Edmonton Blues Festival

MESSAGE FROM

THE PRODUCER

Whether you’re a first timer or a veteran “Blues Hound” welcome to the 18th annual Edmonton Blues Festival! Nearly a year of preparation has gone into this year’s festival, trying to find that perfect balance of the best players, songwriters, legends and up and comers that can take us on a tour of our very own House of Blues…a house that has many rooms, and is always under renovation.

Legends Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown, celebrating 50 years and one of the bands at the forefront of the British Blues Invasion of the early 1960’s are with us as is Australian guitarist, songwriter and singer Fiona Boyes and English boogie woogie great Bob Hall. Up and comers Jarekus Singleton, Sugar Brown and Brandon Santini are putting their own youthful stamp on the blues while honouring the roots of the

music we all love. Speaking of those “blues roots”… they are undeniable in the music of Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett, the guitarists of Little Feat, who have thrown in with a dream team of players from NOLA, The New Orleans Suspects. And those are just a few of the 15 top notch blues acts that will perform for us this year.

As always, I am grateful for the many people that have had a hand in these preparations… first and foremost our incredible volunteer crew of just over 250 “Blues Ambassadors” - the people that keep this little blues city humming all weekend.

Our sponsors, who are all blues fans that have jumped on board; and of course you, the fans that have made this event a destination that draws blues lovers from across North America and beyond.

Make sure your dancin’ shoes are ready to go, discover new favourite bands; reconnect with old friends…For these three days, “Blues Heaven” is ours. See you on the dance floor….

Cam Hayden Producer, Edmonton Blues Festival

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 Jack de Keyzer 5:30pm Shemekia Copeland 7:00pm The Guitarists of Little Feat, Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett, with The New Orleans Suspects

8:30pm

Morgan Davis—Special Guest

QUICK SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Paul Oscher’s Austin Blues All Stars

2:30pm

Fiona Boyes Trio 4:00pm Jarekus Singleton 5:30pm Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

7:00pm

Paul James Band 8:30pm Morgan Davis—Special Guest

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Sugar Brown 2:30pm Laura Rain and the Caesars

4:00pm

Brandon Santini 5:30pm Lil’ Jimmy Reed and his Band

7:00pm

Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown

8:30pm

Bobby Cameron—Special Guest AUGUST 19, 20 & 21, 2016

PG 3

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS 5

Years of Service

10

Years of Service

15

Years of Service

ADMINISTRATION

Manager Lauralynn Baxter Coordinator Tim McFetridge BLUES BAR

Manager Jim Sharpe Coordinator Gary Ferguson Brenda Yurchi Crew Bill Adams Dani Anderson Barb Avent John Avent Terri Barner Nicole Bouclin-Graves Danny Buck Mark Behm Don Brownlee Chad Cairns Lynda Chilton Georgette Dawes Vern Dufva Claudette Edney Glenn Gardner Wilf Hanratty Winnie He Bill Hunking Karen Hutchings Andy Kankkunen Marilyn MacGillivray Blaine MacLeod Courtney McKirdy Rabin Mendis Lisa Meraw Chantell Micklos Dora Newcombe Barbara Ostashek Brenda Parkinson Susan Parnham Gibson Patterson Wayne Preston Brian Qin PG 4

Luis Rebonne Debbie Roberson Kathryn Rogers Greg Scheetz Jake Strashok Jessica Strashok Ian Walker Diane Waluk Linda Williams DATABASE– PHOTOGRAPHY

Coordinator Markus Molenda HOSPITALITY

Coordinator Nicole Mundy Crew Sunshine Deen Jared Hansen Sandra Hodgson Shari Paziuk Cory Zarney MEDIA LIAISON

Coordinator Randall Way Crew Joanna Langille June Meeboer Kirsten Milner Mary Muehler PARTY

Coordinator Joanne Kucher Co–Coordinator Lacey Untereiner Crew Allan Pickard Wayne Palamarchuk Valda Roberts Karen Clark Shaun Clark SECURITY

Coordinator Marg Ingram Karen Harrison Lee Hewko

John Hopwood-Jones Crew David Almond Marianne Auger Ben Babchishin Moses Baldwin Pierre Badre Brana Basara Kim Beaudoin Debbie Beaver Brenda Bell Jim Bennett Jacquie Blair Greg Borgel Ken Breault Donna Bugler Kevin Buhler Michelle Bynoe Norah Cairnf Paulette Cameron E.J. Campbell Hughena Campbell Joe Carmichael Attila Csapo Geri Coffin Jim Coney Norm Coney Dani Creighton Jenine Creighton Spencer Cuncannon

