JANUARY 3,2007:
"NEW YEARS EVE BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL BASH"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans, with the holiday season behind us it was time for me to reflect back on my 2006 blues and southern soul ride and look ahead with much anticipation about my upcoming 2007 ride.2006 I was able to attend more concerts and meet more artists than ever before and that allowed me to share more with you the greatest fans in the world.There were plenty of familar faces with the likes of T.K. Soul,Willie Clayton,Omar Cunningham,Vick Allen,Marvin Sease,Sir Charles,Bobby Rush,Walter Waiters and Denise Lasalle to name a few but it was the opportunity to meet so many legendary artists and so many new and upcoming artists that were truly the highlights of my 2006 blues and southern soul ride.Some of the legendary artists were Clarence Carter,Latimore,Lenny Williams,The Manhattans,The Bar-Kays and J. Blackfoot,then there were seasoned artists with the likes of Mel Waiters,Theodis Ealey,Billy "Soul" Bonds,Pat Brown,O.B. Buchana,Kenne Wayne,Donnie Ray,Reggie P,Stan Mosley,Nathaniel Kimble and Carl Sims.I've enjoyed the sounds of these artists for a long time and it was pleasure for me to be in their presence and share that experience with you the fans.Now the future of this genre of music was on display big time in 2006 and I had the opportunity to meet a lot of the stars of tomorrow.On the male scene there was Archie Love,Jeff Floyd,Steve Perry and Lebrado but the divas of southern soul were the true apples of my eyes.I guess I was a lucky guy to hold in my arms the likes of Ms. Monique,Roni,Sheba Potts-Wright,Lacee',Karen Wolfe and Big Cynthia,LAWD HAVE MERCY,I truly love this blues and southern soul thang.If I had to choose the best moment for me in 2006,I would have to say that it was when I met my friend and mentor Jerry"Boogie"Mason of The Boogie Report.Its through Boogie's vision and interpertation of this genre of music that I am able to provide you the fans with all the blues and southern soul news,concert reviews,photos and all other information from this genre of music.He has been very instumental in my growth and progression as I have developed a solid relationship with the industry.Those are just some of the more memorable moments from 2006,now I would like to share with you my last show from this remarkable year.
The Washington County Convention Center in Greenville,Mississippi played host to a New Years Eve Blues Bash.With so many local parties and other artists performing shows in the surrounding area I didn't anticipate a large turnout for this show and boy was I ever so right.It was a small crowd on hand but like our beloved Mel Waiters says,the smaller the club(the crowd in this case)the bigger the party and I can say this small crowd was up for some BIG TIME fun.The lineup for this end-of-the-year-show included R&B sensations,Temmora and Urban Mystic,Reggie P,O.B. Buchana and J.Blackfoot.
I arrived early hoping to get a couple of interviews with O.B. Buchana and J.Blackfoot but upon arrival none of them were presence.The place was well decorated with a lot of party favors on display but it was the smell of fried fish that won me over very quickly and you know I had to try some out and people let me tell you it was slammin.I had my gin and juice in hand with some cold Bud Light on ice.For the last show of 2006 good people sit back and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Local artist Mississippi Slim opened up the show and he is a fan favorite at these shows.He performed some of B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland hits and a wonderful rendition of Mckinely Mitchell's "End Of The Rainbow" but it was Don Covay's classic hit "I Was Checkin Out She's Checkin In" that got a nice ovation from the small crowd and this got the party started.True blues and southern soul lovers know this song very well and I think recording artist Chuck Strong also covered this song but Mississippi Slim got the crowd in party mode with his soulful version.The next time I see him perform I must request this song.He set a nice tone for the rest of the show.
