Heritage 2002 Blues Fest

Heritage 2002 Blues Fest – Wheeling WVA

August 16^th –18^th

^{By Gary
W. Miller}

We just attended the Heritage Blues Fest in Wheeling, WVA, and all I can say is “WOW”! What a lineup of talent Bruce Wheeler, the organizer, brought to this city!

He and his crew worked tirelessly to provide a high quality venue that is a great boost to Wheeling. I personally want to thank everybody involved for a wonderful weekend of some of the best entertainment I have seen on one stage in a long time. Crowd turnout was moderate because of predicted rain, (When doesn’t it rain at a Blues Fest?). The rain that did fall did not dampen the spirits of the crowd that was lucky enough to hear all the great artists. The sound system was the best I’ve heard anywhere.

Listen, Blues boys & girls-- when a festival kicks off with someone like Robert Jr, Lockwood, you know you’re in the right place. Besides having a great band, Mr. Lockwood can play great guitar and pick and sing the real Blues. From Robert Johnson through T-Bone Walker to Robert’s own tunes, it’s just the best. Finger picking, slide, boogie & Jazz, it’s all in Robert. The Rev. Billy C. Wirtz followed him, dispensing some fine boogie piano and hilarious lyrics. Billy is a very funny man, and I don’t know which came first—the piano or the humor. He kept the crowd in stitches with his personal stories and hysterical songs.

Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers flat out put down some great Blues! I had not heard him live and it was quite a performance. Man, this cat plays some fine guitar. The whole band did a knockout performance, from slow Blues to sax-rockin’ jump and jive. They ended the Friday night performance, leaving the crowd howling for more. I hear the new album is a blast!

Saturday performances proved to be even more deadly, considering there were lots more bands ready to play. Jill West & Blues Attack, a Pittsburgh based group, led off the day’s festivities with some great guitar pairings and here dynamic, soulful vocals. They are very popular in this area and lots of their fans were there, giving lots of support and dancing hard.

Michael Hill’s Blues Mob busted hard into their driving brand of blues, with lots of fine playing. They were another group I had yet to catch anywhere, so this was a first for me, and it was mighty fine. They played a great long set that took everyone to the top.

I am always amazed by the power and precise performance of Rory Block. This woman is a consummate artist. It’s also funny to watch the crowd’s face as her powerful guitar playing stuns them, as does her slide work and beautiful voice. All I can say is, it happened here in Wheeling, WVA. Maybe people can’t believe it, but she always wows them. Her delicious and potent acapella version of “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down” captivated everyone.

Someone I have wanted to see since I heard he was playing guitar with Buddy Guy on “Sweet Tea” followed Rory. His name is James Mathus (& His Knockdown Society). These guys ROCK! Snakin’ out of Mississippi, this hard-hitting trio cut some fast and furious stuff. A great drummer and bass player sharpen the attack, which is part of the New Southern Music (Ya heard it here first, folks!). Catch this band near you if you can.

“Good Ol’ Boys CAN play the Blues.

Alvin Youngblood Hart took us into the evening with his slide playing and versatile brand of music. It’s not all blues, as some purists found out, but it’s all about heart & attitude. A little bit of reggae, a little bit of country and a whole lot of Blues make people a lot happier. Alvin takes it very seriously, and that’s good. I sure like his slide guitar playing.

We talked and talked and discussed about Robben Ford. There is enough Blues in his educated sound to make him a Blues man, but that’s not strictly what he is about. There is Jazz, Fusion, melody, rock, and a sweet blend of voice and guitar that shows that this man is a force that can’t be stereotyped. He led the crowd into a miasma of vocalizing and musical abilities that left them limp—in a good way. I was mesmerized by the exacting detail of the performance. You just have to hear the group, as it’s too good to be missed. He had fans come from Florida to hear him. That’s HEAVY!

Sunday was the last day and so far everything was great, except for a couple of minutes of rain and threatening skies. We Don’t Care! Play The Blues! Ernie Hawkins plays the Blues and knows this music like the back of his hand. His stylish guitar playing and slide work are some of the best you will hear. I love the attention to detail this artist has brought to his study of the guitar genre of Blues. He has several videos available to students about guitar styles, and I will tell you, I wish I had learned to play the way he does—maybe a video will help. Watch for a review of his new album soon.

A couple of side tent performers caught my attention between sets on the Main Stage. Sean Carney, from Columbus, OH, caught my ear from the tent and I was right up there listening to him do his thing on guitar and vocal. He is a great new talent and a regular cat. Quite an ear for the rare Blues! In the same breath, I heard the fiery Patrick Sweany, who has his way with the guitar and vocal. The reinvention of the Blues takes place without screwing it up. These younger up-and-comers are great. I am constantly surprised by their knowledge of Roots music and they deserve our support. The Blues always needs new blood, and these are the guys that are doing it.

I eagerly awaited Levon Helm & The Barnburners, who I had not seen since the King Biscuit Festival the year before. Appearing with them was the great Bob Margolin. I knew what to expect, but this was the best I have heard. Bob’s knowledge (from playing with Muddy Waters) led the group into the finest exposition of Muddy’s music I think I’ve experienced. It absolutely ROCKED! These tunes were not remakes, riddled with sameness. Chris O’Leary is one hell of a vocalist & harp player. Everybody was having such a good time that this jam spirit went on throughout the evening. The sheer Joy of playing was there.

Maria Muldaur showed up to kill everybody with her down and dirty blues vocals, spirited on by Bob Margolin on guitar again. No wonder her album is getting such praise! She is such an outstanding talent and she put the audience at home and in the mood for Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers. Admittedly a favorite, I drove all the way from Knoxville to see them. I didn’t know that Bob Margolin would join in, so this turned out to be a tremendous jam. The new guitarist with Rod, Henry Carvajal, is definitely the right guitarist to move in after Rick Holmstrom. He has a beautiful sense of the West Coast style and what a great, high voice! This band was blowin’ and wailin’! What a great closing to a beautiful weekend at Wheeling, WVA. You MUST include this great booking in next year’s Blues schedule—you won’t regret it. Please, Folks, Support The Blues!!!