OCTOBER 7,2009:
"3RD ANNUAL GREENWOOD BLUES FESTIVAL"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.2009 hasn't allowed the Big Dawg to bring you fans a lot of coverage from all the great blues and southern soul shows that have been going on this year.I've received tons of emails from fans,artist and promoters asking me if I would be able to come and cover their shows?The hard economic times that we are going through as a nation has even effected my attendance at shows that I would have normally attended.I wish I could do this full time but like so many of you I do have a family and other obligations that hasn't allowed me to do something that I truly love too do. Recently I was able to attend a spectacular Blues and Southern Soul show.The Leflore County civic center in Greenwood,Mississippi played host for the annual "Mississippi Blues Fest".
The lineup included the sensational Karen Wolfe,jamming Jeff Floyd,the legendary Bobby Rush,the fabulous Floyd Taylor and the "King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles Jones.It was a full house on hand to enjoy this star-filled blues and southern soul gathering.I was joined in the Dawg Pound by O-Dawg and the newest member Lil E.So with my gin and juice on hand chased with some ice cold Bud light,sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer on the night was B&J recording artist, Karen Wolfe.She was extended a nice ovation by the crowd that was still pouring in as she walked on stage.She opened her performance with an excellent rendition of Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night".You know you have to have some nice vocals to pull off this classic hit and Karen Wolfe nailed it.Her next song was "Backdoor Love Affair" and this is the song that really established her as a southern soul recording artist.She had the the fans down by the stage up and dancing on this jam.Her next song was "One Good Man" and I could see her maturation as an artist as she begin to ad-lib with the crowd.I've always said in other reviews if an artist can get the crowd involved then they will always be a fan favorite.She and her backup singer begin to do some grown folks juking and the crowd absolutely loved it.Her next song was her biggest hit to date."Man Enough" received her biggest applause of the night as the women really got behind her on this bona fide southern soul hit.She closed her performance with Jazmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows".I've known Karen for a few years now going back to her days as a backup singer for her mentor,the legendary Denise Lasalle.Her first solo project "First Time Out" which featured the southern soul hit "Backdoor Love Affair" gained her a lot of recognition but its her second cd,"A Woman Needs A Strong Man" which features the hit "Man Enough" that has made her an award winning recording artist.Earlier this year she was presented the 2009 Jackson Music Award for International Female Artist Of The Year and just recently she picked up two awards at the 2009 Jus Blues Music Awards for best Southern Soul Female Artist and best Female Song Of The Year(Man Enough).I am so happy to see her receiving her just due in the industry.Like so many up and coming divas in the southern soul industry the sultry and sexy Karen Wolfe has definetly arrived.Welcome to the club babe.For more information and all the latest news about this talented diva please visit her webpage at www.karenwolfemusic.com and her myspace page at www.myspace.com/mskarenwolfe
The next performer was Jeff Floyd.I've dubbed him the most powerful voice in the industry and he lived up to that namesake as he opened up his performance with a rendition of Teddy Pendergrass "I Don't Love You Anymore".His next two selections were "I Got My Woman Upset" and "Somebody Gonna Lose A Good Woman Tonight" which he does a superb job on.You would think that William Bell was actually on stage with him as he masterfully performed this southern soul duet.His performance took on a new twist as a replica king size bed was brought on stage for his next song "King Size Bed".Jeff got a big applause from the women in attendance as be begin to simulate how he could really handle his business in bed with a few humping,bumping,licking and sticking freaky bedroom techniques.He gave a Teddy Pendergrass like performance on his new single "Lock My Door" just as Teddy screamed "turn'em off" in his song "Turn Off The Lights",Jeff equaled that moment when he screamed "lock it up" toward the end of this song.He closed his performance with my personal favorite "I've Found Love On A Lonely Highway" and once again he displayed his POWERFUL vocals.Jeff Floyd has a strong stage presence that puts him in the same class with T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Omar Cunningham and Sir Charles.If you are a big Jeff Floyd fan he has a new cd titled "Keeping It Real" on Wilbe records.For all the latest Jeff Floyd news please visit his website at www.jazzijefffloyd.com and his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/jazzijefffloyd and www.myspace.com/jazzijeffproduction
The next performer was the legendary Bobby Rush.I've seen his show for many years now and I can't lie,like so many other men I never get tired of it.Bobby Rush hit the stage with his dancers and the place exploded.I've seen his show numerous times and I have seen his dancers perform so you know all the fellas in attendance gave them a big ovation.He opened the show with "AIN'T SHE FINE" directing his attention to his dancers,Mz. Lowe,The Young Hen and The Old Hen who were doing their thang,shaking it and dropping it like it was too damn hot.Bobby Rush was his vintage self tonight.He had the crowd singing,laughing and dancing but once again his dancers stole the show.The dancers received thunderous ovations every time Bobby Rush directed the show their way.His raw lyrics accompanied by his hip swerving and pelvis thrusting dance moves allowed the women to have their time to get a little wild also."Big Fat Woman" continues to get a good laugh when he performs it.For those of you who haven't seen his performance he displays two pair of panties that an elephant can wear.On "Garbage Man" he was able to display his masterful skill on the harmonica.He performed all his classic hits"HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN","EVERYBODY LIKE THAT THANG","HENPECKED", and "SUE".He closed the show with "NIGHT FISHING".This was another great performance by Bobby Rush.In my opinion he continues to be one of the top performers on the scene today.
