Blues legend Lil’ Jimmy Reed for Arts Centre
Lil’ Jimmy Reed will be in action at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday (September 4) bringing some old school blues to the town.
As will be attested to by anyone who is privileged to hear his stinging guitar work, gritty vocals and haunting harmonica, Lil’ Jimmy is one of the last remaining performers of blues’ golden generation, his music embodies a real Louisiana blues tradition that goes right back to its roots in the poverty stricken Deep South.
Born in the late 1930s in Hardwood, LA, a small town outside of Baton Rouge, Leon grew up near a nightclub where Slim Harpo and Lightnin’ Slim were frequent visitors. Every night Leon absorbed the sounds of the blues wafting across the street. At six he had his own guitar, made from a cigar box, and by the time he was a teenager he was proficient on both guitar and harmonica playing in local clubs around Baton Rouge. His big break came when blues legend Jimmy Reed failed to make a date at an upscale blues club in Little Rock, Arkansas, Leon got to take his place in the band. He gave a show stopping performance, the crowd loved him and when soon after Jimmy passed away, Leon become Lil’ Jimmy Reed. He has shared the stage with B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland and in 1995 was awarded the Alabama Blues Treasure Award. He has also been awarded the Harmonica Player of the year by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. Lil’ Jimmy will be on stage at 8.30 p.m. for what promises to be a great night.
Bookings through Wexford Arts Centre; Phone: (053) 912 3764