MAY 18,2008:
"THE SCAT CAT TOUR"
Hello blues and southern soul fans,my 2008 blues and southern soul ride continues in the mid-south area.Memphis,Tennessee is the place to be this time of the year.Throughout the month of May the city celebrates "MEMPHIS IN MAY" and during this period there are thousands of spectators that embark on the city to enjoy all the festivities that take place,especially in the downtown area and on "THE LEGENDARY BEALE STREET" where such icons as B.B. King,Bobby Blue Bland,Rufus Thomas and countless others really got their big breaks in the music industry.Growing up in a small rural area I always thought of Memphis as being the "Big City" and I know its funny to some of you all who hail from large cities but for this old country boy this was really an extraordinary place for me to visit.
Well I was in the big city to catch a leg of "THE SCAT CAT TOUR" that featured some new and upcoming artist as well as an old familar face.The lineup for this show included Rick E Bluez,Jewel Jones,Mr. Sam,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds.The Whitehaven Celebration Complex played host to this blues and southern soul gathering.I've attended a few shows here with more established artist and for whatever reasons it was never a packed house but when I arrived for tonights show I was very suprised to see the number of folks on hand.There were plenty of familar faces in attendance,my good friends from WDIA,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and the mc for tonights show Steve Ladd were in the house.Also on hand were recording artist Toni Greene and Sweet Angel who was accompanied by her husbandmanager Mike Dobbins.Another familar face was my good friend "The Clarksdale Diva",Roni and the hardest working merchandise vendor in the industry my man Willard Frederick who appears to be at all the blues shows(I envy you man).
The crowd was very relaxed and I must admit it was an older crowd so it wasn't the usual young girls dropping it like its hot theme going on tonight.There were a couple of familar happenings going on though,the kitchen had the hot wings filling the air for real and these were some of the biggest hot wings that I've ever seen(look like the wings from a chicken on steroids) and there was also plenty of cold bud light being served up at the bar so with the stage set good people sit back and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer of the night was Houston native,Rick E Bluez who is a new comer to the industry.I was familar with his music having seen him featured on Funky Larry's "Soul And Blues Report" and "The Chittlin Circuit Website".He didn't have a band with him and its sometimes difficult for an artist when they have to sing tracks but the crowd showed him some love as Steve Ladd brought him on to the stage.He opened up his performance with "Thats Why I still Love You" and he must have had a couple of fans on hand because he got a nice ovation from some women down by the stage area as he begin to perform this track.Anytime I see an artist for the first time I try to see how much of a stage presence the artist has and he seemed to be quite comfortable as he did his thing.His next song was "I want To Love You" and this was a nice sleek ballad that kept the crowd interested.His next song "Runnin Your Mouth" had a good southern soul theme to it and it should garner him some major airplay on southern soul radio.His next song was the one I enjoyed the most,"Angel" is a nice slow jam and although he was singing tracks his vocals came across very nice on this song.He closed his performance with an uptempo booty shaking track which had the namesake "Shake".He left the stage area and was sandwiched right in the middle of two women who had the appearance of two souls from the 70's(afro and clothes to match) as they begin to get their shake on.Rick E Bluez definetly has the tools to be a sucessful artist in this industry.His vocals were good and he did have a decent stage presence.Leaving the stage area and grinding with the ladies will always go over well with a crowd. His performance was a good one but I would love to see him perform with a live band.To hear the sounds of Rick E Bluez please go to www.chittlincircuit.com and check him out on their playlist.I hope to have some updated information for you all in the near future.
