HINDS COUNTY PRE-4TH OF JULY BLUES FEST

Hello BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL FANS.What can be hotter than the temperature in Mississippi in July?How about the start of all the outdoor blues festivals that are so popular.I just love this time of the year.I just recently attended "The Hinds County Pre-4th Of July Blues Festival" in Edwards,Mississippi.I was really looking forward to this outdoor event.Don't get me wrong I like the settings of a civic center and I just love the vibes that an old fashion juke joint provides but there is nothing like the atmosphere of an outdoor blues festival.The lawn chairs,the tents,the coolers,the delicious southern cuisines being cooked on a grill and the thousands of fans assembled like a big family reunion.Yes this is truly the best of times for the loyal blues and southern soul fans here in the magnolia state.

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The lineup for this blues and southern soul gathering included Rick Lawson,Ms. Jody,David Brinston,Lebrado,Robert"Duke"Tillman and T.K. Soul.When I arrived I saw a couple of familar faces in attendance.There was producer and songwriter Bruce Billups,southern soul recording artist Kenne Wayne who made a brief special guest appearance and my good friend Roni a.k.a. "The Clarksdale Diva" and Melissa(Myspace friend).I also had the pleasure of meeting Duke Tillman's business manager,Chestine Jackson who made it all possible for me to cover this show exclusively for you fans.I didn't know the promoter for this event but Chestine introduce me to the man everyone simply referred to as Eddie and he extended me VIP acess so once again the big dawg was able to bring another blues show to life.

The mc for the show was The Ragman(WMPR 90.1 radio personality).There were plenty of vendors on hand and the air was filled with the smell of bar-b-que,hot wings and fried fish.The weather was hot but with all the coolers I saw I know the cold beer was very refreshing.I was joined in Da Dawg Pound by Kenne Wayne,Roni and a few local divas who were truly getting their blues on all night long.So with my cold bud light in hand and my man Kenne Wayne chilling in Da Dawg Pound good people allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.

I arrived at the end of the first performer on the show,Rick Lawson.I haven't seen him perform in awhile but from the reaction the crowd gave him he must have put on a decent show.I hate I didn't have the opportunity to see his entire performance so to all you Rick Lawson fans maybe I can see him perform again in the near future.

The next performer was Ecko recording artist,Ms. Jody and those of you who have been following my concert reviews have probably noticed that she has been included in several of them.She has been the busiest diva on the southern soul circuit by far.She received a nice ovation as The Ragman introduced her to the crowd.It was two guys in attendance(they look like the alcohol had gotten the best of them)that stood front and center down by the stage and they both appeared to be competing for her attention during her performance.She opened her show with "I'm Getting What I Want".She followed that with a rendition of Shirley Brown's "Too Much Candy".The crowd enjoyed "Sugar Daddy" and "Sleep With One Eye Open".She continued to thrill the crowd with "It's The Weekend" and the very popular "Your Dog,About To Kill My Cat".She closed her performance with "Big Daddy Don't You Come" and for those of you who have seen her perform this song know she brings a male fan from the crowd to join her.Well this time Ms. Jody said she was feeling freaky so she brought the two guys that were down front and the two of them were like nymphos who hadn't seen a woman in twenty years(I think you get the picture).I thought she had bit off more than she could chew but Ms. Jody was able to handle her business and give these two guys a freak dance that they will never forget.The crowd loved it and she received a big ovation as she left the stage.

