Quincy Area Blues Festival, July 20-22

Quincy Area Blues Festival, July 20-22
by
DJGaryBlues
August 8, 2001

The Quincy Area Blues Fest, held in downtown Washington Park, in Quincy, Illinois on July 20 - 22 was a real stunner. I guess I would put up with anything for the Blues, even a heat index of 115 degrees. Yes, it was hot! I've seen just about every type of weather but snow at a blues festival, but it never stops the music or the good times and Quincy was no exception. Folks just kept right on moving to the great music. And in the three days, this festival had lots of great talent and something for everyone. They were there from 3 to 83 and everyone was dancing.

The festival is sponsored by the Mid-Mississippi Muddy Water Blues Society. BluesWax thanks Jerry Davis, the president, Bob Bick, Sally and Lori for all their help. Bob's unrelenting determination to bring some great acts was not stopped, even by the cancellation of two top acts. Sugar Blue was sidelined and so was Chris Cain. This didn't stop the show. Jerry and Bob got on the horn and their perseverance brought in replacements Lonnie Shields and James Armstrong Band.

The lineup Friday was T-Bone and Blue Plate Special, New Complexion, and Kelley Hunt. Blue Plate hosted an after-festival jam at the Third Down every night. After the show, most artists came and jammed and that turned into a mighty fine event. New Complexion is an outstanding local act also. Kelley Hunt was a knockout! She boogied the audience to its feet and did some great ballads, too. I hope to turn you on to a review of her new CD soon. She is a real undiscovered gem!

Even though the temperature roared to 105 degrees, Saturday kicked off with Rod & The Satellites, an outstanding local soul band, ready to go on the road. They offered great arrangements and a tight brass section. The Mahoney Brothers are a local favorite and their reputation is well deserved. They really deserve a listen and a break. They rock the blues. Carson Gay and the boys play great Chicago-style electric blues.

Chump Change was a treat to hear and a surprise. Some of the baddest electric slide guitar around by the soulful and laid back Big Babe Martin. He plays left-handed, upside down and backwards. He has real, soulful, warmth to his vocals. And, some great piano by Pete Szkolka set up some nice solos for sax man, Ken Brantley.

Next, the great Lonnie Shields delivered a high-powered set, which got the crowd to its feet. This guy is a great performer and really psyches up the crowd by going out amongst them and playing and dancing with the people, especially the kids. It was a great time.═ He has a new CD coming out, probably in the winter. Look for it.

The last headliner was Billy Boy Arnold. He's been around Chicago for years and Duke Robillard produced his newest album, Boogie ‘N’ Shuffle. The band was great and filled with some very knowledgeable players. They really could play some stuff that a lot of younger cats just can't get. I love that kind of knowledge. Chicago Blues: AAAH! What a treat!

Sunday kicked off with a local act, Ben Bumbry & the Messengers. It should be noted that local acts are very important to the future of the Blues and it's only fitting that these acts gain exposure and the chance to do their part to promote the blues. YEA for blues societies for giving the locals some space & time. Kelly Kirby hails from St. Louis and spent 12 years in Texas honing his guitar styling. He is absolutely one of the best singers, pickers and slide men around. His command of the Delta and Texas blues is phenomenal. He does not have a CD so where are the record companies when they are needed? Get this guy on record so more blues lovers can here this stuff!

Always a delightful trip, Super Chikan, from the Delta town of Darling, Mississippi, had a lot of fun. His gas can guitar and chickin' pluckin' licks are real crowd pleasers. His niece plays drums, so he keeps it in the family. He does some great Delta style tunes and some soul. They are a real treat and are real nice folks. [Editor's Note: Check out the Archives for T-Bone's recent interview with Super Chikan]. The James Armstrong Band filled for Chris Cain and did a superb job. James and the guys did a rush drive from Chicago and proved their ability as a headline act. He is an outstanding performer and one that the festival attendees will long remember. He has not been recognized on a wider circuit and certainly deserves more bookings. The man is extremely soulful and his band was top-flight. He left the crowd shouting for more, even in the heat.

Thanks, Quincy for a great festival. I made a lot of friends and met a lot of great people. That's what it's all about! I heard a lot of great blues. That is also what it's all about! Put this one on the menu for next year, folks.

BluesSource.com

(Published by Blueswax 08/08/2001)