The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Blues tour coming to Hartford on Sunday
Need a little warmup? New England Winter Blues Tour is coming to Hartford Sunday at Blackeyed Sally's. The warmth will be provided by an incredible line up of artists, featuring Sugar Ray & the Blue Tones with Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Jason Ricci and the Brothers Moss. That’s right — Nick and Joe together. Don’t miss the chance to be up close and personal with so many national artists in one place.
One does not have to say too about Sugar Ray —he’s got talent and style, wrapped up in a fine persona. Other players like Charlie Baty have been on the national stage. He and Rick Estrin were together with Little Charlie & the Nightcats. Nick and Joe Moss bring their Chicago knowledge to the show. And Jason Ricci can be expected to amp up the proceedings.
Friday, The Redliners with Steve Hatch will be at Sally’s.
On Friday, Infinity Music Hall has Walter Trout, considered to be one of the finest blues guitarists in the world, returns to play his album “The Blues Came Callin’.” Having been the lead guitarist for Canned Heat, John Lee Hooker and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, he formed his own band in 1989 and has since become a guitar star, especially in Europe and Japan. If you’re a blues/rock fan and have yet to see and hear Trout and his band, don’t miss this opportunity. He is truly amazing.
Trout’s story is compelling. It contains everything. Over five decades in the making; it is parts thriller, romance, suspense and drama. Trout returned to the stage in 2015 following a liver transplant, and extensive rehabilitation. He had to learn to play over again,
Released in 2014, “The Blues Came Callin” captures Trout reflecting on his thoughts about mortality and his renewed appreciation for being alive. Amongst the 12 new songs, 10 are originals. Trout searches his soul on this album and lays it bare, allowing the celebration of his career to be infused with new appreciation for life. Trout is joined by Eric Gales.
Looking for a sweet way to spend Valentine's Day? Come and enjoy the music The Weight Band at Infinity Hall, as they bring you tunes from the iconic group, whose songs meant so much through the years, The Band. The songs are played by guys who truly were members of its musical family. Once again, be moved by “The Night they drove Old Dixie Down” to “Ophelia”and more hits. The stage will be filled with members that come from The Band, the Levon Helm Band and the Rick Danko Group.
Heading the group is Jim Weider (guitar, mandolin, singer/songwriter). He was a member of the legendary group, and was Helm's choice to replace Robbie Robertson. From 1985 to 2000, Jim toured internationally with The Band. He contributed to three of their studio albums and was featured in numerous films, videos and television appearances. Weider also continues to be member of Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band, the touring supergroup, Masters of the Telecaster, and his own group, Project Percolator. A visit to Infinity Hall this night will give you something to whistle on the way home.
The Norwich Arts Center’s Blues on Broadway series is has the multitalented Lucky Peterson gracing the stage on Wednesday. Peterson is a searing guitarist, a rich and powerful organist, and a first-rate vocalist. His musicianship effortlessly translates gospel, rock, and jazz into a 21st century blues. Adding to his show is his wife and backup singer, Tamara Tramellto.
Peterson is the son of James Peterson, a renowned blues guitarist and owner of The Governor’s Inn, a popular Buffalo roadhouse club that was a regular stop for some of the most famous bluesmen of the day. And so, at the tender age of 5, Peterson got his start, hanging around his father’s club watching, listening, and learning from many of the legendary blues greats. He would regularly play piano at The Governor. Willie Dixon stopped by, saw him playing piano and took him under his wing.
That was the beginning of a long and eventful career. Dixon, so impressed by Little Peterson, produced the 5 year old’s first album. Almost immediately, he was appearing on major television programs such as the “Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “What’s My Line” and many others. He had the attention of the whole country with a hit song, written for him by his father.
As they say, the rest is history. Recordings, festival appearances, DVD and international travel have brought him to audiences everywhere. Peterson will be at Theodores' Saturday.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center brings in Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on Saturday. A fun band, they also play many songs from The Band, but many you may not have heard that often.
Don’t forget the special Thursday show being put on for Valentine’s Day.
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.