Yes, I know it's only Thursday, but I'm sure you need time to get ready. So here are the BlueNotes Barebones Blues previews for Sunday at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival. (Gates open at 1:30)
Probably one of the best blues bands of the weekend will be led by Robert Cray on Sunday night. Here's an interview with Cray by Rick Nowlin in today's PG.
This lineup may come the closest of the weekend to providing a full day of blues.
2:30 pm – (Giant Eagle Express Stage) – Jill West & Blues Attack
Jill West & Blues Attack is one of the Burgh's best blues bands, with a tough, no-nonsense approach. Jill's strong vocals are backed by a crackling band. The band has a fine new CD, "Headline Blues," which you can read about in this scintillating BlueNotes post. The band was also a finalist in this year's International Blues Challenge for the Blues Society of Western Pa.
3:30 pm – (Main Stage) – Deb Callahan
Deb Callahan is a Philadephia-based blues singer who should make it across the mountains more aften. She's got a strong, soulful, sultry voice, writes thoughful songs, and sings them with lots of passion. What more could a blues fan ask?
5:15 pm – (Main Stage) – JJ Grey & Mofro
Grey is a talented young singer-songwriter from Florida whose rootsy music is intelligent and infectious. He can work an intimate acoustic song, or rock out with his band.
6:45 pm – (Giant Eagle Express Stage) –Felix & the Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are a tough, bluesy, hard-rocking band that holds the current title of IBC champs from the Blues Society of Western Pa. They'll be representing us in Memphis next year at the finals. Give them a listen.
8:00 pm – (Main Stage) – Robert Cray Band
Robert Cray is a soulful bluesman whose work has shifted in and out of pop, soul and blues. He does everything well, and he's still packing the power of the blues after about 30 years with his band. He should provide the perfect closer to the 15th PBF.
Posted
Jul 23 2009, 01:00 AM
by
Jim White