The next performer of the night was Memphis native and Q.T. recording artist,Jewel J and she is truly a favorite for all the faithful WDIA(1070 Memphis)listeners.I had the opportunity to see her perform last year at the second stop on the WDIA juke joint tour.Many of you may remember her as a background singer for Shirley Brown and she has also shared the stage with J.Blackfoot and Ann Hines.She opened her performance with "I Need Someone" and she got a nice hometown ovation as she and her backup singers moved to the beat with their short waist high dresses(not that I notice they were short).Her next song was "I Ain't Jealous" and she followed that up with a rendition of Johnnie Taylor's "Wall To Wall" and this got some of the crowd up on their feet.She closed her performance with her biggest hit to date,"Thats My Shugga Daddy" and she received her biggest ovation on the night.This song has been very popular on the southern soul airways.Jewel J is a diva bringing a new southern soul flavor to the blues.For all the latest news on Jewel J please visit www.eckorecords.com
The next performer on the night was my man Sam Fallie now better known as "MR. SAM".I'm no stranger to Mr. Sam he has been a songwriter and backup vocalist for the Bar-Kays,Archie Love,Lacee and J. Blackfoot just to name a few.He has been a man in the shadows for a lot of years.His manager,the lovely Jazzii Anderson and Mr. Sam have been trying to get me to come and see his shows but due to my work schedule I was never able to make it to any of his performances.I did have the opportunity to see him perform on the third stop of last years WDIA juke joint tour.It was raining on that day and I really didn't get to see the real "MR. SAM" so I was really looking forward to seeing this performance.As he was introduced by Steve Ladd his band was blowing up the stage.The sound was truly amazing.These brothers were bringing some real muscle to their instruments(2008 version of the funk brothers)and out came Mr. Sam backup singers and dancers and they got the relaxed crowd hype as hell.I know this was a blues and southern soul party but Mr. Sam hit the stage with a bolt of thunder and he told the crowd to get up out their seats and make some noise.He opened up his performance with a rendition of Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" and he and his dancers were tearing up the stage with their sychronized dance moves.Just like so many of the boy bands today Mr. Sam and his dancers have put a lot of work and energy into their dance routine and it was paying off tonight.
The crowd was on their feet and really feeling Mr. Sam and this was just his opening song.He and his backup singers kept the dance party going with "All Night Party".When I was young I remember Morris Day and The Time sliding on stage and I thought to myself that this was the magic of television and they made the stage move because there was no way these guys could all slide together in unity.Damn was I wrong.Like a scene from Purple Rain,Mr. Sam and his crew performed that routine better than Morris Day and The Time.I jumped to my feet when I saw them do this time after time and they made it look so easy.I'm telling you this was the best dance routine I've seen thus far at any show that I have attended and I have attended plenty of shows.You all have to excuse me I'm replaying it in my mind right now as I write this review and all I can say is GOT DAMNN,GOT DAMN!
His next song was "I'm Looking For Love" and just like a seasoned performer he begin to ad-lib with the crowd and the women in attendance loved it.For his next song he asked the crowd could he go back to the old school as he did a rendition of Tyrone Davis,"Can I Change My Mind" and he sounded just like "The Chicago Wonder Boy" and you know with an older crowd this received a big ovation as he left the stage area and walked through the crowd.His next song was the one that truly established him as a solo artist,"12 STEPS FOR CHEATERS" and this is one song that has a crossover vibe to it.The intro that he and his backup singers do leading into the song had the crowd laughing and loving it.The way he performed this song would remind you of a R.Kelly performance and I mean that.Its a shame that this song doesn't have more of a crossover appeal attached with it.Before he concluded his performance he asked me, "Could he do one more song?"I told him,"Man do the damn thing".
He closed his performance with a new single that is actually a duet with Floyd Taylor and its titled "Voicemail" and he gave the crowd a thrill with this cut.I personally guanrantee that Mr. Sam and Floyd Taylor have a bona fide smash hit on their hand.Truly amazing is all I can say about Mr. Sam's performance.I had no idea that I was going to see such a terrifc performance as the one did by Mr. Sam.I was truly blown away.It seems like every now and then I discover southern soul's best kept secret but I've never seen one that has made the impression on me like Mr. Sam and I'm not exaggerating either.I am so glad to see this brother step out of the shadows and emerge as a strong frontman.Mr. Sam is the total package.He has a strong stage presence,he is blessed with terrific vocals and great dancing skills.Promoters please add Mr. Sam to your next show.I promise you that you won't be sorry.You can even contact me and thank me for sending him your way.I know he will be very busy on the Memphis scene especially with so many WDIA personalities in the house but I expect to see and hear more about him throughout the southern soul industry.Mr. Sam welcome to my Honorary Dawg Pound.Your membership has been solidifed my friend.To get all the latest news and hear some of this talented artist music please visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/jeamrsam DAMN GOOD PERFORMANCE!
