throughout. Current
lineup is Damon on guitar and vocals, Chuck Riley on bass, and Scott Key
on drums.
Reviewing a performance last month
in Illinois, Juke Joint Soul said, "Fowler's heavy
helping of swamp rock and slide guitar blues conjured up a huge
lightning storm. Having full command of his voice as an equal
instrument to his guitar, Fowler can easily croon you to sleep as he
could belt out a jump blues or a Creedence-like swamper. This kid has got the tools to take on
the big stage."
Fowler's guitar work has been
compared to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck,
while his slide guitar has a hint of the late Duane Allman.
He can play fiery guitar runs with the best of them, but it's his
lyrical work on lap steel and Dobro that makes him stand out among a
legion of guitar players.
THE
DAMON FOWLER BAND, has performed with and /or
opened for:
B.B. King, Barnard Allison, Bo Diddley, Bob Margolin, Buddy Guy, Chris Duarte, Coco Montoya, Delbert McClinton, Derek Trucks,
Edgar Winter, Greg Allman (Allman Brothers), Hard Rock Cafe Allstar Band, Hootie & The Blowfish, Hubert Sumlin, JeffBeck,
Jeff Healy, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Bonnamassa, Johnny Winter, Junior Brown, Kim Simmons of Savoy Brown, Larry Coreyell, Leroy
Parnell, Little Feat, Medeski, Martin, & Wood, Michael Burks, Molly Hatchet, Pat Travers, The Radiators, Rick Derringer, Rick
Neilsen of Cheap Trick, Robin Trower, Shameka Copeland, Simple Plan, Smokin' Joe Kubeck, Son Seals, Tab Benoit, Tinsley Ellis,
BEST
GUITARIST - SLIDE GUITARIST - LAP STEEL PLAYER - AND DOBRO PLAYER:
Best of Tampa 2007
Critics' Pick
|
 JANIVA
MAGNESS ....
The
story of award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness’ rise to the top of the
blues world and beyond is a testament to the redemptive power of music
and the human spirit. Possessing a rich, soulful voice and absolute
command over her material, Magness is an incredibly gifted performer who
can lead her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest
sorrow to overwhelming joy. A survivor of an impossibly rough childhood,
Magness’ life experience informs her music in a way that is brutally
honest, emotionally moving and, above all, spiritually healing. Winner
of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female
Artist Of The Year, Magness has seven solo recordings to her credit and
has made guest appearances on CDs by R.L. Burnside and many others. Her
presence on stage is legendary, as she performs 200 nights a year at
clubs, festivals, and concert halls all over the world. And, in April
2008, she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait co-headlining Bluzapalooza,
the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops. The
story continues with her Alligator Records debut CD,
What Love Will Do.
What
Love Will Do,
co-produced by Magness along with Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Meredith
Brooks, Dan Hicks), features 13 powerful songs, each imbued with Magness’
expressive emotional depth. Magness reaches heights only hinted at in
her previous recordings, interpreting new material written especially
for her and songs from Little Milton, Tina Turner, Bill Withers, Al
Green, Candi Staton, Dorothy Moore and Marvin Gaye. Her impassioned
singing takes each song from deep within her being and projects it out
directly into the heart and soul of her audience, making
What Love Will Do
essential listening for blues, roots, rock and soul
music lovers everywhere.
According to Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, signing Magness was a
natural move for the label. “I’ve been watching Janiva over the last few
years and seeing her mature into a major artist. Her deep, subtle
understanding of blues and R&B music is obvious in every note she sings.
Plus, her live performances simply captivate the audience. She’s a
wonderful addition to the Alligator roster, and will prove to be one of
today’s and tomorrow’s crucial roots music voices.”
Winner
of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female
Artist Of The Year.
2008 Nominee for Blues Music Award, "B.B. King Entertainer of the
Year."
"A Superb, powerhouse R&B singer who delivers blues and soul with
show-stopping authority.
– Los
Angeles Daily News
"Seeing
Janiva Magness live for the first time was exhilarating and refreshing.
These days it's rare to see a performer put their "all" into their
performance, as Janiva does." -
Bettye
LaVette
"Janiva
Magness always knocks me out because she has such style and poise on
stage and she hits every note she sings just right, perfect every time."
- Charlie Musselwhite
"Janiva
sings with a rare conviction. She will not be denied."