Up next was Malaco recording artist, Floyd Taylor.It has been years since he performed in the Mississippi Delta and the people were so happy to be blessed with his presence.His legendary father,Johnnie Taylor was a regular in this area for many years dating all the way back to the early 1970's.He opened up his performance with one of his early hits "I'm Crazy About That Woman In Red" and the ladies were melting.He followed that with his southern soul hit "You Still Got It" and this got a big ovation from the crowd."Baby I've Changed" was his next song and this is also my personal favorite.He next paid tribute to his father,the legendary blues whailer,Johnnie Taylor.He performed a medley of his dad's biggest hits including "Running Out Of Lies","Good Love","Disco Lady" and "I've Found A Love' and all of these songs went over well with the fans in attendance.This simply showed me that the Mississippi Delta and I guess the entire world truly miss our beloved Johnnie Taylor.He closed his performance with his latest hit "What If He Knew".It is truly amazing how much he looks and sounds like his father but make no mistake about it,Floyd Taylor is his own man and his talent clearly speaks for itself.The son of a legend has really emerged as FLOYD TAYLOR.For all the latest news on Floyd Taylor please visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/thetaylorlegacyliveson
The last performer on the night was "The King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles.I must admit before he hit the stage I noticed some very familar faces setting up to play for him.Chill Will,Yurick,Anthony and Ben formerly known as Soul 4 Real were now backing the biggest and most popular artist in southern soul.This is probably the closest thing to a dream team the industry has had since the golden years of Tyrone Davis and his Platinum band.The stage area was now packed with a lot of female fans screaming as Sir Charles hit the stage.Just his mere presence commands a crowds full attention.I stood and watched the ladies scream with every bit of energy that they could muster up.It was almost surreal to witness the impact that he had on the entire crowd.He said he wasn't feeling good tonight but he was still ready to please all the women in attendance and he did just that as he performed his classic hits "Better Or Worse","Just Can't Let Go" and "Hang On".He performed "Friday" next and although it was Saturday night the boy sounded so good he made you feel like it was actually Friday."Natural Woman" continued to make the women all melt."Slow Roll It' allowed Sir Charles,Brotha X and the band formerly known as Soul 4 Real to do their synchronized dance routine that never gets old with the fans."Just Like Fire" and "Pop That Coochie" got everyone up and dancing.He closed his performance with his classic hit single "Is There Anybody Lonely".Hands down Sir Charles is still the most popular artist in the business.He has the most charisma as any other artist and his vocals and dance moves rank right up there with the best of them.Its always a pleasure to see him perform.For all the latest Sir Charles news please visit his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/sircharlesjones747 and www.myspace.com/sircharlesjonesmusic
In closing,I would like to thank Karen Wolfe,Jeff Floyd,Bobby Rush,Floyd Taylor and Sir Charles for taking the time to meet,greet,converse and allowing me to provide you fans with some great photos from this fabulous show.I want to give shout outs to Darrayl(best sound man in the business),Nicole and Wanda(representing The Boogie Report),Anna Coday(CEO of B&J Records),Cyerio Hughes(WGNL radio),Carla Taylor(Floyd Taylor's fiance'),Pat Williams(Carla's sister),Gail Harris(Floyd merchandise rep),Tip,Sweet Mama,Brotha X,Peaches(Arkansas Peach) and MC Chitchy Baby.To my Dawg Pound members,O-Dawg and Lil E you all certainly had your dancing shoes on tonight.I had a blast kicking it with you all and I can't wait for us to do the damn thing again.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.