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The next performer was my homeboy David Brinston.He had just got in from North Carolina and he had his blues band from Florida with him.The crowd showed him a lot of love as he hit the stage.His band was sounding good as they started his set with Johnnie Taylor's "Still Called The Blues".His next song was "Hit & Run" and this was a nice upbeat song that got the crowd up and dancing.He kept the crowd dancing with "Work That Thang" and one of the local divas in Da Dawg Pound was doing just that as she was turning heads with her very seductive rump-shaking grown folks dance(I'll just say that there was a whole lot of shaking going on)."Let Me Hit It One More Time" was his next song and this once again had the folks getting their groove on.He slowed it down with the nice ballad"Somebody's Cutting My Cake" and I love to hear him sing this song.His voice is very unique and it has a soulful sound that isn't replicated by any other artist.He received a big ovation as he did several synchronize pelvis thrusts as the band did a pop and stop medley."Hardworking Lady" was his next song followed by the southern soul classic "Party Til The Lights Go Out".He was about to close his performance with "Two Way Love Affair" when The Ragman(mc) told him he had to end his performance due to time restraints.I don't allow myself to get upset at shows but I got mad at The Ragman this time.The fans were enjoying his performance and he only wanted to do one more song,with him making it in from North Carolina you would have thought they could have allowed him another four minutes to close his performance on his own terms but none the less David showed a lot of class and thanked the crowd and exited the stage.I really enjoyed his performance and I hope to have an opportunity to see him perform again real soon.

The next performer was IFGAM recording artist,Lebrado.For those of you not familar with him he is the younger brother of r&b singers K-Ci & JoJo.As he was introduced,the stage area quickly became packed with female fans who all were screaming profusely as he hit the stage.He opened his performance with "Coffee" and this one was definetly for the ladies.He makes no secret about the kind of woman he perfers-hot,black and strong.His next song was "Sure Wasn't Me" and I was blown away by his vocals on this song.He gave a superb renditon that probably had our beloved Tyrone Davis and Ronnie Lovejoy looking down smiling.He paid another tribute to Tyrone Davis with "Banging The Headboards" and the women loved it as he banged and banged toward their direction.He got everyone up and steppin with "Dancin" which is a nice dance(steppin) groove.His show quickly took on a r&b vibe with his next two songs "First Lady" and "Come Back Love"."Try Me" and his new southern soul hit "Fire" kept all the women down front screaming and he allowed a few of them to join him on stage and this really set the stage on fire.He closed his performance with my personal favorite and the hit that established him as a southern soul artist,"I'm Missin You Babe" and the crowd gave him a big ovation as he exited the stage.Lebrado is truly one of my favorite newcomers.He has really matured as a performer and has also become very popular especially with the female fans.

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The next performer on the show was Robert"Duke"Tillman.This was a much anticipated performance for me.We've been in contact the last several months and I've been trying to catch one of his shows but each time I was unable to see him perform.For those of you not familar with Robert"Duke"Tillman let me first of all say he is no newcomer to the industry.He is a former lead singer for The Drells(formerly known as Archie Bell & The Drells),he has shared the stage on venues with a who's who in the industry including The Temptations,Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and The Manhattans just to name a few.He has collaborated with the likes of Rue Davis,Frank-O Johnson and the late Mckinely Mitchell.His soulful tenor and falsetto has put him in the same breath as Smokey Robinson and Eddie Kendricks.He received a big ovation as he was led to the stage.He opened his performance with "Coochie Whipped" and immediately he begin to showcase his abilty as a true entertainer.His body movement was pure electric and his soulful vocals came across very well as he ripped the stage and this was just his opening selection."Love Ya Tonight" is a nice song with a tempo that allowed the couples in attendance to do a swing dance.His next song was the silky ballad "I Found Love" and the couples in attendance went from swinging to slow-dancing.He was able to showcase his sugary but sweet and sexy vocals on this jam."Can't Do Without You" is another sleek soulful jam with a Jackie Wilson vibe to it.He received a thunderous ovation as he did an amazing rendition of William Bell's "I Forgot To Be Your Lover".He closed his performance with the uptempo dance groove "Drop" and the crowd again went wild.It was time to get the boogie on and boogie is what the crowd did.I was a lil disappointed because I was hoping that he would perform my personal favorite "Doggone Right".I had the opportunity to meet him right before he went on stage and just let me say that this is the coolest cat that I've ever met.When I say cool I mean "Mr. Zero Below".Right here and now I'm dubbing Robert"Duke"Tillman "THE KING OF COOL".He is'n't a blues singer at all.Duke Tillman is a soul singer cut from the same cloth as the legendary Jackie Wilson and Smokey Robinson.He is truly a gifted artist and I am looking forward to seeing him perform again very soon.
The last performer on the night was T.K. Soul and it was very late and everyone was still in attendance.I've covered his show probably more than any other artist and it never gets old.Like always the stage area was packed with the ladies as he performed his classic hits "Cheating And Lying","Meet Me At The Spot Tonight","Try Me" and "It Ain't Cheating Til You Get Caught".The highlight of his performance was his "T.K. Soul Cruise Step".Everybody got a thrill out of that.T.K.Soul still remains one of the top performers in the industry.

