This week there’s a good variety of blues-related shows, and some big names who recently performed in Connecticut are returning. Their visits to other venues only underscore the quality of Connecticut’s entertainment scene.
Mavis Staples performs at the Wall Street Theater on Friday. She began her career with her family band in 1950. When she graduated from high school, the Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar, and featuring the vocals of the Staples siblings, the Staples were referred to as “God’s Greatest Hitmakers”.
Eventually, the Staples grew from a hugely popular gospel band into America’s most spectacular and influential spiritual-based band.
Mavis first went solo with Epic Records, releasing a single single “Crying in the Chapel” to little fanfare in the late 1960s. Her 1993 album “The Voice” was named by People magazine as the one of the top ten albums of 1993. His 1996 album, “Spirituals & Gospels: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson” was recorded with keyboardist Lucky Peterson.
Staples made a major national comeback with the release of the album “Have a Little Faith” on Alligator Records 2004. The album featured spiritual music, some semi-acoustic.
His voice has been sampled by some of the top selling artists including Salt ‘N’ Pepa and Ice Cube. Staples has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, from her friend, Bob Dylan (with whom she was nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award for “Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals”. She has provided vocals on current Los Angeles albums. Lobos and Dr John, and she appears on tribute albums to artists such as Johnny Paycheck, Stephen Foster and Bob Dylan.
Staples celebrated his 80th birthday with a concert at the Apollo Theater, 63 years after his first theater appearance as a teenager with his family band, the Staple Singers. The show, which featured special guest artists, is part of a series of collaborative concerts she held in May to commemorate her 80th birthday.
FTC has a doubleheader on Friday. The warehouse has Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Randolph grew up playing sacred steel music, basically gospel played on a pedal steel guitar. Later, he began spreading his cheerful, gospel-infused music in clubs, supported by family members. It will make people dance and scream. On Saturday, Randolph & The Family Band will be at Infinity Hall Hartford.
The second FTC Friday show is Tusk, the Fleetwood Mac Tribute on StageOne. The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac features five seasoned musicians with over 25 years of experience.
Jack Broadbent, with special guests The Talbott Brothers is also at FTC StageOne on Thursday. Broadbent has wowed international audiences with his unique blend of virtuoso acoustic and slide guitar, and poignant folk and blues-inspired vocals. Look what man can do with just an acoustic guitar, a flask and his voice.
Friday, Infinity Hall Norfolk has Peter Wolf and the Midnight Travelers. Wolf, for decades, was the dynamic singer and songwriter of the J. Geils Band. With his band, The Midnight Travelers, Wolf is known for his ability to create an intimate and personal connection with his audience.
On Sunday, the hall features Eric Gales, an American blues rock guitarist, originally hailed as a child prodigy. In 2019, Gales recorded 18 albums for major labels and performed session and tribute work.
Gales learned the guitar at the age of four. His older siblings taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, BB King and others. bottom), he is not left-handed by nature; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never guessed the untraditional technique.
An afternoon of music to benefit Connecticut blues fiddler Erica Schwichtenberg of the Spontaneous Combustion Band will be held at the NewSylum Brewing Company on Sunday (1 p.m.). Artists include the Doug Wahlberg Band, The New Desperation and Tim DeHuff Music, with Chance Browne as MC.
On Friday, join the Cobalt Rhythm Kings for some steaming cobalt blues at the New England Brewing Company. Under the New England Brewing Company’s outdoor tent, they take part in NEBCO’s ‘Smokin’ Blues, Brews & BBQ’ fall celebration.
Some other Friday shows include Lori and The Legends at Wolcott’s Mona Lisa Restaurant and The Orb Mellon Trio at Hartford’s Half Door. Maria V’s has the Tony Ferrigno Band, Fade to Blues plays the Brass Horse Cafe and BRYAC has the Swamp Hogs.
On Saturday, the Touro Band is at Sugar Hollow Taproom in Danbury and Noon Hitch and the Giddyups are at Stone Gardens Farm. Later, Nod Hill Brewery hosts Hitch and the Giddyup and Chris Stovall Brown plays The Stomping Ground.
Thursday at 5 p.m., Les Sawtelles are at the Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
On Sunday, Kerri Powers is in Willimantic at the Bread Box Theater with Mad Agnes, while the Rich Badowski Band hits the Brass Horse Cafe at 3:30 p.m. and The Incredible Amplifires are at Steak Loft at 5 p.m.
In neighboring states on Saturday, Dave Keller Band is at Theodores Blues, Booze and BBQ. In 2012, Keller won the “Best Self-Produced CD with Deep Soul Gem Award” from the Blues Foundation.
Also on Saturday, the main stage of the Falcon welcomes Jim Campilongo. Using the sound of his Telecaster, Campilongo connects American styles, blues, rock, country, jazz and R&B.
Thursday Daryl’s House hosts the James Montgomery Band. He is a vital presence and one of the most dynamic artists on the blues scene carrying on the tradition of his legendary mentors John Lee Hooker, James Cotton and Junior Wells.
See the Connecticut Blues Society for more concert listings: https://www.ctblues.org/weekly-calendar Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at [email protected]