BIG K9
"3RD ANNUAL GREENWOOD BLUES FESTIVAL"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.2009 hasn't allowed the Big Dawg to bring you fans a lot of coverage from all the great blues and southern soul shows that have been going on this year.I've received tons of emails from fans,artist and promoters asking me if I would be able to come and cover their shows?The hard economic times that we are going through as a nation has even effected my attendance at shows that I would have normally attended.I wish I could do this full time but like so many of you I do have a family and other obligations that hasn't allowed me to do something that I truly love too do. Recently I was able to attend a spectacular Blues and Southern Soul show.The Leflore County civic center in Greenwood,Mississippi played host for the annual "Mississippi Blues Fest".
The lineup included the sensational Karen Wolfe,jamming Jeff Floyd,the legendary Bobby Rush,the fabulous Floyd Taylor and the "King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles Jones.It was a full house on hand to enjoy this star-filled blues and southern soul gathering.I was joined in the Dawg Pound by O-Dawg and the newest member Lil E.So with my gin and juice on hand chased with some ice cold Bud light,sit back good people and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
The first performer on the night was B&J recording artist, Karen Wolfe.She was extended a nice ovation by the crowd that was still pouring in as she walked on stage.She opened her performance with an excellent rendition of Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night".You know you have to have some nice vocals to pull off this classic hit and Karen Wolfe nailed it.Her next song was "Backdoor Love Affair" and this is the song that really established her as a southern soul recording artist.She had the the fans down by the stage up and dancing on this jam.Her next song was "One Good Man" and I could see her maturation as an artist as she begin to ad-lib with the crowd.I've always said in other reviews if an artist can get the crowd involved then they will always be a fan favorite.She and her backup singer begin to do some grown folks juking and the crowd absolutely loved it.Her next song was her biggest hit to date."Man Enough" received her biggest applause of the night as the women really got behind her on this bona fide southern soul hit.She closed her performance with Jazmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows".I've known Karen for a few years now going back to her days as a backup singer for her mentor,the legendary Denise Lasalle.Her first solo project "First Time Out" which featured the southern soul hit "Backdoor Love Affair" gained her a lot of recognition but its her second cd,"A Woman Needs A Strong Man" which features the hit "Man Enough" that has made her an award winning recording artist.Earlier this year she was presented the 2009 Jackson Music Award for International Female Artist Of The Year and just recently she picked up two awards at the 2009 Jus Blues Music Awards for best Southern Soul Female Artist and best Female Song Of The Year(Man Enough).I am so happy to see her receiving her just due in the industry.Like so many up and coming divas in the southern soul industry the sultry and sexy Karen Wolfe has definetly arrived.Welcome to the club babe.For more information and all the latest news about this talented diva please visit her webpage at www.karenwolfemusic.com and her myspace page at www.myspace.com/mskarenwolfe
The next performer was Jeff Floyd.I've dubbed him the most powerful voice in the industry and he lived up to that namesake as he opened up his performance with a rendition of Teddy Pendergrass "I Don't Love You Anymore".His next two selections were "I Got My Woman Upset" and "Somebody Gonna Lose A Good Woman Tonight" which he does a superb job on.You would think that William Bell was actually on stage with him as he masterfully performed this southern soul duet.His performance took on a new twist as a replica king size bed was brought on stage for his next song "King Size Bed".Jeff got a big applause from the women in attendance as be begin to simulate how he could really handle his business in bed with a few humping,bumping,licking and sticking freaky bedroom techniques.He gave a Teddy Pendergrass like performance on his new single "Lock My Door" just as Teddy screamed "turn'em off" in his song "Turn Off The Lights",Jeff equaled that moment when he screamed "lock it up" toward the end of this song.He closed his performance with my personal favorite "I've Found Love On A Lonely Highway" and once again he displayed his POWERFUL vocals.Jeff Floyd has a strong stage presence that puts him in the same class with T.K. Soul,O.B. Buchana,Omar Cunningham and Sir Charles.If you are a big Jeff Floyd fan he has a new cd titled "Keeping It Real" on Wilbe records.For all the latest Jeff Floyd news please visit his website at www.jazzijefffloyd.com and his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/jazzijefffloyd and www.myspace.com/jazzijeffproduction
The next performer was the legendary Bobby Rush.I've seen his show for many years now and I can't lie,like so many other men I never get tired of it.Bobby Rush hit the stage with his dancers and the place exploded.I've seen his show numerous times and I have seen his dancers perform so you know all the fellas in attendance gave them a big ovation.He opened the show with "AIN'T SHE FINE" directing his attention to his dancers,Mz. Lowe,The Young Hen and The Old Hen who were doing their thang,shaking it and dropping it like it was too damn hot.Bobby Rush was his vintage self tonight.He had the crowd singing,laughing and dancing but once again his dancers stole the show.The dancers received thunderous ovations every time Bobby Rush directed the show their way.His raw lyrics accompanied by his hip swerving and pelvis thrusting dance moves allowed the women to have their time to get a little wild also."Big Fat Woman" continues to get a good laugh when he performs it.For those of you who haven't seen his performance he displays two pair of panties that an elephant can wear.On "Garbage Man" he was able to display his masterful skill on the harmonica.He performed all his classic hits"HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN","EVERYBODY LIKE THAT THANG","HENPECKED", and "SUE".He closed the show with "NIGHT FISHING".This was another great performance by Bobby Rush.In my opinion he continues to be one of the top performers on the scene today.