In closing I would like to thank Eddie who was the promoter for this show and Duke Tillman's business manager and his PR Agent,Chestine Jackson and Diane Neal who allowed me plenty of acess to cover this show.I also would like to thank Ms. Jody,David Brinston,Lebrado,Robert"Duke"Tillman and T.K. Soul for all taking the time to meet and converse with me,your time is deeply appreciated.I want to also give a shout out to Bruce Billups(Thanks for the love man),Kenne Wayne,Melissa and The Clarksdale Diva,Roni.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.

BIG K9

www.bigk9.net

 

 

"THE SCAT CAT TOUR"

Hello blues and southern soul fans,my 2008 blues and southern soul ride continues in the mid-south area.Memphis,Tennessee is the place to be this time of the year.Throughout the month of May the city celebrates "MEMPHIS IN MAY" and during this period there are thousands of spectators that embark on the city to enjoy all the festivities that take place,especially in the downtown area and on "THE LEGENDARY BEALE STREET" where such icons as B.B. King,Bobby Blue Bland,Rufus Thomas and countless others really got their big breaks in the music industry.Growing up in a small rural area I always thought of Memphis as being the "Big City" and I know its funny to some of you all who hail from large cities but for this old country boy this was really an extraordinary place for me to visit.Well I was in the big city to catch a leg of "THE SCAT CAT TOUR" that featured some new and upcoming artist as well as an old familar face.The lineup for this show included Rick E Bluez,Jewel Jones,Mr. Sam,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds.The Whitehaven Celebration Complex played host to this blues and southern soul gathering.I've attended a few shows here with more established artist and for whatever reasons it was never a packed house but when I arrived for tonights show I was very suprised to see the number of folks on hand.There were plenty of familar faces in attendance,my good friends from WDIA,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and the mc for tonights show Steve Ladd were in the house.Also on hand were recording artist Toni Greene and Sweet Angel who was accompanied by her husband\manager Mike Dobbins.Another familar face was my good friend "The Clarksdale Diva",Roni and the hardest working merchandise vendor in the industry my man Willard Frederick who appears to be at all the blues shows(I envy you man).The crowd was very relaxed and I must admit it was an older crowd so it wasn't the usual young girls dropping it like its hot theme going on tonight.There were a couple of familar happenings going on though,the kitchen had the hot wings filling the air for real and these were some of the biggest hot wings that I've ever seen(look like the wings from a chicken on steroids) and there was also plenty of cold bud light being served up at the bar so with the stage set good people sit back and allow me to take you on this blues and southern soul ride.
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The first performer of the night was Houston native,Rick E Bluez who is a new comer to the industry.I was familar with his music having seen him featured on Funky Larry's "Soul And Blues Report" and "The Chittlin Circuit Website".He didn't have a band with him and its sometimes difficult for an artist when they have to sing tracks but the crowd showed him some love as Steve Ladd brought him on to the stage.He opened up his performance with "Thats Why I still Love You" and he must have had a couple of fans on hand because he got a nice ovation from some women down by the stage area as he begin to perform this track.Anytime I see an artist for the first time I try to see how much of a stage presence the artist has and he seemed to be quite comfortable as he did his thing.His next song was "I want To Love You" and this was a nice sleek ballad that kept the crowd interested.His next song "Runnin Your Mouth" had a good southern soul theme to it and it should garner him some major airplay on southern soul radio.His next song was the one I enjoyed the most,"Angel" is a nice slow jam and although he was singing tracks his vocals came across very nice on this song.He closed his performance with an uptempo booty shaking track which had the namesake "Shake".He left the stage area and was sandwiched right in the middle of two women who had the appearance of two souls from the 70's(afro and clothes to match) as they begin to get their shake on.Rick E Bluez definetly has the tools to be a sucessful artist in this industry.His vocals were good and he did have a decent stage presence.Leaving the stage area and grinding with the ladies will always go over well with a crowd. His performance was a good one but I would love to see him perform with a live band.