Lynne Curtiss Jutta Cyrynowski Bonnie Czernick Rico Daneluz David Dashwood Wendy Dashwood Carol Demchuk Norm Demchuk Jessica Dion Brian Dompe Barry Dunkley Sharon Dutton Tim Dutton Kolton Dzogolyk Jared Estrin Tara Estrin Carol Farquharson Dave Farquharson Liz Frischknet

Brenda Gonkwicz Perry Granik Noel Granik Debbie Grant James Grey Diane Grice Robby Hammer Lance Hansen Bonnie Harpe Richard Harris Martin Harrison Nicky Harrison Rob Hayes Alice Hrabec Bonnie Huculak Daniel Hughes Scott Ingram Dan Janewski Brenda Jankowski Jana Jasper Chris Jones Raylene Kajner Brenda Kelly Doug Kennedy Kimberlay Kiernan Terry Kochut John Lange Claire Laverdiere Ron Lockwood Stephen Lundin Jeremiah McCallum

Brett Milbrath Tina Milley Oscar Mueller Tabani Ndhlovu Shannon O’Connor Vince O’Connor Doug Philips Isabella Pierce Donna Pikard Jeremias Pimentel Elizabeth Popko Jim Price Mike Pugh Kathy Reith Arthur Roberts Maris Rupners Marta Sams Patrick Sherback

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

Sue Shimenosky Matty Schuhknecht Selene Schuhknecht-Correa Ernie St. Germain RoseAnn Stogrin Julia Stowe Ron Strank Ian Stuart Linda Swyck Brian Taje Susan Taylor Eric Thompson Marielle Turgeon Alida van Essen Judy Waselenchuk Christine Winslow Alma Woronuk SHUTTLE

Coordinator Conrad Bialobzyski Co-Coordinator Bill Sinclair Bob Smits Crew Tracey-Lynn Byrne Lawrence Crosthwaite Mich Ethier Glenn Herbert Lisa Hrabec Angus McNainy Rachel Murray Geoff Starratt Greg Wagner Linda Langhans Scott Pragnell SITE

Manager Cindy Bruneau Coordinator Tobi Ledrew Teri Moulding Crew Kaela Berger Dave Henderson Anthony Johnson Wyonna Johnson Stan Lennox Rick Lutz Phil Maxwell Joe Mendiuk Gene Mueller Carol Nelson Bob Reckhow June Smith Dexter Twardzik Richard Winn

STAGE

Manager Blair McEwen Coordinator Chris Cook Crew Cameron Adam Steve Bychyk Chandra Colgan Arin Hancock Tom Hudson Shawn Kilborn Catherine Leavins Greg Lebeuf Matthew Rhoads STORE

Manager Manny Jenner Coordinator Candice Hancock Mavis Thomson-Shearer Crew Dianne Kapty Janet Middlemiss Andy Nikiforuk Brian Paziuk Joanne Reiter Linda White VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Coordinator Lori Scott Co-Coordinator Jim Gannon Crew Lori Brown Emil Harvey James Hendrickson Gloria Mapplebeck Wendy Silvewood Diane Szoke Joey Carothers

WILL CALL

Coordinator Victoria Armstrong Co-Coordinator Bart Elenbaas Crew Cindy Bedford Ken Bedford Carolyn Burn Steve Gunderson Pat Hardy Jill Nixon Connie Regan Dolton Regan Catherine Roberts Rosemary Ronald Robert Unrau

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Sp e Gu cial est

Morgan

Davis Friday & Saturday

Originally from Detroit, where he was weaned on the music of Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, Morgan Davis has been a Canadian blues troubadour since 1968, performing

across this country, the United States and Europe.

With a Juno, seven Maple Blues Awards, and a “Blues Artist of the Year” award from Jazz Report, Morgan has received accolades everywhere he performs. His writing is filled with humour, insightful observations of the human condition and moving rhythm. It’s a pleasure to welcome Morgan back to the stage of the Edmonton Blues Festival. His last appearance here in 2004 was memorable—he opened the festival, and halfway through his set the skies opened, and it rained the entire weekend.