The next performer of the night was my homeboy(actually born in my hometown)"The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana and the crowd showed him a lot of love as he hit the stage.He stated,"Its not a lot of us here tonight but we are going to have a damn good time anyway" and this went over well with the audience.They were all on their feet and a GROWN FOLKS PARTY was about to begin and O.B. Buchana was the guest of honor.He opened his performance with "I'm In Love" and the ladies were loving him.His next song "Booty Scoot" got the people on their feet and dancing and even though the crowd was small the party was big and these country folks were having the time of their lives.His next song caught me off guard.He did a rendition of Al Green's "Love And Happiness" and fans he pulled it off.He could do no wrong on this night.Greenville is Tyrone Davis hometown and his next song,"It's Over" allowed O.B. to showcase his deep soulful baritone voice,and you can see the influence that Tyrone Davis actually had on him."You Can Be A Fool And Don't Know It" sounded like another cut from the early Tyrone Davis years.His next song was "Let Me Sleep With My Head In It" and he displayed some powerful bang,bang,bang I'll tear it up woman body thrust and the women went wild.He has some smooth moves to be such a large man.His next song is slowly becoming one of my personal favorites,"Like My Woman" was well received,he begin to adlib with the men and women in attendance and like all other male performers who aren't ashame to display their lizard,excuse me their tounge for the ladies he was no exception and the women continued to display their approval.He closed his performance with "Lets Get Drunk" and he told everyone in attendance to hold their drink in the air and he led the biggest toast in southern soul history as he dranked a large amount of Crown Royal straight from the bottle.I tried to play catch up but to no avail.O.B. is a very talented entertainer blessed with all the tools to go straight to the top.He will be a major player in the southern soul industry for years to come and on this night we were able to hang out and enjoy the rest of the show.
The next performer on the night was R&B sensation Temmora who was also the only female on the show.I had the opportunity to see her perform earlier in the year.Before this year I had never even heard of her but now all of that has changed.One of the most beautiful and sexiest ladies that I've ever seen walked out on stage and myself and the rest of the guys in attendance just melted.She opened her performance with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" and the folks in Greenville clapped with approval.Her next two songs were Donna Summers' "Bad Girls" and "She Works Hard For The Money" and these two disco songs had the people on their feet and dancing.She gave an amazing rendition of Erica Badu's "Tyrone" and this really allowed her to showcase her marvelous vocals.Her next song,"Catch You On The Flipside" is a nice R&B cut and I hate to compare artists because I know an artist want their own identity but she sounds very similar to R&B recording artist Chante' Moore.She closed her performance with"There's No Me" which is a song that she did as a duet with recording artist Howard Hewett but with Hewett unavailable her background singer who only wanted to be reffered as Griffin stepped in and they gave a sensational performance.Pretty,sexy, and talented best describes this beautiful recording artist.A sultry voice with eye popping sexy dance moves makes her a complete artist.I don't follow mainstream R&B like I use to but I know that I can expect bigger things from this gifted young lady in the future.You won my heart.A breath-taking performance.I was able to talk to her after her performance and also had the opportunity to meet her backgorund singers Shanta,Candace and Griffin.Also backstage was her mother and her talented little nieces who gave me a sample of their singing ability as they did a version of Whitney Houston's "The Greatest Love Of All".
The next performer in my opinion is a living legend.Greenville,Mississippi's very own J.Blackfoot hit the stage and he received the biggest ovation of the night.I was standing backstage and was joined by O.B Buchana for this performance.His first song was "Just Got Paid" and this uptempo jam had the people on their feet and dancing.His next song,"After The Tone" which is also one of my personal favorites to my suprise sounded better live with the "Amazing" Archie Love providing the background vocals.He begin to adlib with the crowd before performing the very popular "Just One Lifetime".With no Ann Hines available he was able to carry this tune very masterfully and his raspy but soulful voice sounded almost heavenly as he gave a very soul-stirring performance.His next song was "Your Man Is Home Tonight" and O.B. who was standing beside me was belting out his own version backstage.His next song was the hit that propelled him to superstardom as a solo artist after many sucessful years with the recording group "The Soul Children"."Taxi" got a thunderous ovation from the small crowd on hand.Everyone was standing and loving J.Blackfoot.He closed his performance with a sample of his song from his new cd titled,"It Ain't Over Til Its Over" and the crowd loved it.As he walked off stage the people in Greenville wanted more of the living legend,me and O.B. embraced him as he came off stage and headed to the dressing room the mc followed him to the dressing room with the mic and told him that the crowd wanted more and he to my suprise went back on stage and the place erupted.He sampled songs from The Soul Children and while he was performing I told the mc to go on stage and tell J.Blackfoot to call O.B. out on stage and when he called for O.B. he looked at me and said he was going to get me for that.People O.B. was singing all his songs backstage and was sounding so good and me being the fan that I am wanted to see these two on stage together and I'm glad I did because their time together on stage was the best part of the show.I left the backstage area and captured some terrifc photos of these two dynamic artists performing together for the very first time so if they ever collaborate on a song together fans thank Big K9 for that one.When you view these photos you will see the fun these two had on stage together.As they left the stage with the loudest ovation of the night the three of us all embraced and O.B. told me that he was glad that I told them to call him to the stage.Does Big K9 have some stroke now?(Lol) AWESOME is all I'm going to say about that.