The next performer of the night was Memphis native and Q.T. recording artist,Jewel J and she is truly a favorite for all the faithful WDIA(1070 Memphis)listeners.I had the opportunity to see her perform last year at the second stop on the WDIA juke joint tour.Many of you may remember her as a background singer for Shirley Brown and she has also shared the stage with J.Blackfoot and Ann Hines.She opened her performance with "I Need Someone" and she got a nice hometown ovation as she and her backup singers moved to the beat with their short waist high dresses(not that I notice they were short).Her next song was "I Ain't Jealous" and she followed that up with a rendition of Johnnie Taylor's "Wall To Wall" and this got some of the crowd up on their feet.She closed her performance with her biggest hit to date,"Thats My Shugga Daddy" and she received her biggest ovation on the night.This song has been very popular on the southern soul airways.Jewel J is a diva bringing a new southern soul flavor to the blues.
The next performer on the night was my man Sam Fallie now better known as "MR. SAM".I'm no stranger to Mr. Sam he has been a songwriter and backup vocalist for the Bar-Kays,Archie Love,Lacee and J. Blackfoot just to name a few.He has been a man in the shadows for a lot of years.His manager,the lovely Jazzii Anderson and Mr. Sam have been trying to get me to come and see his shows but due to my work schedule I was never able to make it to any of his performances.I did have the opportunity to see him perform on the third stop of last years WDIA juke joint tour.It was raining on that day and I really didn't get to see the real "MR. SAM" so I was really looking forward to seeing this performance.As he was introduced by Steve Ladd his band was blowing up the stage.The sound was truly amazing.These brothers were bringing some real muscle to their instruments(2008 version of the funk brothers)and out came Mr. Sam backup singers and dancers and they got the relaxed crowd hype as hell.I know this was a blues and southern soul party but Mr. Sam hit the stage with a bolt of thunder and he told the crowd to get up out their seats and make some noise.He opened up his performance with a rendition of Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" and he and his dancers were tearing up the stage with their sychronized dance moves.Just like so many of the boy bands today Mr. Sam and his dancers have put a lot of work and energy into their dance routine and it was paying off tonight.The crowd was on their feet and really feeling Mr. Sam and this was just his opening song.He and his backup singers kept the dance party going with "All Night Party".When I was young I remember Morris Day and The Time sliding on stage and I thought to myself that this was the magic of television and they made the stage move because there was no way these guys could all slide together in unity.Damn was I wrong.Like a scene from Purple Rain,Mr. Sam and his crew performed that routine better than Morris Day and The Time.I jumped to my feet when I saw them do this time after time and they made it look so easy.I'm telling you this was the best dance routine I've seen thus far at any show that I have attended and I have attended plenty of shows.You all have to excuse me I'm replaying it in my mind right now as I write this review and all I can say is GOT DAMNN,GOT DAMN!His next song was "I'm Looking For Love" and just like a seasoned performer he begin to ad-lib with the crowd and the women in attendance loved it.For his next song he asked the crowd could he go back to the old school as he did a rendition of Tyrone Davis,"Can I Change My Mind" and he sounded just like "The Chicago Wonder Boy" and you know with an older crowd this received a big ovation as he left the stage area and walked through the crowd.His next song was the one that truly established him as a solo artist,"12 STEPS FOR CHEATERS" and this is one song that has a crossover vibe to it.The intro that he and his backup singers do leading into the song had the crowd laughing and loving it.The way he performed this song would remind you of a R.Kelly performance and I mean that.Its a shame that this song doesn't have more of a crossover appeal attached with it.Before he concluded his performance he asked me, "Could he do one more song?"I told him,"Man do the damn thing".He closed his performance with a new single that is actually a duet with Floyd Taylor and its titled "Voicemail" and he gave the crowd a thrill with this cut.I personally guanrantee that Mr. Sam and Floyd Taylor have a bona fide smash hit on their hand.Truly amazing is all I can say about Mr. Sam's performance.I had no idea that I was going to see such a terrifc performance as the one did by Mr. Sam.I was truly blown away.It seems like every now and then I discover southern soul's best kept secret but I've never seen one that has made the impression on me like Mr. Sam and I'm not exaggerating either.I am so glad to see this brother step out of the shadows and emerge as a strong frontman.Mr. Sam is the total package.He has a strong stage presence,he is blessed with terrific vocals and great dancing skills.Promoters please add Mr. Sam to your next show.I promise you that you won't be sorry.You can even contact me and thank me for sending him your way.I know he will be very busy on the Memphis scene especially with so many WDIA personalities in the house but I expect to see and hear more about him throughout the southern soul industry.Mr. Sam welcome to my Honorary Dawg Pound.Your membership has been solidifed my friend.
DAMN GOOD PERFORMANCE!

