The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Montgomery, Ohlman at Bridge Street Live
Legendary blues harpist James Montgomery and SNL’s Christine Ohlman come together at 41 Bridge Street Live on Friday. Special guests include Cliff Goodwin (the Joe Cocker Band) and Tom “The Suit” Forst for an unforgettable evening of blues rock. This is a not to miss show with spectacular talent.
When Montgomery plays the harmonica, he brings you to the masters like James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells. Montgomery plays with authority and the experience of fronting for many big time musicians such as Kid Rock and Gregg Allman. Over the years, he’s carried on the Chicago tradition and continues to be a vital presence in blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.
Ohlman, the queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul, grew up loving both the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, so she teased her blonde hair into a beehive (in honor of Ronnie Spector) and never looked back. Ohlman picked up a guitar and forged a career as a songwriter in the process. She tours relentlessly, torching clubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard. She spent time with the Saturday Night Live Band, and was featured with the B-52’s during the recent SNL 40th Anniversary post-show concert. Always invited to major shows and celebrations, she continues to mesmerize the audience.
Special guest Cliff Goodwin is a native son of Worcester. He joined Joe Cocker as lead guitarist in 1976. Along the way, he worked with John Mayall, Steve Miller, and Robert Palmer.
Opener Tom “The Suit” Forst quit his full-time corporate job in order to pursue a lifelong dream of a career in music. Since then, he has gained acclaim as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. In 2017, The Suit released his solo album, “On Fire.”
Saturday, Bridge Street has a Swing Dance Social for people wishing to glide across the dance floor.
The Tipping Chair Tavern has a full plate this week. Friday, it’s the Butch Taylor Duo at 5 p.m., followed by The Bernadettes at 8:30 p.m. Then Saturday, the Michael Cleary Band plays.
Sunday, the Tipping Chair brings in Roberto Morbioli from Italy. He will be joined by Liviu Pop for his Northeast tour.
Morbioli was born in Verona and started playing the guitar at an early age. At the age of 15 he discovered his greatest passion to be the blues. After several years of activity in the Italian music scene, playing in a few bands, he played at the biggest European festivals and at the historical places of the Blues in the U.S., such as “Antone’s” in Austin.
In 1991 he finally set up his own band MORBLUS, which has brought him much recognition and many awards, playing in all the biggest national and international blues festivals and events.
His personality and unique playing style are evident in all his interpretations while at the same time recalling the styles of blues greats such as the Kings, Albert Collins, and T. Bone Walker. Morbioli is a passionate and commanding guitarist, demonstrating great groove in every song he plays. He plays straight from his heart with a powerful voice.
On Wednesday, The Tipping Chair brings in the Royal Din Duo.
Infinity Music Hall in Hartford has a taste of Texas blues on Friday with the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The world-renown, Grammy-nominated outfit has shared the stage with a Who’s Who’s of blues and rock, from The Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton. Be there as the legendary Kim Wilson and company wail out your favorite T-Birds classics like “Tuff Enuff,” “Wrap It Up,” “How Do You Spell Love,” “Why Get Up,” and many, many more.
Saturday, Black-Eyed Sally’s has the Nick Moss Band, which has added Dennis Gruenlings on harmonica to further enhance its Chicago sound. With Moss’s guitar work, it promises to be a night of great blues.
Jeff Pitchell continues his Legends Live On tour with a Friday stop at The Stafford Palace Theater. Joining him will be Allman, Vaughan, and King.
A new group to Blues Beat is the 432 Band. It consists of Bloomer, Pelletier, and Busse. They will be at Butterball’s Greenleaf Café on Friday and Saturday at Turning Tide.
Saturday, Smokin’ With Chris has Chris D’Amato.
At Park & Oak on Friday, it is Jake Kulak for a solo show.
The Connecticut Blues Society is preparing for its 23rd Annual Blues Band Challenge. The preliminary rounds will be held at Black-Eyed Sally’s at 2 in the afternoon during April and May. The finals will be held at the Black-Eyed and Blues Festival in Hartford on June 23.
The 3rd Annual New England Blues Summit is May 18 to 20. This is an all-inclusive weekend that provides lodging, meals and access to ALL N.E. Blues Society events and Summit shows. 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.