Mount Baker Blues Festival
Saturday, July 31
Old Skool is on next, the group of jammers from the Dakota Creek Early Sunday Blues Jam who have worked hard on polishing song arrangements. They hit the stage with the power of a Heavy Metal band and the soul of the Blues. Rockin' Gary B, Airplane Dave and Brian (featured vocalist on many songs) joined the soul of Johnny Brewer and Margaret (keyboard and vocals.) My only regret was that the soundman could not keep up with the many vocalists and soloists.
Next up was Incognito, this Canadian band was back with their funky urban Blues mixed with cajun Zydeco. The Mount Baker festival promoter, Lloyd Peterson, made a special appearance on guitar with much coaxing from his friends in the band.
Taylor James fronted the next set which started acoustic folk and quickly changed to electric swing. The band kept a great groove and Taylor James sang from the heart. They got downright funky with Prince's 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' and gave a rousing version of Janis Joplin's 'Move Over'.
Jerry Miller's Blues Stars with Alice Stuart were the Real Deal, authentic blues from the former Moby Grape star Jerry Miller switching off with Alice Stuart. They fronted Blues standards and original blues hits from their many years playing and recording the blues. This was traditional blues at it's best.
Hubert Sumlin with the Crossroads Band: Patrick McFarland and the Crossroads Band warmed up the after dinner crowd after one song with Hubert Sumlin. Dennis on tenor sax was exceptional, he and harp player Steve Bailey laid down horn lines and fantastic solos. The guitar, bass and drums provided a solid beat of up tempo jump and swing blues which had the crowd a dancin'. Each player got to sing a song, and each song showed a different side to this versatile band. Hubert Sumlin then fronted the band, which gave us that Chicago Blues, and solid groove that complimented Hubert's guitar and singing. Crossroads did a great job showcasing this blues veteran.
The Blues Cousins (from Russia) finished day with rockin' power blues that was was a favorite last year at the Mt. Baker Blues festival, and again this year.
July 31st and August 1st in 2004.
The Blueslamp
Mt. Baker Blues Festival feature (previewing the line-up) focuses on headliners Hubert Sumlin and Magic Slim.