Look for Morgan as a special guest on festival weekend with four mini-shows. ◆

Morgan Davis has released nine albums since his debut in 1982. Selected Discography: I Got My Own (2014), Drive My Blues Away (2011), At Home in Nova Scotia (2007), Painkiller (2003)

Bobby Cameron is no stranger to Edmonton audiences, having lived here for decades, but his roots run back to Cape Breton Island.

Known as a powerful songwriter, his material ranges from folk and roots, right up to blues and rock.

He is the recipient of Toronto Exclusive Magazine “Best Blues Artist” and “Best Blues Song” awards, and had one of his songs featured on Jully Black’s 2008 Juno winning

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Sunday

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obby \ameron album. He worked and toured with Long John Baldry from 2002 to 2004 and over the years has collaborated with Jeff Healy, Chris de Burgh, Chuck Leavell, Blue Rodeo and The Kentucky Headhunters amongst many others. Bobby won the Edmonton Music Award for “Blues Recording of the Year” in late June for “Sueanna”. Help him celebrate when he makes his Edmonton Blues Festival debut with a pair of mini-shows on Sunday August 21. ◆

Selected Discography: Comfort Zone (2015), Emotional Drift (2004), Drowning on Dry Land (1999), Bobby Cameron (1994) PG 6

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

Jack de Keyzer Friday, August 19, 5:30PM

Jack is a great Canadian guitarist making his Edmonton Blues Festival debut. Along with his two Juno Awards and seven Maple Blues Awards for his recorded works, Jack is a master of live performance. His music nails the

rocking blues style squarely on the head and will be a great way to kick things off on a Friday evening. Joining Jack for this performance will be his All Star Western Canadian band, featuring Dave Babcock on tenor, drummer Bill Hobson and B3 organ impresario Bruce Mohacsy. ◆

Jack de Keyzer has released nine albums over the course of his career. Selected Discography: Voodoo Boogie (2014), Electric Love (2012), Corktown Sessions (2009), Blues Thing (2007), Silver Blues (2005)

a i k e m e h S Copeland Friday, August 19, 7PM Shemekia Copeland sounds like nobody else—whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up or digging deep down into a subtle country-tinged blues ballad, she brings her unique voice to bear—sultry,

assertive or roaring, she brings it all to every performance and leaves it all on the stage. When Shemekia last appeared at the Edmonton Blues Festival in 2000, she left the assembled Blues Hounds in awe, and it’s been far too long since she has graced our stage. This year she was in the running for not one, but two Blues Grammy’s…Her own recording Outskirts of Love was nominated, and she was also on the Muddy Waters 100

album, that sees John Primer and select group of special guests gaining a Grammy nod. Shemekia won the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year and was nominated Entertainer of the Year at the 37th annual Blues Music Awards. You can bet that this daughter of bona fide blues legend Johnny Clyde Copeland is sure to put on a show none of us will forget… be there! ◆

Shemekia Copeland has released eight albums. Selected Discography: Outskirts of Love (2015), 33 1/3 (2012), Never Going Back (2007), The Soul Truth (2003), Talking to Strangers (2002) PG 8

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

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Friday, August 19, 8:30PM Paul and Fred first played together on the Little Feat recording “Dixie Chicken” some 35 + years ago. Since then, they have worked on numerous Little Feat albums and countless others, including recordings with Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.

Paul provided the unmistakable slide guitar along with lead and background vocals for Little Feat, while Fred played guitar, trumpet and mandolin. The pair has toured extensively as an acoustic duo, but for this special show, they have teamed with The New Orleans Suspects—a group that first got together to play dates at the famous Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. Comprised of some of the most seasoned, highly respected players in NOLA, the group called themselves The Unusual Suspects. The chemistry was undeniable, and starting in 2011, they started touring under the name

The New Orleans Suspects. In five short years they have put out three critically acclaimed CDs, toured extensively and established themselves as one of New Orleans best “Supergroups.” Drummer “Mean” Willie Green was the drummer for The Nevilles for over 30 years; Bassist Charlie Wooton is a New Orleans veteran and original member of Bonearama and The Royal Southern Brotherhood; Jake Eckert spent many years as lead guitarist with The Dirty Dozen Brass; Saxophonist Jeff Watkins led the James Brown Band for a dozen years and keyboard player CR Gruver is a vet of the NOLA scene.

The combination of Paul Barrere, Fred Tackett and The New Orleans Suspects will fill the dance floor with grooving rhythms and plenty of classic Little Feat songs. If you’re “Willin,” “Join The Band” for a “Triple Face Boogie.” It’ll be “All That You Dream.” ◆

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Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett both have prolific solo careers and have released two live albums as a duo.