The next performer on the night was r&b recording artist Urban Mystic.Due to all the fun and excitement going on backstage I missed a good portion of his performance but his rendition of Sam Cooke's " A Change Gonna Come" and his song "Your Potrait" got my attention.Doing his performance it was time to count down the New Year and all the artist on tonight's show joined him on stage for the countdown.I was backstage with a bottle of champagne as I brought in the New Year getting my blues on.
The last performer of the night was Reggie P and I had to leave.My co-worker Kilya Simmons was in attendance and she stayed for the entire show.She said he performed his songs "Nobody Wants You","Come On Girl","Hold On" and "Why Me".It was her first time seeing him perform and she asked me what was up with Reggie P?I asked her did he leave the stage area and her answer was how many times?I had a smile on my face but people familar with his show already know that he loves to leave the stage area. Well this concludes my 2006 blues and southern soul ride.I want to give a shout out to WBAD radio personality Big Jock.A special thanks to Archie Love,J.Blackfoot,O.B. Buchana and Temmora who all took the time to meet,greet and take some of the best photos I've ever taken at a show,especially with the artist on stage.I know the fans are going to really enjoy these photos with J.Blackfoot and O.B. Buchana being my favorites.
To the greatest fans in the world thank you for all your love and support,my website is truly dedicated to all of you.I'm glad to be a positive face and voice for this BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL THANG.2006 was great but I'm looking for 2007 to be even better.Continue to go out and support the artist and promoters as they continue to bless us with all these magnificent performances.From me and the entire DAWG POUND.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Big K9
"NEW YEARS EVE BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL BASH"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans, with the holiday season behind us it was time for me to reflect back on my 2006 blues and southern soul ride and look ahead with much anticipation about my upcoming 2007 ride.2006 I was able to attend more concerts and meet more artists than ever before and that allowed me to share more with you the greatest fans in the world.There were plenty of familar faces with the likes of T.K. Soul,Willie Clayton,Omar Cunningham,Vick Allen,Marvin Sease,Sir Charles,Bobby Rush,Walter Waiters and Denise Lasalle to name a few but it was the opportunity to meet so many legendary artists and so many new and upcoming artists that were truly the highlights of my 2006 blues and southern soul ride.Some of the legendary artists were Clarence Carter,Latimore,Lenny Williams,The Manhattans,The Bar-Kays and J. Blackfoot,then there were seasoned artists with the likes of Mel Waiters,Theodis Ealey,Billy "Soul" Bonds,Pat Brown,O.B. Buchana,Kenne Wayne,Donnie Ray,Reggie P,Stan Mosley,Nathaniel Kimble and Carl Sims.I've enjoyed the sounds of these artists for a long time and it was pleasure for me to be in their presence and share that experience with you the fans.Now the future of this genre of music was on display big time in 2006 and I had the opportunity to meet a lot of the stars of tomorrow.On the male scene there was Archie Love,Jeff Floyd,Steve Perry and Lebrado but the divas of southern soul were the true apples of my eyes.I guess I was a lucky guy to hold in my arms the likes of Ms. Monique,Roni,Sheba Potts-Wright,Lacee',Karen Wolfe and Big Cynthia,LAWD HAVE MERCY,I truly love this blues and southern soul thang.If I had to choose the best moment for me in 2006,I would have to say that it was when I met my friend and mentor Jerry"Boogie"Mason of The Boogie Report.Its through Boogie's vision and interpertation of this genre of music that I am able to provide you the fans with all the blues and southern soul news,concert reviews,photos and all other information from this genre of music.He has been very instumental in my growth and progression as I have developed a solid relationship with the industry.Those are just some of the more memorable moments from 2006,now I would like to share with you my last show from this remarkable year.