Its hard to follow an act like the one that just finished but the next performer is very capable of entertaining a crowd.Ms. Jody is a newcomer to the industry having been around for only a couple of years but she was like one of the veteran acts on this show.I just saw her perform a week ago and now I was getting an opportunity to see her perform again.There was something new to her performance this week,my friend Tammie a.k.a. MZ TINK from myspace was now a backup singer for Ms. Jody,oh what a difference a week makes.She opened her performance with Peggy Scott Adams "I'm Getting What I Want" and this was well received by the crowd.I wanted to see how my girl Mz. Tink was going to do and to my suprise she looked quite comfortable up on stage.Her next song was a rendition of Shirley Brown's"Too Much Candy".She had the women in attendace feeling her next song,"I'll Never Take A day Off" as she told the crowd that she would do whatever it takes to satisfy her man and like so many of the male artist do she displayed her tongue and damn I can surely tell you how many licks it takes for her to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.Her next song was from her debut cd, "Sugar Daddy" and and she begin to use some explicit language.She can talk s**t just like Denise Lasalle.Shirley Brown must have a big influence on her as she did a rendition of "Sleep With One Eye Open".Her next song allowed Mz. Tink to show her lil freaky side as she shook a tailfeather to "It's The Weekend" and Ms. Jody wasn't to be outdone as she slid the microphone stand between her legs and begin to simulate,well I think you get the rest of the picture."You Dog Is About To Kill My Cat" received a big ovation from the crowd.She closed her performance with "Big Daddy Don't You Come" and this routine has become quite popular in her performance.She brought a gentleman from the crowd on stage and she was able to get her groove on as she gave him a thrill to remember. She received a nice ovation after her performance.For all the latest MS. Jody news please visit www.eckorecords.com
Unfortunately it was very late and I had to leave the show before I got an opportunity to see Billy Soul Bonds.I did talk with him brifly earlier during the show.One thing that I did notice was T.K. Soul's former bass player,Anthony is now playing for Billy Soul Bonds(I have to get the scoop on that one)."The Clarksdale Diva",Roni stayed for his performance and she informed me that he did do another vintage performance with of course "Scat Cat Here Kitty,Kitty" being the highlight of his performance. In closing I want to say that I've never reported that one artist out performed another artist but I have to admit on this night that Mr. Sam's performance really stood out and this is NO DISRESPECT to all the other performers who truly provided us all with a good show.
I want to thank Rick E Bluez and his manager,Jewel J and her band,Mr. Sam and his lovely manager Jazzii Anderson,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds for taking the time to meet and converse with me.I really appreciate the time these artist give me to help me be able to provide such in depth reviews for all the fans of this genre of music.I would like to give shout outs to my friends from Wdia,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and Steve Ladd.
BIG K9
"THE SCAT CAT TOUR"
Hello blues and southern soul fans,my 2008 blues and southern soul ride continues in the mid-south area.Memphis,Tennessee is the place to be this time of the year.Throughout the month of May the city celebrates "MEMPHIS IN MAY" and during this period there are thousands of spectators that embark on the city to enjoy all the festivities that take place,especially in the downtown area and on "THE LEGENDARY BEALE STREET" where such icons as B.B. King,Bobby Blue Bland,Rufus Thomas and countless others really got their big breaks in the music industry.Growing up in a small rural area I always thought of Memphis as being the "Big City" and I know its funny to some of you all who hail from large cities but for this old country boy this was really an extraordinary place for me to visit.
Well I was in the big city to catch a leg of "THE SCAT CAT TOUR" that featured some new and upcoming artist as well as an old familar face.The lineup for this show included Rick E Bluez,Jewel Jones,Mr. Sam,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds.The Whitehaven Celebration Complex played host to this blues and southern soul gathering.I've attended a few shows here with more established artist and for whatever reasons it was never a packed house but when I arrived for tonights show I was very suprised to see the number of folks on hand.There were plenty of familar faces in attendance,my good friends from WDIA,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and the mc for tonights show Steve Ladd were in the house.Also on hand were recording artist Toni Greene and Sweet Angel who was accompanied by her husbandmanager Mike Dobbins.Another familar face was my good friend "The Clarksdale Diva",Roni and the hardest working merchandise vendor in the industry my man Willard Frederick who appears to be at all the blues shows(I envy you man).