Selected Discography: Live in the UK (2014), Live from North Café (2008) AUGUST 19, 20 & 21, 2016

PG 11

Paul Oscher’s

AUSTIN BLUES ALL STARS Saturday, August 20, 2:30PM Multiple Blues Music Award Winner Paul Oscher first came to international attention as a member of the Muddy Waters band, blowing harp in the band from 1967 to 1972. Later, he toured Europe with Louisiana Red and continued fronting his own band in New York City, as well as backing Big Joe Turner, Doc Pomus, Johnny Copeland and Victoria Spivey, among others. In the 80s, Paul quit music for a while, but the blues pulled him back in before long.

He hooked up with piano players Dave Maxwell and Bob Gaddy and started playing again. His career took off. He found himself touring

widely with Jimmy Rogers in the Muddy Waters Tribute Band and started putting out discs under his own name in 1995, while touring as both a solo performer or in a trio setting. Paul performed at the Edmonton Blues Festival in 2001 as a solo act, doing his “Alone with The Blues” show. A resident of the Austin for a number of years now, he has tapped into the deep blues roots of that area and performs regularly with his Austin Blues All Stars, made up of some of the best blues players in Austin, including bassist, writer and vocalist Sarah Brown. After seeing their show a few of times over the past couple of years, festival producer Cam Hayden knew that the time was right for Paul and his Austin All Stars to get back to Edmonton. ◆

Selected Discography: Bet on the Blues (2010), Down in the Delta (2005), Alone with the Blues (2004), Deep Blues of Paul Oscher (1997), Knockin’ on the Devil’s Door (1996)

Fiona Boyes

TRIO Saturday, August 20, 4PM

Australian Fiona Boyes is no stranger to the Edmonton Blues Festival, having appeared here twice—once with an acoustic trio featuring mandolinist Rich del Grosso and bassist Mookie Brill (2009) and once with her own

electric band (2007). Singer, songwriter and guitarist Fiona has been variously described by reviewers as “a musical anomaly,” “Bonnie Raitt’s evil twin” or simply as “scaring the hell out of me.” She was the first woman and first non-American to win the International Blues Challenge, and Hubert Sumlin and Pinetop Perkins both described her as “one of the best women guitar players they had ever heard.” Her writing infuses passion and authenticity with humour and tradition. Her new recording, Box & Dice, has her exploring the intricacies of the cigar box guitar; it’s garnered incredible reviews and a 2016 Blues Music Award nomination for the Koko Taylor Award as the Best Traditional Female

Blues Artist. Her trio will feature one of the best blues drummers in the world today, Jimi Bott, who was nominated as the Best Drummer at the 2016 Blues Music Awards, making it the 17th time that he has been so honoured. ◆

Fiona Boyes has released over ten albums through the years. These are her most recent titles. Selected Discography: Box & Dice (2015), Blues for Hard Times (2011), Blues Woman (2009), Live from Bluesville (2008), Lucky 13 (2006) AUGUST 19, 20 & 21, 2016

PG 13

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Saturday, August 20, 5:30PM The future of the blues is here, and Mississippi’s Jarekus Singleton is it.

USA Today says, “Stinging blues guitar and potent, original songs herald the emergence of a major new talent.”

At just 30 years of age, Jarekus is a trailblazer with a bold vision for the future of the blues, and he wants to share that vision with the world.

After competing at the International Blues Challenge in 2013, Alligator Records’ head honcho Bruce Iglauer was so impressed he signed the young man to his label that weekend. Refuse To Lose was released not too long afterwards, and the critically acclaimed disc started Jarekus on a nearly non-stop road trip that brings him to Edmonton for the first time Saturday, August 20. Don’t miss him. ◆

Selected Discography: Refuse to Lose (2013), Heartfelt (2011)

PG 16

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

August 17 - 21

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e n e y i s a p Dw Do

~ &deco the

Zy Hellraisers Saturday, August 20, 7PM Dwayne Dopsie, 36, grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and has created the perfect band of handpicked musicians.

The washboard player, Paul Lafleur, possesses skill and timing that are unmatched, making him a true musician— not just a marvel holding a washboard.