- Delbert McClinton
"Magness is in possession of a
supreme set of pipes and is arguably one of the more talented female
vocalists to emerge of late, an opinion shared by more than a few."
"She rocks with a sexual
vitality and power not heard in years. Honest, soulful and seductive."
- BluesWax
"Janiva Magness contains some
of the most powerful and mature vocal chords I’ve heard in my reviewing
days. Her voice is sultry, smoky, and strong with jazz, blues, and soul
textures enveloping it." -
Singer Magazine
|
DEB and THE DYNAMICS
...
Deb Salyer, a Connecticut born musician was raised in a music
loving family, she says can't remember when she wasn't singing or
playing music. Deb was putting bands together at the age of twelve and
at the age of sixteen she was introduced to the music that would put a
hold on her for the next twenty five years "The Blues".
"The Blues Finds You, You Don't Find It", she explains, "It's Like
Falling In Love".
Inspired by musicians like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, she fronted her
own band at the age of sixteen, "The Blues Messengers".
At eighteen with the help of a Hartford Ct. agency, Deb went on the road
with a band that toured from Maine to Texas, it was an all woman show
band called "Sugar". Just out of high school it was a chance to make a
steady salary playing music and get some road experience.
Deb said good by to that part of her life and soon met her husband to
be. While living in Michigan with her new husband, Deb organized another
band and decided to headed back out on the road. It was in Virginia that
she came across another all woman all original band, "MOXXIE" in this
band Deb would be the lead singer and lay down her Bass for a few years.
She was able to collaborate on the originals. They put a lot of time
into their songs and on their second gig, they opened for Rock Great's,
"Emmerson Lake and Palmer" at the Hampton Coliseum. Her next
project put her and guitarist Deborah Coleman from "MOXXIE" in a power
trio named, "Mis' Behaven" a group that set the audience's on fire,
winning showcases for major labels and opening for acts like Delbert
McClinton and KoKo Taylor. They had a ball for about three years and
eventually went their separate ways.
Deb then started her own nine piece R & B Band, "The R & B All-stars",
playing that old stax stuff and music from the Temps and Otis, she
couldn't help but learn how to lay the pocket down. This band would have
her doing shows with The Beach Boys, The Spinners, Huey Lweis and The
News and Percy Sledge. Four years later and after playing with what she
calls some of the soulfulist people she ever met, the band splits
up. More than eight years later, they still get together on special
occasions to play.
After moving to Florida Deb got a call from her friend Deborah Coleman
asking her to go on tour, Coleman had gotten a contract with Blind Pig
Records and now eight years later she was playing Bass again with
Coleman. Playing sold out shows not only in the USA but Europe and
Japan, Deb toured with Coleman for four years and is on her last two
albums "Living on Love" and "The Life in California Soul Be It".
Deb & The Dynamics are a high energy blues, soul, and “goodtime music”
band. Bassist and lead vocalist Deb Salyer brings years of big stage,
concert, and international tour experience to their live shows. Drawing
from her vintage blues influences like Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters
and many others Deb's powerful, expressive voice and driving bass lines
are the catalyst for every Deb & The Dynamics concert.
Co-founders of the band Graham (spider) Fineout (drums, guitar, vocals)
and Newt Cole (sax & vocals) bring years of top level blues, jazz and
rock pedigree to the mix and combine to give the Dynamics their vintage
blues & soul sound. In addition to his classic and relentless grooves
Fineout also enjoys a stellar reputation as an amazing guitarist and
front man. Cole who anchored the horn sections in several of the Detroit
areas most celebrated R&B bands adds the necessary spice and overall
punch to the Dynamics sound.
Rounding out the group are Rick Russell (keyboards, harp & vocals) who
weaves funky counter rhythms inside and under the grooves, while adding
growling harmonica solos throughout the show, and Mike Schvenski (guitar
& vocals), a dynamic, six string powerhouse who has been wowing crowds
in Southwest Florida for years with Cobalt Blues, Cleanhead, and The
Mambo Brothers.
Don Hulgas is the newest member to join the Dynamics. He has proved to
be a wonderful addition, playing shimmering sax solos, solid percussion
all the while projecting wonderfully exuberant stage presence.
