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Welcome To B.B.Kings 80th Birthday Celebration
Review
With
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
& John Bonamassa Foxwoods Casino
September 9th, 2005 It was a much anticipated
evening. Unlike any other show. I actually was very excited to be part of the
great blues ledged BB Kings birthday celebration, although his actual birth
date is September 16th. BB as we all know him as, real name is
Riley King, born in The Mississippi delta and worked in the cotton
fields. In 1951 he came out with
his first hit song 3 O’clock
Blues. The song was so successful promoters whisked him away to
Memphis Tenn. His stage name actually at first was, Beale Street Blues Boy
and shortened to BB. I have been fortunate to have met Mr. King in the past and found him
to be a very kind, caring individual, holding his callused hand as we spoke.
Also performing that night was Kenny Wayne Shepherd whose talent is so
remarkable, his name takes precedence. Noah Reed on vocals is not short of
talent I must say. Both were fantastic! Kenny, born in Louisiana, sporting a
country boy Tee, faded jeans and converse sneakers took the show. I have to
say with his distorted face, showing his emotion as he made that damn guitar
talk. His style, a lot like the late great Jimi Hendrix. I thought I was
going to bite my own lip off feeling ever bit of his emotion…yes, I have met
Kenny and Noah both in the past
finding their company to make me a bit flustered and weak in the knees
after Noah whispered a little something in my ear as we posed for a picture. That evening I
had the pleasure of hearing a new up and coming young blues artist named John Bonamassa. Never heard
of him till that night. One thing I can say about BB, he helps the younger
blues musicians with their start in
what use to be struggling genera. Bonamassa’s songs were very long but kept
me intrigued, especially being able to play Beethoven on the guitar. He
rocked the house as well. What more can I say. It was a great evening with
great talent! Kelly Roadway Hajduk *****
© DJX2 2005 |