The band also features guitarist Brandon David and bassist Dion Pierre, along with Saxophonist Cedric Wiley and Kevin Minor on drums. Combined, the band has over 100 years of experience playing Zydeco music, and it shows in every performance. The energy, true talent and exuberance that Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers emit from stage makes it obvious that there is no competition for this band.

Dwayne was named “The Hottest Accordionist” in America for his ability to both work the crowd and pump out musical harmony in grandiose fashion.

Dwayne doesn’t confine himself to the stage; he interacts with the crowd, blurring the barrier between performer and audience.

Dwayne and his band were a huge hit at the 2014 Edmonton Blues Festival, and we couldn’t wait any longer to have him back. Put on your dancin’ shoes, and hit the dance floor smilin’ Saturday night, with Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers! ◆

Selected Discography: Calling Your Name (2015), Been Good to You (2012), Up in Flames (2009), Traveling Man (2006)

PG 18

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

PAUL JAMES Band

Saturday, August 20, 8:30PM During his long career, Paul James has received a Juno, multiple Toronto Music Awards, Maple Blues Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement in Blues Music in Canada Award) and others

too numerous to mention.

It all started back in 1973, when a young Paul James began working with Bo Diddley. After opening a show for Bo, Paul backed him on over 100 shows between 1972 and 2007.

Bo Diddley was such a fan that he wrote the liner notes for Paul’s second album,

saying, “From the beginning of his young career, I predicted that Paul James would be a big star one day and that time is now. The man is a true professional and dynamic.”

He’s worked with Bob Dylan and for a lengthy time played in John Hammond’s band.

He’s also played with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Sunnyland Slim,

Johnny Johnson and Dr. John.

For close to five decades, Paul’s talents as a guitarist, vocalist, bandleader, stage acrobat, producer and songwriter have made him a Canadian cultural icon. Paul will pull out all the stops and put on a Wang Dang Doodle of a blues show at his Edmonton Blues Festival debut. ◆

Selected Discography: Lost in the Blues (2007), La Vie en Bleu (2003), Lazy Crazy Blues (1998), Rockin’ the Blues (1989), Paul James Band (1987) PG 20

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

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PG 21

Sugar

Brown Sunday, August 21, 2:30PM A relative newcomer to the Canadian blues scene, Sugar Brown was born Ken Kawashima to a Japanese father and a Korean mother in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Now a permanent resident of Toronto, he has become known as a modern blues musician with a love of pre-war blues; he melds the two into a unique brand of blues that sounds both vintage and modern. While studying history and philosophy at the University of Chicago,

he became immersed in the blues. He had the opportunity to learn the blues from some of the legends of the West Side blues scene: Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Dave Myers and Tail Dragger. In fact, his stage name, Sugar Brown, was bestowed upon him by Taildragger, who said, “You ain’t black… you sure ain’t white…You’re Sugar Brown.”

He won the 2013 Toronto Blues Society talent search and quickly received invitations to play the Kitchener Blues Festival and the Mariposa Folk Festival.

After seeing Sugar Brown perform a showcase at the 2015 Blues Summit in Toronto, Edmonton Blues Festival producer Cam Hayden was sold. Sugar Brown had to come west. For his performance at the Edmonton Blues Festival, Sugar Brown will be joined by Canadian musical heavyweights Victor Bateman on bass and Michelle Josef (drummer in the Edmonton Folk Festival house band), along with guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino. ◆

Selected Discography: Poor Lazarus (2015), Sugar Brown’s Bad Day (2012)

PG 22

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

Sunday, August 21, 4PM Detroit based Blues and R&B dynamos Laura Rain and the Caesars are the real deal— echoes of Motown, Stax, Royal and Muscle Shoals permeate the all-original music produced by this powerhouse quartet, driven by superb original songs. Song, emotion and performance come first for Laura Rain and the Caesars, and every time they hit the stage it shows. With three CDs to their credit, the band has been touring relentlessly, honing their stage show and musical chops. While the band has never performed at the Edmonton Blues Festival, guitarist and Laura’s co-writer, George Friend, was a member of the Janiva Magness band that wowed audiences here on her first show in Canada in 2001. Get set to experience Laura Rain and The Caesars Sunday, August 21! ◆

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Selected Discography: Gold (2015), Electrified (2013)

AUGUST 19, 20 & 21, 2016

PG 23

BRANDON

SANTINI Sunday, August 21, 5:30PM Memphis-based vocalist and harmonica player extraordinaire Brandon Santini is one of the young blues artists that are going to leave their footprints on blues history. He combines a love and respect for traditional blues with a present, colourful style of playing that is often compared to James Cotton or Paul Butterfield.

