Livin' With The Blues In Salina 2004
Written by Dave Glackin and John Volk
Photos by Dave Glackin

Saturday's Show
SilverCloud and Edwards are a unique pairing of SilverCloud, a wonderful old time blues piano player and Ron Edwards, a blues historian and capable bottleneck slide guitar player.  Ron and SilverCloud moved us through popular blues hits of the 1920's, 30s and 40s.  SilverCloud carries on the traditional style of Memphis Slim, with a very full, rolling sound, tastefully complemented by Ron Edwards on slide.  Ron introduced each number with the origin and interesting historical information on each song.  This set was a very pleasant blend of history and expertly played traditional blues.

Leroy Jodie Pierson, the slightly built white man with neat business shirt, slacks and conservative necktie, had those unfamiliar with him wondering. After the first few bars sprang out from his National resonator guitar, the uninitiated realized that they were dealing with one serious blues man. A master of the bottleneck slide with firm soulful voice and deep repertoire, Leroy made one realize that he was born into the blues and has lived it ever since.  Leroy Jodie Pierson has spent years trading chops with the likes of Mississippi Fred McDowell and other greats.   Leroy is serious about his craft, which is finely honed, and he is also a prominent blues scholar.  This immensely talented and thoughtful musician captivated the audience like no other that evening, and was the clear favorite of both of your authors.

Arthur Williams gave the crowd good old fashioned St. Louis blues with one of the blues harp greats.  This acoustic set was comprised of Arthur on vocals and harp, and a very capable, energetic and full sounding guitarist and co-vocalist. The duo did a great job of alternating vocals and leads to keep the audience solidly with them. The pair provided a relatively short set of really solid down home blues.

Big George Brock was a master showman in the genre of flamboyant blues front men.  He was gold adorned from head to foot -- gold suit, hat, tie, jewelry, and a huge belt buckle commemorating the "Heavyweight Champion of the Missouri Blues Harp."  A rich vocalist with a deep and penetrating voice, he wowed the crowd with powerful songs, accented by some fabulous harp work.  His style was a bit reminiscent of Howlin Wolf, with a uniquely powerful and energetic twist.  Some theatrical floor rolling and such delighted the crowd.  Of note was a great version of  "Got my Mojo Working,"  accented by really nice work by the accompanying guitarist.

Ray Sharpe, billed as the only black rockabilly artist, took the stage with a full band (piano, bass, rhythm guitar, Kaz Kazonoff on tenor sax, drums and Ray on lead guitar and vocal), and provided lots of good ole rock and roll.  Ray has a lighthearted style and is a cheerful entertainer.   Ray moved through lots of rock and roll standards and some originals, letting the 'good times roll'.  The style was more reminiscent of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley than rockabilly.  Of particular note were a very strong bass accompaniment, and the always-great Kaz really shined with this style of band.  Although no virtuoso on vocals or guitar, Rays endearing style worked well as a package.

Robert Belfour plays the Mississippi blues style of the hill country where he grew up.  The set was simply a man and his guitar.  Although frail, Robert displayed a powerful voice and strong and agile finger style guitar method.  He plays the pure blues, with a mournful primal tone and beat that penetrates your core being.  A very powerful and moving player, he rose above technical problems and an inattentive stage crew to complete the set with two numbers in which he tuned his guitar to a rare tuning of the early 20^th century blues.   The crowd responded with a rousing ovation.

Son Seals, the electric blues legend, was clearly ailing, and required assistance to take the stage.  Although very frail, Son was still able to put together some nice guitar chops and vocals.  He was supported by a very strong backup band, the James Solenberg band, (guitar, organ, bass, drums).  The band really helped carry Son, who clearly was lacking endurance due to his health.  Backup bandleader and guitarist James Solenberg was able to put some really fine complementary material together, as well as tasteful solos to carry the pace of the set.  Son was able to rise to the occasion on songs that were clearly part of his original repertoire, while struggling more on the generic material.   The set and wonderful evening ended when an exhausted Son motioned for assistance to be helped from the stage. 

Hats off to Chad in his support of getting some of the aging and frail greats on stage to both expose them to new audiences, and to remind the artists of how their craft is appreciated.  Our best wishes to Chad for many more successful years of stunning Blues Masters at the Crossroads festivals.  It's become an event that your authors can't bear to miss.