Its hard to follow an act like the one that just finished but the next performer is very capable of entertaining a crowd.Ms. Jody is a newcomer to the industry having been around for only a couple of years but she was like one of the veteran acts on this show.I just saw her perform a week ago and now I was getting an opportunity to see her perform again.There was something new to her performance this week,my friend Tammie a.k.a. MZ TINK from myspace was now a backup singer for Ms. Jody,oh what a difference a week makes.She opened her performance with Peggy Scott Adams "I'm Getting What I Want" and this was well received by the crowd.I wanted to see how my girl Mz. Tink was going to do and to my suprise she looked quite comfortable up on stage.Her next song was a rendition of Shirley Brown's"Too Much Candy".She had the women in attendace feeling her next song,"I'll Never Take A day Off" as she told the crowd that she would do whatever it takes to satisfy her man and like so many of the male artist do she displayed her tongue and damn I can surely tell you how many licks it takes for her to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.Her next song was from her debut cd, "Sugar Daddy" and and she begin to use some explicit language.She can talk s**t just like Denise Lasalle.Shirley Brown must have a big influence on her as she did a rendition of "Sleep With One Eye Open".Her next song allowed Mz. Tink to show her lil freaky side as she shook a tailfeather to "It's The Weekend" and Ms. Jody wasn't to be outdone as she slid the microphone stand between her legs and begin to simulate,well I think you get the rest of the picture."You Dog Is About To Kill My Cat" received a big ovation from the crowd.She closed her performance with "Big Daddy Don't You Come" and this routine has become quite popular in her performance.She brought a gentleman from the crowd on stage and she was able to get her groove on as she gave him a thrill to remember. She received a nice ovation after her performance.

Unfortunately it was very late and I had to leave the show before I got an opportunity to see Billy Soul Bonds.I did talk with him brifly earlier during the show.One thing that I did notice was T.K. Soul's former bass player,Anthony is now playing for Billy Soul Bonds(I have to get the scoop on that one)."The Clarksdale Diva",Roni stayed for his performance and she informed me that he did do another vintage performance with of course "Scat Cat Here Kitty,Kitty" being the highlight of his performance.

