POCONO BLUES FEST. REVIEW (fwd)

[Dan Enright <dan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

And here it is.








Dan Enright
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 1994 10:17:49 +0100
From: Dan Enright <dan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: BLUES-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: POCONO BLUES FEST. REVIEW

Well,

I'm ready to report on the 3rd Pococno Blues Fest. and let me tell ya, it 
was fabulous. So much happened and I have so little time that I'm going 
to post the review over the next (enter length necessary) days. This 
first post will include background and a review of Eddie Burks 
performance. I hope to review a set a day.  I also thought the thread "Is 
the Blues Dying" was interesting so I spent a large part of the festival 
asking artists (and others present) that question as well as who's coming 
along to carry the tradition forward. That meant that unlike last year, 
where I sat and listened to every note, this yaer I missed some of the 
playing. Still I got to see at least 30 min. of each performance so I was 
still happy. I intend to transcribe (Ugh - three and a half hours of 
conversation) and post the statements as quickly as I can.

To get to the festival. Niles Frantz was again the mc/host for the 
festival and I had a chance to ask him my questions. He's a real nice, 
down-to-earth guy and very passionate about the blues (his liner notes 
grace my cd "Comin' Home" by Eddie Burks). He's hosted the previous 2 
festivals as well and it appears he'll be the host for all of them unless 
he's physically unable to attend.

Two workshops were held, one for guitar by Fruteland Jackson and one for 
harmonica by Peter "Madcat" Ruth. Both were packed and it looks like 
they're going to add more next year. Kevin (I'm not sure of his last 
name) of Kevin's Harps fame, donated an instuctional video and was 
impressed enough to want to get involved in next years festival and to 
help get some kind of harmonica-manufacterer to add some support. 
Washburn guitars was kind enough to donate a guitar that was raffled off 
to raise money for a blues in the school program. (I have additional info 
on blues-in-the-schools including a questionaire to help teachers get 
info to deveope curriculum if any body's interested - post me man). I'm 
not sure of the amount raised, but it appears to be over a thousand dollars.

They added crafts vendors this year and it was a great addition to the 
various blues societies and music sales (including vinyl). I had no funds 
so I'm unable to report on that scene. My partner took some notes but I 
haven't checked them out.

They had blues videos running most all the time including: Hopkins/Sykes, 
Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaugn, and BB King 
and Friends. I have the info on the availablity, as well as others, but 
that's another post. (The Philadelphia Blues Machine is the source)

The NPR program *Blues Stage* was there recording the first stage so 
you'll be able to hear the performances during the upcoming season. Anita 
Jacobs, thwe shows producer, assured me all sets would be broadcast. I'll 
mark the first stage reviews so you'll know to listen for them. (She was 
also kind enough to take time out for one of my interviews)

There were several changes on Sat. in the line-ups that were handled 
professionally and with aplomb by Michael Cloren the shows producer. The 
problems/setbacks were so skillfully done most fans didn't know how rough 
it might have gotten, only that the line-up had changed. As I posted 
earlier Big Bad Smitty was unable to attend because of a stroke, so 
Fenton Anderson was booked to fill that slot. On Fri. morning, Michael 
recieved a call that Little Johnny Taylor was unable to perform because 
of high blood pressure and throat problems. They brought in (on a moments 
notice) Bob Gaddy with Larry Dale and the House Rockers. The final 
schedule change was a big dissapointment to me (and everyone else I spoke 
to) because Junior Kimbrough was hospitalized in Memphis on his way to the 
 Festival and they didn't find out until the festival was underway on 
sat. morning. (Junior suffers from liver problems and that was the cause 
of the hospitalization) Eddie Burks graciously agreed to fill the slot.

First Stage: EDDIE BURKS with DELTA BLUE
So. The weather was hot as Eddie Burks took the stage, just before noon. 
He was accompanied by Bernard Whitaker on drums, Stevie Jones on guitar, 
John Baker on bass, and Shedrick "Shad" Davis on lead guitar (Shad also 
recorded with Eddie on Comin' Home). He kicked the festival off with a 
sweet version of *King Bee* that had some nice riffin' (or should I say 
rickin' 8-)) on the harp. He and his band are clearly from Chicago and 
they incorporate some rock (but just a hint) ala Geoge Thurogoode (my 
apologies, I think it's misspelled). He's got a voice so powerful that I 
could hear him without amplification at the sound board (my review spot 
of choice). Just incredible. He finished his set with three songs from 
*Comin' Home* that got the energy and set the groove for the whole 
festival. This is one great performer who's harp playing is as west side 
as it gets. I think he's one of the  best living proponets of the craft.

Well that's it. I hope it was interesting enough to warrent the length, 
the following posts should be shorter (except for the interviews). I'll 
have more info on some of the subjects (films, workshops, etc.) as 
seperate posts after the reviews.

I'm already looking forward to next year.





Dan Enright
the music guy                             DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA
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