By Patte Purcell
It was a hot night at Shanghai Reds and the blues were even hotter at the BB King Tribute Jam produced by John Carey (Smooth Brothers). The standing room only crowd grooved to the music with a great open by John Carey on guitar with Theo, Les, Bob, and Johnny. Rose Mallett took the stage and wowed the house with “Every Day I have the Blues.” She never disappoints!
Big Daddy Al Robertson took the drums and vocals and joined Kevin Henry, Chuck Ayala and Stanley Butler.
Next up The Barry Baughn Blues band sang the blues. Barry Minniefield sang his heart out on vocals. Eve Holmes did a very bluesy rendition of “Kansas City.” Slim Man (CV Music Awards Best Jazz vocalist) took the stage with John Carey and smoked it with “Rock Me Baby” and “It’s All Over Now.” One of my friends stopped me on the way out and told me how awesome Slim sounded.
The topper was the irrepressible, 4 time national award winning Deanna Bogart who played her ‘blusion’ style on the piano in two songs, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and “Never Make Your Move Too Soon.” Deanna is a total crowd favorite and was joined by local sax phenom, Chase Huna. She got a standing ovation!
She was followed by Riz, The Voodoo Hustlers, Stanley Butler, and The Smooth Brothers. The finale was a rousing version of “The Thrill is Gone” with all of the musicians. The event was emceed by Jimi Fitz.
As always, the food was great, the drinks were cold and the people in the desert were there to enjoy!
I will be traveling this summer and Slim Man (2016 CV Music Awards, Best Jazz Vocalist) will be subbing on some guest columns for me. You’ll enjoy his humor and insights.
All photos by Marco Najera