The crowd was very relaxed and I must admit it was an older crowd so it wasn't the usual young girls dropping it like its hot theme going on tonight.There were a couple of familar happenings going on though,the kitchen had the hot wings filling the air for real and these were some of the biggest hot wings that I've ever seen(look like the wings from a chicken on steroids) and there was also plenty of cold bud light being served up at the bar so with the stage set good people sit back and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer of the night was Houston native,Rick E Bluez who is a new comer to the industry.I was familar with his music having seen him featured on Funky Larry's "Soul And Blues Report" and "The Chittlin Circuit Website".He didn't have a band with him and its sometimes difficult for an artist when they have to sing tracks but the crowd showed him some love as Steve Ladd brought him on to the stage.He opened up his performance with "Thats Why I still Love You" and he must have had a couple of fans on hand because he got a nice ovation from some women down by the stage area as he begin to perform this track.Anytime I see an artist for the first time I try to see how much of a stage presence the artist has and he seemed to be quite comfortable as he did his thing.His next song was "I want To Love You" and this was a nice sleek ballad that kept the crowd interested.His next song "Runnin Your Mouth" had a good southern soul theme to it and it should garner him some major airplay on southern soul radio.His next song was the one I enjoyed the most,"Angel" is a nice slow jam and although he was singing tracks his vocals came across very nice on this song.He closed his performance with an uptempo booty shaking track which had the namesake "Shake".He left the stage area and was sandwiched right in the middle of two women who had the appearance of two souls from the 70's(afro and clothes to match) as they begin to get their shake on.Rick E Bluez definetly has the tools to be a sucessful artist in this industry.His vocals were good and he did have a decent stage presence.Leaving the stage area and grinding with the ladies will always go over well with a crowd. His performance was a good one but I would love to see him perform with a live band.To hear the sounds of Rick E Bluez please go to www.chittlincircuit.com and check him out on their playlist.I hope to have some updated information for you all in the near future.
The next performer of the night was Memphis native and Q.T. recording artist,Jewel J and she is truly a favorite for all the faithful WDIA(1070 Memphis)listeners.I had the opportunity to see her perform last year at the second stop on the WDIA juke joint tour.Many of you may remember her as a background singer for Shirley Brown and she has also shared the stage with J.Blackfoot and Ann Hines.She opened her performance with "I Need Someone" and she got a nice hometown ovation as she and her backup singers moved to the beat with their short waist high dresses(not that I notice they were short).Her next song was "I Ain't Jealous" and she followed that up with a rendition of Johnnie Taylor's "Wall To Wall" and this got some of the crowd up on their feet.She closed her performance with her biggest hit to date,"Thats My Shugga Daddy" and she received her biggest ovation on the night.This song has been very popular on the southern soul airways.Jewel J is a diva bringing a new southern soul flavor to the blues.For all the latest news on Jewel J please visit www.eckorecords.com
The next performer on the night was my man Sam Fallie now better known as "MR. SAM".I'm no stranger to Mr. Sam he has been a songwriter and backup vocalist for the Bar-Kays,Archie Love,Lacee and J. Blackfoot just to name a few.He has been a man in the shadows for a lot of years.His manager,the lovely Jazzii Anderson and Mr. Sam have been trying to get me to come and see his shows but due to my work schedule I was never able to make it to any of his performances.I did have the opportunity to see him perform on the third stop of last years WDIA juke joint tour.It was raining on that day and I really didn't get to see the real "MR. SAM" so I was really looking forward to seeing this performance.As he was introduced by Steve Ladd his band was blowing up the stage.The sound was truly amazing.These brothers were bringing some real muscle to their instruments(2008 version of the funk brothers)and out came Mr. Sam backup singers and dancers and they got the relaxed crowd hype as hell.I know this was a blues and southern soul party but Mr. Sam hit the stage with a bolt of thunder and he told the crowd to get up out their seats and make some noise.He opened up his performance with a rendition of Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" and he and his dancers were tearing up the stage with their sychronized dance moves.Just like so many of the boy bands today Mr. Sam and his dancers have put a lot of work and energy into their dance routine and it was paying off tonight.
The crowd was on their feet and really feeling Mr. Sam and this was just his opening song.He and his backup singers kept the dance party going with "All Night Party".When I was young I remember Morris Day and The Time sliding on stage and I thought to myself that this was the magic of television and they made the stage move because there was no way these guys could all slide together in unity.Damn was I wrong.Like a scene from Purple Rain,Mr. Sam and his crew performed that routine better than Morris Day and The Time.I jumped to my feet when I saw them do this time after time and they made it look so easy.I'm telling you this was the best dance routine I've seen thus far at any show that I have attended and I have attended plenty of shows.You all have to excuse me I'm replaying it in my mind right now as I write this review and all I can say is GOT DAMNN,GOT DAMN!
