It was a a great weekend on Beale, with an overwhelming array of talent, industry "movers and shakers", Blues fans, and friends making their way to Memphis, and "The Street", for the 2010 Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge.
After the I.B.C. competition each night, every club on Beale hosted a jam.
Thursday night for me started at The Rum Boogie, on stage jamming with Zack Harmon, and my buddy, Jared Booty, among others. That's Jared in the picture on the right. Jared was Al Green's guitarist for several years, and is currently working with Alexis Grace.
Friday night, it was down to BB King's, Where Darren J. and Blackcat Bone were hosting the jam. Blackcat Bone is Darren J. (center) on vocal and guitar, W.C. Garrison (Left) on drums, and , and Kenny Allyn (right) on bass.
They kicked off the jam, and after a few tunes, invited Brad Webb, Tony Adams, Vince Johnson and myself, along with Miranda Louise, on vocals, onto the stage. With Brads flawless guitar work, Tony Adams' deep in the pocket drumming, Vince's dynamic harp blowing, and Miranda's soulful vocals, it was a great night of deep blues.
Ran into many friends, amongst those, from Sirius/XM Radio, Bill Wax, Program Director, B.B. King's Bluesville Radio, , and Jody Stephens, Studio Manager, Ardent Studios, here in Memphis. All in all, it was a great night at BB's.
Saturday afternoon, it was back to The Rum Boogie, to do a set with Brandon Santini, Victor Wainwright, and Josh Roberts...premiere musicians, and great friends as well..
Had a great time hanging out with my running buddy, and outstanding bassist for the Tinsley Ellis Band, Burr, "The Evil One"... he's not really evil, though...except on bass!
Burr was working with Guitarist Greg Gumpel's
group at Wet Willies Saturday night.
Capped the evening off with The Eric Hughes band, at the Blues Hall.......
It was a special night....Eric, as always, performed a fantastic show, with the Eric Hughes Band...Robert "Nighthawk' Tooms, "Memphis" Mike Forrest, and covering for James Cunningham, our regular drummer, (who was out that night), Doug McMinn, and myself.
It was a special night on stage, with a "standing room only" crowd, and everyone enjoyed the night at the Blues Hall.
A special thanks to everyone who stopped by, including my special friends Johnny Holiday, Jerry Williams and Jared Booty, Jay Moore, and Elizabeth, Carrington, and Alex Wise. It was a great weekend!