The Washington County Convention Center in Greenville,Mississippi played host to a New Years Eve Blues Bash.With so many local parties and other artists performing shows in the surrounding area I didn't anticipate a large turnout for this show and boy was I ever so right.It was a small crowd on hand but like our beloved Mel Waiters says,the smaller the club(the crowd in this case)the bigger the party and I can say this small crowd was up for some BIG TIME fun.The lineup for this end-of-the-year-show included R&B sensations,Temmora and Urban Mystic,Reggie P,O.B. Buchana and J.Blackfoot.
I arrived early hoping to get a couple of interviews with O.B. Buchana and J.Blackfoot but upon arrival none of them were presence.The place was well decorated with a lot of party favors on display but it was the smell of fried fish that won me over very quickly and you know I had to try some out and people let me tell you it was slammin.I had my gin and juice in hand with some cold Bud Light on ice.For the last show of 2006 good people sit back and let me take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
Local artist Mississippi Slim opened up the show and he is a fan favorite at these shows.He performed some of B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland hits and a wonderful rendition of Mckinely Mitchell's "End Of The Rainbow" but it was Don Covay's classic hit "I Was Checkin Out She's Checkin In" that got a nice ovation from the small crowd and this got the party started.True blues and southern soul lovers know this song very well and I think recording artist Chuck Strong also covered this song but Mississippi Slim got the crowd in party mode with his soulful version.The next time I see him perform I must request this song.He set a nice tone for the rest of the show.
The next performer of the night was my homeboy(actually born in my hometown)"The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana and the crowd showed him a lot of love as he hit the stage.He stated,"Its not a lot of us here tonight but we are going to have a damn good time anyway" and this went over well with the audience.They were all on their feet and a GROWN FOLKS PARTY was about to begin and O.B. Buchana was the guest of honor.He opened his performance with "I'm In Love" and the ladies were loving him.His next song "Booty Scoot" got the people on their feet and dancing and even though the crowd was small the party was big and these country folks were having the time of their lives.His next song caught me off guard.He did a rendition of Al Green's "Love And Happiness" and fans he pulled it off.He could do no wrong on this night.Greenville is Tyrone Davis hometown and his next song,"It's Over" allowed O.B. to showcase his deep soulful baritone voice,and you can see the influence that Tyrone Davis actually had on him."You Can Be A Fool And Don't Know It" sounded like another cut from the early Tyrone Davis years.His next song was "Let Me Sleep With My Head In It" and he displayed some powerful bang,bang,bang I'll tear it up woman body thrust and the women went wild.He has some smooth moves to be such a large man.His next song is slowly becoming one of my personal favorites,"Like My Woman" was well received,he begin to adlib with the men and women in attendance and like all other male performers who aren't ashame to display their lizard,excuse me their tounge for the ladies he was no exception and the women continued to display their approval.He closed his performance with "Lets Get Drunk" and he told everyone in attendance to hold their drink in the air and he led the biggest toast in southern soul history as he dranked a large amount of Crown Royal straight from the bottle.I tried to play catch up but to no avail.O.B. is a very talented entertainer blessed with all the tools to go straight to the top.He will be a major player in the southern soul industry for years to come and on this night we were able to hang out and enjoy the rest of the show.
The next performer on the night was R&B sensation Temmora who was also the only female on the show.I had the opportunity to see her perform earlier in the year.Before this year I had never even heard of her but now all of that has changed.One of the most beautiful and sexiest ladies that I've ever seen walked out on stage and myself and the rest of the guys in attendance just melted.She opened her performance with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" and the folks in Greenville clapped with approval.Her next two songs were Donna Summers' "Bad Girls" and "She Works Hard For The Money" and these two disco songs had the people on their feet and dancing.She gave an amazing rendition of Erica Badu's "Tyrone" and this really allowed her to showcase her marvelous vocals.Her next song,"Catch You On The Flipside" is a nice R&B cut and I hate to compare artists because I know an artist want their own identity but she sounds very similar to R&B recording artist Chante' Moore.She closed her performance with"There's No Me" which is a song that she did as a duet with recording artist Howard Hewett but with Hewett unavailable her background singer who only wanted to be reffered as Griffin stepped in and they gave a sensational performance.Pretty,sexy, and talented best describes this beautiful recording artist.A sultry voice with eye popping sexy dance moves makes her a complete artist.I don't follow mainstream R&B like I use to but I know that I can expect bigger things from this gifted young lady in the future.You won my heart.A breath-taking performance.I was able to talk to her after her performance and also had the opportunity to meet her backgorund singers Shanta,Candace and Griffin.Also backstage was her mother and her talented little nieces who gave me a sample of their singing ability as they did a version of Whitney Houston's "The Greatest Love Of All".