Together Deb & The Dynamics have consistently delivered high energy
shows to enthusiastic audiences for the last four years, wherever they
play in the Southwest Florida area.
|
|
 JULIE
BLACK .... aka "Angel for Blues"
...
is one of the
most exciting new female performers in the Blues & Jazz genres. She's a
dynamic vocalist, commanding your attention with deep & powerful tones
one minute, then seducing you with velvety steam-soaked sounds the next.
Julie's also an extremely talented songwriter who delivers her tales
with power, finesse and passion! Her songs reflect a passion for Blues
while incorporating flavors of other musical genres. The result is a
signature sound all her own.
Now a resident of
the Tampa Bay Area, she has been singing since she was a small child
growing up in the rural area of Illinois. Her musical taste was
defined early in life, when she fell in love with Solomon Burke's 45
record Cry To Me. By the age of twelve she was crafting her
own songs, a skill that flourished into adulthood.
Julie is an
artist in every sense of the word. She is a prolific songwriter who
finds inspiration everywhere. Julie has written well over 500 songs
and continues to write more each day. She's also a painter &
sculptor and loves to explore other forms of creative expression.
Julie performs
with her band of talented musicians; each of them artists in their
own right. Creativity abounds accented by their diverse musical
backgrounds. Band members include; Michael Johnn -keys, Dave
Eichenberger -guitar & vocals, "Jungle Denny" McCarthy -drums &
vocals, and "Father Bill" Spicuglia -bass.
Year 2007 marked
the release of Julie Black's debut album: Call Me Angel for Blues,
released by indie label BOJA. Truly a creative feat, it features
all original music and art by Julie. The CD was produced, mixed &
engineered by Bob Langford and mastered by Rodney Mills, both music
veterans who have worked with a multitude of legendary artists.
Julie Black has
appeared on NBC & CBS television, radio & print media. She has
performed at many Blues & Jazz Festivals, Art Exhibitions, Specialty
Events and Quality Music Venues. Call Me Angel for Blues is
receiving national and international airplay and has earned great
reviews! Julie's music snatches up your soul, pulls at your heart
and leaves you shaken. This is music you can feel...
“... she
has strong natural talents (both as a singer and a writer)…I’m an
unabashed fan of Angel for Blues…”
-George Willett- Twelve Bar Rag/ Suncoast Blues Society
“I have
not heard your style in such a classy way in so many years. Your
music is very strong, your vocals are incredible…the band is just
fabulous!” -Dave
Nemeth/ NBC Daytime
“Call Me
Angel for Blues… announces a major singing and songwriting talent in
Florida's Julie Black…. The players and arrangements are excellent,
and Black is a confident, expressive singer. Angel is beautiful.”
-Blues Revue
Magazine
“Call
Me Angel for Blues” has to be the debut of the year…”
- Blues Critic
Media
“... I
LOVE it. You are a rare talent, not only with your voice, but
the heart of your soul shines in the songs you write and that
make you a treasure indeed! Your songs are so welcome in a genre
where most of the great stuff we hear are deranged covers. You
have one of the freshest, unique sounds I have heard in a long
time. Thanks for keeping the Blues alive with your distinct
style!"
-- Joy
Craig/ Baton Rouge Blues Society
|
SEAN CHAMBERS ...
Sean Burns up
the fret board like few can, playing with power and intensity that has
earned him comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Billy
Gibbons among others. Chambers grew up listening to blues guitar legends
such as Freddie and Albert King, BB King, Howlin Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and
Muddy Waters to name a few. Today those influences come through in
Sean's style of play and stage performance both instrumentally and
vocally.
In 1998 Chambers was asked to fill in as Hubert Sumlin's guitarist at
The "Bluesstock" Festival in Memphis, TN. The two hit it off amazingly
well and had a unique and obvious chemistry together. Chambers would
find himself acting as Sumlin's guitarist and band leader for the next
four years, performing at festivals and clubs in most of the major
markets around the U.S. as well as touring overseas with Sumlin. After
his time with Hubert, ("His school" as he calls it) guitarist Sean
Chambers headed out on his own, releasing two critically acclaimed cd's
and garnering recognition as one of the top blues rock guitar players in
the country. In 2001, Britain's Guitarist Magazine named Sean as one of
the 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of all time. Pretty heady for someone
still in his early thirties! If you like your blues blazin hot, this
trio will definitely light your fire!