Raised in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, he got his first harmonica in 1997 at the age of 15. He founded

the band Delta Highway in 2003 and relocated to Memphis where he has lived ever since, absorbing the sounds and culture of the Mississippi Delta and the North Mississippi Hill Country. The critics and fans are taking note. Delta Highway was nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2009 as “Best New Artist,” he received two Blues Music Award nominations in 2014 (one for “Contemporary Blues-Male Artist of the Year” and one for “Harmonica Player”) and in 2015 he received two Blues Blast Music Award nominations (one for “Male Blues Artist” and one for his excellent live album made in Quebec that year). At this year’s Blues Music Awards, he was again nominated in two categories, “Contemporary Blues-Male Artist” and “Harmonica Player of the Year.” Check out this dynamic, young and rising blues star as he makes his Edmonton debut. ◆

Selected Discography: Live and Extended (2015), This Time Another Year (2013), Songs of Love, Money, and Mystery (2011)

PG 24

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016

Lil’ Jimmy Reed and his Band Born Leon Atkins in 1930 in Hardwood Louisiana, just outside of Baton Rouge, Lil’ Jimmy Reed is steeped in old school blues.

He moved to Little Rock to attend Barber College and advance his music career at the same time. His break came one night when the legendary Jimmy Reed was set to play

an upscale blues club. Leon knew Jimmy’s music from hearing it on jukeboxes and had always wanted to see him live. That evening though, Jimmy Reed had gotten drunk and was unable to perform and Leon was asked to take his place. The crowd couldn’t tell the difference, and the show was a huge hit as Leon gave a show stopping performance…he was re born as Lil’ Jimmy Reed. Over the years he’s performed with Bobby Blue Bland, Ike Turner, Little Milton and many more.

In 1995, the Alabama Blues society presented Leon with the “Alabama Blues Treasure Award.” After 2 highly successful tours of Europe in 2013 and 2014, Lil’ Jimmy

Reed is firmly established on the European blues scene and it’s also where he met boogie woogie pianist Bob Hall.

Bob Hall Bob Hall, critically acknowledged as Britain’s finest blues and boogie pianist, has influenced generations of piano players from the UK and beyond. He first came to fame in the R&B explosion of the 60’s as a founding member of both the Groundhogs and Savoy Brown. While

many of his peers went on to international fame, Bob preferred to stay in London, acting as accompanist to John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lightnin’ Slim, and many others when they toured Europe. Along with long- time partner and bass player Hilary Blythe, Bob Hall has excelled on the European blues scene with concerts and self-penned musical shows that have played to critical acclaim.

A true international meeting of the blues, debuting in Canada at the Edmonton Blues Festival this summer... don’t miss Lil’ Jimmy Reed and Bob Hall. ◆

Lil’ Jimmy Reed Selected Discography: Blues in Paradise (2015), Schools Out (1995) Bob Hall Selected Discography: At the Window (2003), Don’t Play Boogie (2000)

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PG 25

Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown

August 21, 8:30PM 2016 marks the 50th year of operation for the longest, continuously running British blues rock band, Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown. In 1965, Kim Simmonds was the lynchpin of perhaps the most exciting scene in music history, establishing Savoy Brown in the first wave of British Blues boomers, signing to Decca, opening for Cream’s first London show and having his name dropped with such peers as

Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix (with whom he jammed). Even then, the guitarist was emerging as the band’s driving force. “I had a vision,” he says, “And the exciting thing now is that vision is still alive.”

Savoy Brown achieved what most British bands never had—success in the United States. Through hard work and adhering to Kim’s vision, they toured relentlessly and put out a string of successful albums. But times changed, and by 1979 Kim had moved from London to settle permanently in

New York. While band members changed (and the times changed too), Kim stuck with his vision, put out more than 30 albums, performed in Carnegie Hall and the Fillmore (East and West) and was inducted into Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame.

Their most recent recording The Devil To Pay was released to critical acclaim last year on the RUF Record label, and the Edmonton Blues Festival is pleased and proud to present Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown to close our 2016 festival. ◆

Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown have released over 30 albums. These are their most recent titles. Selected Discography: The Devil to Pay (2015), Goin’ to the Delta (2014), Songs from the Road (2013), Voodoo Moon (2011), Too Much of a Good Thing (2009) PG 26

EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2016