In closing I want to say that I've never reported that one artist out performed another artist but I have to admit on this night that Mr. Sam's performance really stood out and this is NO DISRESPECT to all the other performers who truly provided us all with a good show.I want to thank Rick E Bluez and his manager,Jewel J and her band,Mr. Sam and his lovely manager Jazzii Anderson,Ms. Jody and Billy Soul Bonds for taking the time to meet and converse with me.I really appreciate the time these artist give me to help me be able to provide such in depth reviews for all the fans of this genre of music.I would like to give shout outs to my friends from Wdia,Jackie Ward,Juanita Burton and Steve Ladd.I also would like to give a shout out to Toni Greene,Swet Angel,Mike Dobbins,Willard Frederick,Mz Tink and Roni.I really enjoyed you all at this show.I had a great time at this show and I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.I'll see you down by the stage.

BIG K9

www.bigk9.net

 

"THE SEXY SOULFUL DIVA,NELLIE"TIGER" TRAVIS ROCKS GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB"

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So with my original K9 posse in the house and the Clarsdale Divas chilling in Da Dawg Pound allow me to begin my 2008 BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL RIDE. Hello BLUES and SOUTHERN SOUL FANS.

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Nellie"Tiger"Travis didn't have her band with her so she was backed on this night by Guitar Mikey and his fellow musicans who also were the opening act for tonights show.When she was introduced to the crowd she recieved a thunderous ovation and it kind of took me by suprise,I had no idea she was so popular to the people in attendance.As she walked out on stage all the guys(black & white) were captured by her stunning beauty.The divas for this genre of music are some of the most sexiest women you will see anywhere.LAWD HAVE MERCY is all I can say.I've seen them all Roni,Sheba Potts-Wright,Ms. Monique,Betty Padgett,Karen Wolfe and the late Jackie Neal and now Nellie"Tiger"Travis if the LORD made anything finer he must have kept it for himself.Before she sang a note she had all the fellas won over.Her first song on the night was "Oil And Water" and good people let me tell you from the start this diva has plenty of soul.I know you hear me say this about a lot of these female artist but I'm talking about a deep down soul that reminds me a lot of Betty Padgett so you already know where I'm coming from on that one.She immediately rocked the house with this cut.Her next song was a wondeful rendition of the Staple Singers "Lets Do It Again" and at the end of the song the crowd was wanting her to sing it again.She went into a slew of medleys including Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing",Freddie Jackson's "Rock With Me Tonight",Gerald Levert's "Cassanova",The Manhattan's "Shining Star",Love Doctor's "Slow Roll It" and Nellie begin to slow roll it for the crowd,GOT DAMN,GOT DAMN did she ever slow roll it,this diva made all the fellas jaws drop with her sexy version.She contiued her medley of songs with Theodis Ealey's "Stand Up In It"and my Dawg Pound member,Dr. Feel Good hit the dance floor and begin to cut a rug with several of the female patrons in attendance.I'm not sterotyping and PLEASE DON'T ANYONE GET OFFENDED but a few of these white females were hanging quite well with Dr. Feel Good as they all were having a wang dang doodle of a time out on the dance floor.Only at a blues and southern soul show can you see a black man dancing with multiple white women grown folks style,this was a wonderful sight to behold.She ended her medley of sons with Bill Withers' "Lean On Me" and Marvin Gaye's "Lets Get It On" and Sir Cap and myself joined Dr. Feel Good on the dance floor.She performed my personal favorite next,"You Gone Make Me Cheat" and I made my way front and center downstage and I was up close and personal with my sexy homegirl.I felt as though she was singing this song just for me as I extended my hand to her and she held it and looked at me with the cutest face in the industry.This song should have garnered more popularity and airplay on the southern soul market.I know the true fans already know about this song but for those of you who don't this is a must listen to for real.It should have been an instant southern soul smash hit."Let The Good Times Roll" was her next song and boy did they ever roll as the dance floor was overcrowded,it looked like a honky tonk/juke joint gathering as everyone danced the night away.The highlight of the show was when she performed a rendition of Creedance Clearwater revival hit song "Proud Mary" that was made popular by Ike and Tina Turner.Before she got started she chose several women from the crowd including the Clarksdale Divas,Roni and Keelah to come down front and they were going to be the center of attention for this song.At the start of the song Nellie and guitar Mikey did a good slow version similar to the one performed by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishbourne in "Whats Love Got To Do With It?" and in a blink of an eye the tempo became fast pace as she told the women down front to shake what they momma gave them.Again the white females in attendance held their own but it was the divas from Clarksdale that stole the show especially Keelah who did a realistic Tina Turner like version.She closed her performance with"I Rather Go Blind,Than To See You Walk Away" which is a song from her latest cd titled "Higher Ground".She gave a very soul stirring and gut wrenching performance on this song.I had never heard it before but now it is my new favorite Nellie"Tiger"Travis song,she had the entire place slow dancing and feeling this cut as she took us back home for real.She put the microphone down and continued to belt out the vocals to this beautiful song.Her live vocals without the mic was by far one of the most impressive performances that my eyes and ears had ever seen or heard,I damn near cried as she ended this song.Good people you have got to hear this song ASAP,I promise you that you won't be disappointed.Nellie"Tiger"Travis is a phenomenal southern soul diva.She blends the sounds of Tina Turner,Gladys Knight,Mavis Staples and Patti Labelle all rolled up in one.Soulful,sultry,brass and sassy would described her performance best.With the face of a Super model and a Beyonce' like figure she is without a doubt the total package.Homegirl your time has come and I'm putting you right up their with the elite female artist in this industry,welcome to the club Nellie.I can't wait to see you do your thing again.DAMN GOOD SHOW HOMEGIRL!