Chambers continues to develop his powerful style on his October 2005 CD
release "Humble Spirits", which showcases his musical evolution
beyond the standard blues idiom. Produced by industry veteran Bud Snyder
(Allman Brothers / Gov't Mule), the album features several notable
musicians including Bernard Allison, Frankie & Danny Toler (Allman
Brothers), Bobby T. Torello (Johnny Winter), along with Greg Allman Band
alumnus Bruce Waibel. Sadly, Bruce unexpectedly passed away while still
recording the sessions with Sean, and Humble Spirits is dedicated in
Bruce's memory.
Here are some other artists Sean has shared the stage with:
BB King, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat, Double
Trouble, Otis Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Govt Mule, Charlie Musselwhite,
Kim Simmons, Tab Benoit, Jimmy Thackery, Jeff Healey, Derek Trucks,
Bernard Allison, (also appears on Seans latest release "Humble Spirits")
Ronnie Baker Brooks, North American Allstars, Stone Temple Piolts,
Leslie West, Georgia Sattelites, Rick Derringer, Pat Travers, David
Allen Coe, Mitch Rider & The Detroit wheels, Little Milton, James
Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big eyes Smith, Kim Wilson, Hubert
Sumlin, Bobby Blue Bland, Chris Duarte, Walter Trout, Big Bill
Morganfield, Koko Taylor, Ike Turner, Magic Slim, Bo Diddley, Robert
Cray.
Sean doesn't merely
play the guitar as much as he boldly attacks the instrument with a fluid
ferocity and attitude that makes one stop dead in their tracks! "The
most impressive Blues debut since SRV's Texas Flood." -
Europe's Total Guitar
Britain's
Guitarist Magazine,
named Sean as one of the 50 Greatest Blues
Guitarists of all time.
|
|
DOG FISH ...
If you step out on any given weekend to catch
some live music, chances are you'll find DOGFISH, one of the best bands
to emerge out of the hot music scene on Pine Island.
Whether its a packed Friday night at Froggie’s, an
afternoon show at the The Ragged Ass Saloon, or a mellow sunset show at
the Olde’ Fish House Marina in Matlacha, DOGFISH plays a
unique blend of blues and rock that appeals to all ages.
Founder TJ Brown, is the heart
and soul of DOGFISH. The self described “oldest 30 year old on Pine
Island”, Brown is the band’s front man and creative leader. Whether
it’s a tune right off the charts, or one of his many original blues
compositions, TJ proves to be one of the most talented singers on the
Island.
The “old guy” of the band is
Les Szigethy, bassist and keyboards. An experienced professional
musician with a graduate degree in music, Les brings with him years of
experience that has taken him from the casinos of Atlantic City, to
symphony orchestras, and various nightclubs around the country.
Benny Daidone is without a doubt
the hardest working drummer on Pine Island. An experienced musician
with years of performing under his belt, Benny drives DOGFISH
with an energy that that is obvious the moment you first watch him
play.
Greg Koza brings a roots based
edge to their music as an accomplished blues harpist. “Dr. Koza”, who
teaches science during the day, has sat in and played with most of the
bands who play the Pine Island music scene. He can always be counted on
to add his wailing harmonica leads that are the heart of the blues.
The band is augmented at various
times from the pool of talented musicians on Pine Island. Joining
Dogfish for the show is John Swaiko, tenor sax, and Brad Rodgers,
keyboards. If you haven’t had a chance to
listen to DOGFISH before, this will be a perfect occasion to hear them
at their best. This is a band that may very well be one of the best
upcoming bands in the area. They bring a solid blues and soulful
sound to each performance, you can rest assured these guys aim to
please.
|
|
Stage Times for Scheduled Acts |
| Elementary School Choir
............ Dog Fish ....................................
Sean Chambers .......................
Julie Black ..................................
Deb and The Dynamics ..............
Janiva Magnus
............................
Damon Fowler Group ................
Bryan Lee ................................... |
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm 12:55 pm - 1:25 pm
1:40 pm - 2:45 pm
3:00 pm - 4:05 pm
4:20 pm - 5:25 pm
5:40 pm – 6:40 pm
6:55 pm - 8:05 pm
8:20 pm – 9:30 pm |
|
Artists and
their stage times
are subject to change without further notice.
|
|
|
FOR INFORMATION:
Regarding what to do, where to stay or just good people
to do business with while on Pine Island or while in The Greater
Pine Island Area, Please Visit our
Friends who eagerly support this event , by clicking
anywhere on this link..
|
Festival Contacts
|