His next song was "I'm Looking For Love" and just like a seasoned performer he begin to ad-lib with the crowd and the women in attendance loved it.For his next song he asked the crowd could he go back to the old school as he did a rendition of Tyrone Davis,"Can I Change My Mind" and he sounded just like "The Chicago Wonder Boy" and you know with an older crowd this received a big ovation as he left the stage area and walked through the crowd.His next song was the one that truly established him as a solo artist,"12 STEPS FOR CHEATERS" and this is one song that has a crossover vibe to it.The intro that he and his backup singers do leading into the song had the crowd laughing and loving it.The way he performed this song would remind you of a R.Kelly performance and I mean that.Its a shame that this song doesn't have more of a crossover appeal attached with it.Before he concluded his performance he asked me, "Could he do one more song?"I told him,"Man do the damn thing".
He closed his performance with a new single that is actually a duet with Floyd Taylor and its titled "Voicemail" and he gave the crowd a thrill with this cut.I personally guanrantee that Mr. Sam and Floyd Taylor have a bona fide smash hit on their hand.Truly amazing is all I can say about Mr. Sam's performance.I had no idea that I was going to see such a terrifc performance as the one did by Mr. Sam.I was truly blown away.It seems like every now and then I discover southern soul's best kept secret but I've never seen one that has made the impression on me like Mr. Sam and I'm not exaggerating either.I am so glad to see this brother step out of the shadows and emerge as a strong frontman.Mr. Sam is the total package.He has a strong stage presence,he is blessed with terrific vocals and great dancing skills.Promoters please add Mr. Sam to your next show.I promise you that you won't be sorry.You can even contact me and thank me for sending him your way.I know he will be very busy on the Memphis scene especially with so many WDIA personalities in the house but I expect to see and hear more about him throughout the southern soul industry.Mr. Sam welcome to my Honorary Dawg Pound.Your membership has been solidifed my friend.To get all the latest news and hear some of this talented artist music please visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/jeamrsam DAMN GOOD PERFORMANCE!
Its hard to follow an act like the one that just finished but the next performer is very capable of entertaining a crowd.Ms. Jody is a newcomer to the industry having been around for only a couple of years but she was like one of the veteran acts on this show.I just saw her perform a week ago and now I was getting an opportunity to see her perform again.There was something new to her performance this week,my friend Tammie a.k.a. MZ TINK from myspace was now a backup singer for Ms. Jody,oh what a difference a week makes.She opened her performance with Peggy Scott Adams "I'm Getting What I Want" and this was well received by the crowd.I wanted to see how my girl Mz. Tink was going to do and to my suprise she looked quite comfortable up on stage.Her next song was a rendition of Shirley Brown's"Too Much Candy".She had the women in attendace feeling her next song,"I'll Never Take A day Off" as she told the crowd that she would do whatever it takes to satisfy her man and like so many of the male artist do she displayed her tongue and damn I can surely tell you how many licks it takes for her to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.Her next song was from her debut cd, "Sugar Daddy" and and she begin to use some explicit language.She can talk s**t just like Denise Lasalle.Shirley Brown must have a big influence on her as she did a rendition of "Sleep With One Eye Open".Her next song allowed Mz. Tink to show her lil freaky side as she shook a tailfeather to "It's The Weekend" and Ms. Jody wasn't to be outdone as she slid the microphone stand between her legs and begin to simulate,well I think you get the rest of the picture."You Dog Is About To Kill My Cat" received a big ovation from the crowd.She closed her performance with "Big Daddy Don't You Come" and this routine has become quite popular in her performance.She brought a gentleman from the crowd on stage and she was able to get her groove on as she gave him a thrill to remember. She received a nice ovation after her performance.For all the latest MS. Jody news please visit www.eckorecords.com
Unfortunately it was very late and I had to leave the show before I got an opportunity to see Billy Soul Bonds.I did talk with him brifly earlier during the show.One thing that I did notice was T.K. Soul's former bass player,Anthony is now playing for Billy Soul Bonds(I have to get the scoop on that one)."The Clarksdale Diva",Roni stayed for his performance and she informed me that he did do another vintage performance with of course "Scat Cat Here Kitty,Kitty" being the highlight of his performance. In closing I want to say that I've never reported that one artist out performed another artist but I have to admit on this night that Mr. Sam's performance really stood out and this is NO DISRESPECT to all the other performers who truly provided us all with a good show.
I want to thank Rick E Bluez and his manager,Jewel J and her band,Mr. Sam and his lovely manager Jazzii Anderson,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds for taking the time to meet and converse with me.I really appreciate the time these artist give me to help me be able to provide such in depth reviews for all the fans of this genre of music.I would like to give shout outs to my friends from Wdia,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and Steve Ladd.
BIG K9