Please go out and show Nellie some love and support,add all of her cds to your collection including her debut cd "I Got It Like That"(2000),"Live At Sweet Georgia Brown's"(2002),"Wanna Be With You"(2005) featuring the hit singles "You Gone Make Me Cheat" and "Baby Mama Drama" and her latest cd "Higher Ground"(2007) that features the single "I Rather Go Blind,Than To See You Walk Away".For more information on Nellie"Tiger"Travis including bio,photos,upcoming shows and cd release dates please visit her website at www.nellietravis.com.

Well my 2008 Blues and Southern Soul ride begin with a bang.I hope I can hold true to my words and help to see the female artist of this genre of music get there just do.I want to thank Nellie"Tiger"Travis for allowing me the opportunity to converse and to provide you all with some terrific photos from this show.You are simply the best homegirl and I am truly greatful.I also would like to give a shout out to guitar Mikey(you got some serious skills my man) and the Clarksdale Divas,Roni,Keelah and Latriest I really had a great time partying with you all(we must do it again real soon).To my orignal Dawg Pound members Sir Cap and Dr. Feel Good I hope that 2008 will allow us to get together down by the stage more often.I had a great time at this blues and southern soul gathering and like always I just wanted to share it with the greatest fans in the world.2008 has started off very well and I hope you all will continue to join me on my blues and southern soul ride.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

 

To view all photos from this show please visit my website at www.bigk9.net  and bless my guestbook with your presence.

 

BIG K9
www.bigk9.net 

 

BIG K9 Reflecting On 2007

In 2007 I also had the pleasure to be in the presence of the lovely divas of the blues and southern soul industry starting with my Godmother,the Queen of the Blues,Denise Lasalle,Betty Padgett(thats my baby ya'll),Pat Brown,Roni,Lacee,Sheba Potts-Wright,Karen Wolfe and the real diva,Mrs. Shirley Brown,she doesn't take photos at shows anymore but she allowed me to take some with her and I was truly honored that she allowed me to do this,I guess I got that effect on women(Lol).There were also divas that I had the opportunity to see perform for the very first time including Barbara Carr,The Duchess,Miz B,Jewel J and the firery Ms. Jody.All though I didn't see her perform I also met recording artist,Sweet Angel and the legendary producer,Mike Dobbins(who is also Sweet Angel's fiance').

