The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Shows set for Thanksgiving weekend
As we move into Thanksgiving, many clubs are having special Wednesday night events. And then after the holiday, it becomes time to dance off those extra pounds. But I am getting too far ahead. Let’s see what this week has to offer.
Black-Eyed Sally’s has a Friday show with Bob Margolin, Tyler Morris and Friends. “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin is one of the best known and most respected blues guitar players in the world today. Joining him is Tyler Morris, a dynamic growing young force in today’s blues world. Together, Margolin and Morris are an electric combination that push the music forward to some exciting new places.”
Margolin spent the time from 1973 to 1980 in Muddy Waters’ band. Now, 38 years later, he has gone worldwide as a band leader, featured guest, producer, VizzTone Label Group cofounder, author and educator. He is too young to be called an “elder,” but he sure is a beacon, a bright blue light in today and tomorrow’s blues world. So maybe we just call him a Dean in the blues.
Margolin won a 2017 Best Male Traditional Blues Artist Blues Music Award, and was 2016 Blues Blast Magazine Awards for Best Traditional Blues Album and Best Male Blues artist for his latest album “My Road.” He was a featured performer on the 2017 “The Last Waltz” 40th anniversary celebration of the concert, and can be seen next to Muddy in the film. He brought blues to this celebration 40 years later.
Tyler Morris has been playing guitar at a professional level since he was 11, and at the ripe old age of 19 is about to release his third album internationally. His latest album, “Next in Line” is on the VizzTone label. For this album, Tyler worked with Grammy Award-winning producer Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter) and incorporated guest appearances by Joe Louis Walker and the Uptown Horns.
Saturday, Studebaker John & the Hawks come into Sally’s. Born John Grimaldi in an Italian-American section of Chicago, he and started playing harmonica at age 7. Under the spell of music he heard on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed blues melting pot, Grimaldi began performing as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the ‘70s. The band name referenced the Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns today, and was also intended as a tribute to his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. John began playing guitar after a life-changing experience of seeing Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers perform. Hearing Taylor play notes that sent chills up and down his spine, he left then knowing what I wanted to do. That was to play slide guitar.
Mad Dogs Unchained are at The Stafford Palace Theater on Friday. A tribute to the music of Joe Cocker, it features former members of Cocker’s band, Deric Dyer, Cliff Goodwin and Mitch Chakour. Lead singer Elliott Tuffin is a performer and singer from London, who has been described as the spiritual vision of Joe Cocker. This bold statement has to do with the uncanny vocal Style emulating Cocker. Elliott knew him and has memorized every Joe Cocker song ever performeed, as well as every performance recorded on video. Musicians that were in Cocker’s band will perform all Joe Cocker songs with Elliot on vocals.
Sunday, you can enjoy an evening with Booker T. Jones at Infinity Music Hall Hartford. His name has become synonymous with the Hammond B3 organ, multiple Grammy wins, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He turned professional at the age of 17, and wrote one of the greatest anthems of all time, “Green Onions.” He truly is a legendary artist, musician, and composer. Booker T. Jones’ Hall of Fame 50 plus year career is as entertaining today as it was in the beginning.
Friday’s show at Infinity could not be more appropriate for Thanksgiving weekend. They have the Arlo Guthrie “Alice’s Restaurant” Tour with Sarah Lee Guthrie. A generation or more listened, repeated and traveled to Western Massachusetts in keeping with the song.
Saturday, the Connecticut Blues Society has its monthly show at the Maple Tree Café. Jr Krauss & the Shakes will be the guest band.
The Falcon Main Stage is bringing in Professor Louie & The Crowmatix with The W); oodstock Horns on Saturday. Sunday, it’s Brunch time with Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fis (11am). The Turning Point has the Duke Robillard Band on Friday. Over at the Capitol Theater on Saturday is The Complete Last Waltz.
Saturday, The Red Hots debut at Basso, while at Angelico’s Lake House, “Magic Mike” Bloomer & Mark Zaretsky are playing. Wednesday, for real delta blues check out Rocky Lawrence and the Coffee Grinders at The Stafford Cidery.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.