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 Frank Bey
Live in San Francisco
Biscuits & Blues Club
October 13 and 14, 2007
The myriad of musicians on the blues scene keeps this music alive and well. It is always refreshing to discover one who is worthy of the advance praise. Although not a “name” on the scene, Mr. Frank Bey certainly proved on his visit to the West Coast that he is ready to venture out more from Philadelphia where he is based. Growing up in Millen, Georgia, Bey’s musical inspiration was formed by his mother who was a gospel singer. In the 60’s, he joined the Otis Redding Review and later toured internationally with Archie Jenkins and The Incredible Saxons. Bey left the music business in 1977, returning to performing in 1996 and releasing a well received CD in 1998 (“Steppin’ Out”). His new CD (“Blues In The Pocket”) has received even more critical acclaim.
At Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco on Saturday, October 13th, vocalist Bey was accompanied by a group of local musicians, Anthony Paule on guitar, Paul Revelli on drums, Paul Olguin on bass and Bob Welsh on keyboards. Although the band had only a short rehearsal, they were perfectly suited for the job. The leader of the band, Anthony Paule, is widely known as one of the gifted guitarists on the blues scene. Bob Welsh, known for his work with Charlie Musselwhite and Mark Hummel, was a force on keyboards with his sensitive touch.
The band warmed up the audience with several instrumentals featuring Paule’s jazzy oriented guitar style. Bey lit up the stage tastefully attired and it was evident why he is called “The Southern Gentleman of Blues.” His stage demeanor was assured as he opened up with a vigorous rendition of “It’s Still Called The Blues.” His gospel roots were well represented on the tune “Georgia On My Mind” with Bey dramatizing the ending to good effect. His performance on “City Boy” from his new CD was hauntingly beautiful with melodic nuance and soulful expression. Bey covered “It Feels Like Rain” with distinction and Paule’s slide guitar accompaniment was superb. Of course, Bey did “Dock of the Bay” and showed off his blues chops on a medley, which included “Why I Sing the Blues” and “The Blues Is Alright.”
Bey is equally comfortable with blues and soul and his gritty gospel-infused inflections added layers of intensity to his vocal style. The audience on this evening demanded an encore and was obviously delighted to discover this talented gentleman of the blues.
On Sunday, the 14th, Frank Bey and the band appeared at the Sunday Blues & Jazz Club which was packed to the rafters with birthday celebrants and a tribute to breast cancer survivors. This club, now celebrating their thirteenth year of presenting mostly blues to a largely African-American audience, was an ideal setting for Bey to stretch out with more funky and soulful blues. The dancers kept the floor crowded all night and the enthusiasm energized Bey’s performance on this evening.
Frank Bey is a name to remember—he has a fresh approach and unusual sensitivity to the music which deserves to be shared on a wider scale.
(C) 2007), Dorothy L. Hill
BluesSource.com
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