If you look at the previous two paragraphs you will see a big difference in the list of male artist compared to the female artist.At most of the shows I attended there weren't any female artist on the shows.Every promoter has the right to book the artist that he or she chooses because they are the ones putting up the money to provide us fans with these wonderful shows.I just hope and pray that 2008 will honestly be the year for more of our talented divas to be included on most of the shows that I attend.I'm not trying to win the favor of the women here,this is about right and wrong,these female artist work their ass off just as hard as the male artist as a matter of fact they work even harder because its tougher for them to get the recongnition and the respect from the promoters and the record executives.I'm glad the fans of this genre of music don't choose sides at all,the only thing they care about is good blues and southern soul music.

My 2008 Blues and Southern Soul ride begins at home and when I say home good people I really mean home.Growing up in a small rural town you have to idolize most people from a far and what I mean by that is the people you see on television or in magazines.Sure your parents,school teachers and other local professionals are people to admire but they don't have that so called celebrity status.I mentioned my hometown of Mound Bayou,Mississippi in a past concert review("2007 WDIA JUKE JOINT TOUR FIRST STOP" for those of you who haven't read it) and gave a brief but thourough history of the nations oldest all black town.I've covered blues and southern soul artists from my surrounding area such as Willie Clayton,O.B. Buchana,Nathaniel Kimble and David Brinston to name a few but never one from my hometown.Well all that changed recently as I had an opportunity to see my homegirl,Da-Man recording artist Nellie"Tiger"Travis perform for the very first time.She and I are from the same hometown and attended the same high school where she was once a high school homecoming queen.We've had contact in the past but I've never been able to catch her shows when she came to the area.The true fans of this genre of music already know about this sexy diva but for those of you who don't please allow me the opportunity to introduce her to you.

Nellie "Tiger" Travis is a beautiful woman with a soulful voice. Originally hailing from MOUND BAYOU,MISSISSIPPI, Travis now calls Chicago home.In her new surroundings, Nellie has chosen to demonstrate her ample vocal talents in the highly competitive Chicago blues scene, performing at venues such as Kingston Mines and Koko Taylor's Celebrity Room.To date she has worked with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor,Carl Weathersby,Bobby Rush,Tyrone Davis,Otis Clay,Big Time Sarah,Cicero Blake,Buddy Miles,Artie "Blues Boy" White,Little Milton,Willie Clayton,Latimore,J. Blackfoot,Stan Mosely,Shannon Curfman and Shemika Copeland just to name a few.Nellie has standing engagements overseas and has performed in Greece since 1998. Her many overseas tours has included performances in Germany, Brazil, Italy and Japan. The "Tiger" performs regularly in Chicago when she's not touring around the country in the many venues and festivals that take place throughout the year.

Academy award winning actor,Morgan Freeman's blues club "GROUND ZERO" in Clarksdale,Mississippi was the venue for my first 2008 BLUES AND SOUTHERN SOUL ride.It was a couple of other shows in the surrounding area but I chose to not only come out and support my homegirl but to also set the tone for supporting these female artist in this industry.It was a diverse crowd on hand for tonight's blues and southern soul gathering and everytime I visit Ground Zero it appears to be that way.It is always refreshing to see black and white folks coming together and socializing with one another especially in the heart of the Mississippi Delta where racial tension is known to exist.This was also a reunion of sorts for DA DAWG POUND.I was joined on this night by two of my original Dawg Pound members,Carnez Parris a.k.a. "Sir Cap" and Doyle Parris a.k.a. "Dr. Feel Good".Due to our work schedules and other personal matters, I've attended a lot of shows without them but the Dawg Pound has grown over the last couple of years and most of the members who attend shows with me are the newer members of Da Dawg Pound.When I told them that our homegirl was performing at Ground Zero,without hesitation they agreed to come out and show her some love and support.Joining us in Da Dawg Pound were Clarksdale Divas Roni,Keelah and Latriest.Before the show begin we felt like we were in the old juke joints of old as the smell of chicken wings and fish filled the air.Sir Cap and Dr. Feel Good couldn't resist trying the burger,onion rings,shrimp and fries but me I was cool,I had a shot of Crown(they had no Seagrams gin)and my cold Bud Light to chase it with.

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