The next performer in my opinion is a living legend.Greenville,Mississippi's very own J.Blackfoot hit the stage and he received the biggest ovation of the night.I was standing backstage and was joined by O.B Buchana for this performance.His first song was "Just Got Paid" and this uptempo jam had the people on their feet and dancing.His next song,"After The Tone" which is also one of my personal favorites to my suprise sounded better live with the "Amazing" Archie Love providing the background vocals.He begin to adlib with the crowd before performing the very popular "Just One Lifetime".With no Ann Hines available he was able to carry this tune very masterfully and his raspy but soulful voice sounded almost heavenly as he gave a very soul-stirring performance.His next song was "Your Man Is Home Tonight" and O.B. who was standing beside me was belting out his own version backstage.His next song was the hit that propelled him to superstardom as a solo artist after many sucessful years with the recording group "The Soul Children"."Taxi" got a thunderous ovation from the small crowd on hand.Everyone was standing and loving J.Blackfoot.He closed his performance with a sample of his song from his new cd titled,"It Ain't Over Til Its Over" and the crowd loved it.As he walked off stage the people in Greenville wanted more of the living legend,me and O.B. embraced him as he came off stage and headed to the dressing room the mc followed him to the dressing room with the mic and told him that the crowd wanted more and he to my suprise went back on stage and the place erupted.He sampled songs from The Soul Children and while he was performing I told the mc to go on stage and tell J.Blackfoot to call O.B. out on stage and when he called for O.B. he looked at me and said he was going to get me for that.People O.B. was singing all his songs backstage and was sounding so good and me being the fan that I am wanted to see these two on stage together and I'm glad I did because their time together on stage was the best part of the show.I left the backstage area and captured some terrifc photos of these two dynamic artists performing together for the very first time so if they ever collaborate on a song together fans thank Big K9 for that one.When you view these photos you will see the fun these two had on stage together.As they left the stage with the loudest ovation of the night the three of us all embraced and O.B. told me that he was glad that I told them to call him to the stage.Does Big K9 have some stroke now?(Lol) AWESOME is all I'm going to say about that.
The next performer on the night was r&b recording artist Urban Mystic.Due to all the fun and excitement going on backstage I missed a good portion of his performance but his rendition of Sam Cooke's " A Change Gonna Come" and his song "Your Potrait" got my attention.Doing his performance it was time to count down the New Year and all the artist on tonight's show joined him on stage for the countdown.I was backstage with a bottle of champagne as I brought in the New Year getting my blues on.
The last performer of the night was Reggie P and I had to leave.My co-worker Kilya Simmons was in attendance and she stayed for the entire show.She said he performed his songs "Nobody Wants You","Come On Girl","Hold On" and "Why Me".It was her first time seeing him perform and she asked me what was up with Reggie P?I asked her did he leave the stage area and her answer was how many times?I had a smile on my face but people familar with his show already know that he loves to leave the stage area. Well this concludes my 2006 blues and southern soul ride.I want to give a shout out to WBAD radio personality Big Jock.A special thanks to Archie Love,J.Blackfoot,O.B. Buchana and Temmora who all took the time to meet,greet and take some of the best photos I've ever taken at a show,especially with the artist on stage.I know the fans are going to really enjoy these photos with J.Blackfoot and O.B. Buchana being my favorites.
To the greatest fans in the world thank you for all your love and support,my website is truly dedicated to all of you.I'm glad to be a positive face and voice for this BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL THANG.2006 was great but I'm looking for 2007 to be even better.Continue to go out and support the artist and promoters as they continue to bless us with all these magnificent performances.From me and the entire DAWG POUND.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Big K9