Up next was Malaco recording artist, Floyd Taylor.It has been years since he performed in the Mississippi Delta and the people were so happy to be blessed with his presence.His legendary father,Johnnie Taylor was a regular in this area for many years dating all the way back to the early 1970's.He opened up his performance with one of his early hits "I'm Crazy About That Woman In Red" and the ladies were melting.He followed that with his southern soul hit "You Still Got It" and this got a big ovation from the crowd."Baby I've Changed" was his next song and this is also my personal favorite.He next paid tribute to his father,the legendary blues whailer,Johnnie Taylor.He performed a medley of his dad's biggest hits including "Running Out Of Lies","Good Love","Disco Lady" and "I've Found A Love' and all of these songs went over well with the fans in attendance.This simply showed me that the Mississippi Delta and I guess the entire world truly miss our beloved Johnnie Taylor.He closed his performance with his latest hit "What If He Knew".It is truly amazing how much he looks and sounds like his father but make no mistake about it,Floyd Taylor is his own man and his talent clearly speaks for itself.The son of a legend has really emerged as FLOYD TAYLOR.For all the latest news on Floyd Taylor please visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/thetaylorlegacyliveson
The last performer on the night was "The King Of Southern Soul",Sir Charles.I must admit before he hit the stage I noticed some very familar faces setting up to play for him.Chill Will,Yurick,Anthony and Ben formerly known as Soul 4 Real were now backing the biggest and most popular artist in southern soul.This is probably the closest thing to a dream team the industry has had since the golden years of Tyrone Davis and his Platinum band.The stage area was now packed with a lot of female fans screaming as Sir Charles hit the stage.Just his mere presence commands a crowds full attention.I stood and watched the ladies scream with every bit of energy that they could muster up.It was almost surreal to witness the impact that he had on the entire crowd.He said he wasn't feeling good tonight but he was still ready to please all the women in attendance and he did just that as he performed his classic hits "Better Or Worse","Just Can't Let Go" and "Hang On".He performed "Friday" next and although it was Saturday night the boy sounded so good he made you feel like it was actually Friday."Natural Woman" continued to make the women all melt."Slow Roll It' allowed Sir Charles,Brotha X and the band formerly known as Soul 4 Real to do their synchronized dance routine that never gets old with the fans."Just Like Fire" and "Pop That Coochie" got everyone up and dancing.He closed his performance with his classic hit single "Is There Anybody Lonely".Hands down Sir Charles is still the most popular artist in the business.He has the most charisma as any other artist and his vocals and dance moves rank right up there with the best of them.Its always a pleasure to see him perform.For all the latest Sir Charles news please visit his myspace pages at www.myspace.com/sircharlesjones747 and www.myspace.com/sircharlesjonesmusic
In closing,I would like to thank Karen Wolfe,Jeff Floyd,Bobby Rush,Floyd Taylor and Sir Charles for taking the time to meet,greet,converse and allowing me to provide you fans with some great photos from this fabulous show.I want to give shout outs to Darrayl(best sound man in the business),Nicole and Wanda(representing The Boogie Report),Anna Coday(CEO of B&J Records),Cyerio Hughes(WGNL radio),Carla Taylor(Floyd Taylor's fiance'),Pat Williams(Carla's sister),Gail Harris(Floyd merchandise rep),Tip,Sweet Mama,Brotha X,Peaches(Arkansas Peach) and MC Chitchy Baby.To my Dawg Pound members,O-Dawg and Lil E you all certainly had your dancing shoes on tonight.I had a blast kicking it with you all and I can't wait for us to do the damn thing again.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.
BIG K9