Willis, Mayer sing blues at benefit

Bruce Willis and John Mayer sang the blues at the Jazz Foundation of America’s annual benefit concert which honoured two legendary pianists, Dr. John and McCoy Tyner.

Willis took a break from filming a remake of the Charles Bronson vigi- lante movie Death Wish to appear at Thursday night’s concert at New York’s Apollo Theater.

The actor played harmonica as he backed up 91-year-old pianist and singer Henry Gray, a Louisiana native who became a major figure on the Chicago blues scene with Howlin’ Wolf’s band. Willis then belted out the blues himself on “She’ll Be So Fine” with a band than included Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini.

Ringo Starr appeared by videotape to introduce Dr. John who performed with the ex-Beatle’s first AllStarr band, praising him for “a lifetime of piano brilliance.”