The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Keb’Mo’ performs at Infinity Music Hall
Big acts and summer festivals provide a busy season for blues fans. Before the fall arrives, concerts are taking place from New London to Westport. And of course, the fine regional fests continue. More later.
Three-time Grammy winner and visionary rootsmusic storyteller Keb’ Mo’ is on his way to Infinity Music Hall Hartford on Saturday. He is touring in support of his new album ‘BLUES-Americana.’ Mo’s music is a living link to the Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America.
Over the years, he has proven to be a musical force that defies typical genre labels. Album after album, 11 in total, garnered him 3 GRAMMY awards and a producer/engineer/artist GRAMMY Certificate for his track on the 2001 Country Album of the Year, Hank Williams Tribute, Timeless. His GRAMMY nominations include Country Song of the Year for “I Hope,” co-written with The Dixie Chicks, and 3 alone for his 2014 self-produced release, BLUES-Americana including Americana Album of the Year. He has also been awarded 11 Blues Foundation Awards and 6 BMI Awards for his work in TV & Film.
Over the past two decades, Mo’ has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music through the understated excellence of his live and studio performances. Many artists have recorded his songs and the list of artist collaborations comprises a who’s who in the music industry.
In 2017, Keb’ Mo’ released TajMo, a collaborative album with the legendary Taj Mahal. The multi-generational duo went on to tour the U.S. and Europe in support of their album, which has since earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He also picked up three Blues Music Awards: Contemporary Blues Male Artist, along with Taj Mahal for Contemporary Blues Album and another for Album of the Year.
Blues guitarist Ronnie Earl is at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center on Friday. Earl is a three time Blues Music Award winner as Guitar Player of the Year; his recent award was this May in Memphis.
Earl has served as an Associate Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, and has taught at the National Guitar summer workshop in Connecticut. Earl has played alongside the legends of the blues. A welcome addition to the Broadcasters is Diane Blue on vocals and harmonica.
Double the guitars for Friday night at Black-Eyed Sally’s, with two bands for the price of one. Carl Ricci & 706 Union Ave bring blues, swing and rock ‘n roll, with a touch of Mississippi, Memphis, Texas, and Chicago.
Then you get Neal Vitullo & The Vipers, encompassing the blues, rock & roll, rockabilly, and surf, entertaining their fans everywhere.
Saturday, Sally’s has the debut of Cosmos Sunshine and Butterfly Effect.
For more guitar work on Saturday, the Tipping Chair Tavern has Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood.
The North Italian Festival ‘Nemofest in Meriden on Saturday has Murray the Wheel.
Friday night, The Acoustic Café brings in Purple Wonder Cream: Music of Hendrix, Stevie Wonder & Cream.
Priam Vineyards is offering an Un-Wined Memorial Day kickoff concert this Friday. Featured is some blues guitar in the wine maker’s room with Tom “The Suit” Forst. Joining him are Vincent Brike with special guest artist, Robert C Fullerton. Enjoy, amazing food trucks, beautiful weather on the patio, and award-winning wines.
Just a reminder to check your area breweries and vineyards for entertainment, Many solo and duo acts are making appearances.
Other stops of note on Friday include the Mighty Soul Drivers at the Maple Tree Café and Roosevelt Dime at Cafe Nine. Smokin’ With Chris has Dan Stevens.
Sunday it is Café’s “The Sunday Buzz” Matinee Annual Rhythm & Blues BBQ with George Baker Band.
At the recently concluded Blues Band Challenge, the Connecticut Blues Society presented Bruce Rieder with a Lifetime Achievement Award for blues photography.
President Ed Stack commented, “It was a great pleasure to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bruce Rieder for his many photos and legendary cartoons. Bruce has been a highly recognizable person at Blues Event for many years. He has been highly respected for his photos and sharp wit.”
The Blues Band Challenge has produced four preliminary winners plus a wild card to compete in the final, on June 23, during the Black-Eyed and Blues Festival, in Bushnell Park, Hartford. The following bands will be competing: Murray the Wheel, Vitamin B-3, Cole Morson Band, D Smith Blues Band, Jake Kulak & the LowDown.
Next week Saturday and Sunday is the New London Blues & Brews Fest. Along with the main stage at Hygienic Art Park, participating venues along Bank Street will also have live bands and brews specials at their locations. The line-up has many area favorites.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.word press.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.