Sunday, August 10, 2008

KoKo Taylor- QUEEN of the BLUES

I spent the best part of this weekend at the Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington, Delaware.
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to see the Blues Legend, KoKo Taylor perform.
But First!!!
We jammed to the Larry McCray Band.

Ok, I'm cheating, this photo is not from the concert, but we were right in front of the band and I didn't want to lose my place because of course I left my camera back at the chairs. duh. He is a great guitarist. On his website you can hear cuts from his new CD. Of course, my favorite song is called "Big Black Hole" (where once was a heart).Gotta have it!

Then: Li'l Ed and the Blues Imperials.


OMG Li'l Ed is totally and completely amazing. He plays to the crowd, is Majorly charismatic and an amazing guitarist. Again, I didn't have my camera so the photo below is from his website. He wears a fez, is about 5 foot 5 inches tall, but is so full of energy you won't believe it. He dances on his toes too. Great voice.


We were bummed to have missed Micheal Burks, who went on stage before we arrived. Lucky for us, Li'l Ed called Michael out on stage and they jammed together. Michael was the greatest guitar talent of the day, IMHO.




Now for the QUEEN!!!! KOKO TAYLOR!!!



KoKo is 80 years old and appears very fragile. She needed assistance on and off the stage. BUT, then she got the mic in her hand and HOLY HELL BATMAN she WAS the BLUES.



Here's the Proof:




These photo's were taken by my Heart, as we stood up to the very front of the stage. oh yeah.
KoKo's husband hovered around on stage with hanky's for her to mop up with, and water to keep hydrated. She also had another assistant watching her from the sidelines who made sure the Blues did not overpower the Queen. KoKo was so sweet, expressing her gratitude and love for the audience, and we gave it back to her tenfold. You would not believe the power that comes out of this 80 year old Legend.
We were also very fortunate to get to hear a duet between Sharrie Williams and KoKo.
For an encore KoKo did "Wang Dang Doodle" .


It just doesn't get any better than that.
Keep the Blues Alive.

1 comment:

  1. WOW! That is so cool that you got to go to that concert and be so close to the stage as well. Sounds like you had a wonderful outing.

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