Big Sam's Funky NationPresiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, afford them a rare opportunity to let loose. Big Sam's Funky Nation has undeniable personality, as well as masterful chops.
Etta James & The Roots Band
Etta James has seen it all: in a life lived to the full, she has experienced all the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the joy, the pain and then, rejuvenation, reinvention and renewal. With a range of material that would render most singers helpless, the truly legendary Etta James – a three-time Grammy award winner, NARAS Lifetime Achievement, Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer awardee and W.C. Handy Blues Foundation honoree, who rightfully has her own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame - shows that when it comes to music that speaks to the soul, she is virtually peerless. After all, who else could tackle Leonard Bernstein’s classic “Somewhere” in the space of one record and then give "Holding Back The Years" the kind of world-weary workout that makes you say, "Simply who?" in a reference to the song’s originator, Simply Red. In much the way she is a musical storyteller, Etta relishes the opportunity to talk about her choices for ALL THE WAY: “The title track? Well, I’ve been hearing that song since I was a child growing up. My mother was a jazz fanatic and she wanted me to play the piano so I could play jazz tunes. I wish I had learned but I was too busy running out there, getting into trouble! I do remember she always told me, ‘even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it.’ I’d like to think I did that with this standard…” Perhaps best known as a key album cut by ‘70s band Rufus as well as a Top 5 R&B 1974 hit for its writer, Bobby Womack, the funky “Stop On By” is Etta’s way of paying tribute to the soul man who she’s known for many years: “This song is a real R&B kind of tune just like Bobby Womack who is always very real both with his music and as a person.” In a truly respectful way, Etta pays tribute to another of R&B’s legendary pioneers, the late Johnny Guitar Watson via “Strung Out Over You”. Her soulful, bluesy treatment of the song is one of the many standout cuts on ALL THE WAY, Etta giving the classic tune the kind of down home, honest reading which has been her trademark for a remarkable five decades of recording. “Johnny Guitar…just one of my favorite singers of all time,” she sighs. “I first met him when we were both on the road with (renowned bandleader) Johnny Otis in the ‘50s when I was a teenager. We traveled the country in a car together so I would hear him sing every night. His singing style was the one I took on when I was 17 – people used to call me the ‘female’ Johnny Guitar Watson and him the male ‘Etta James’. This is the first of his songs I’ve ever recorded, although I used to do his ‘I Want To Ta-Ta You Baby’ in my show. He knew what the blues was all about…”
Mama's Cookin
Hip-hop beats and dirty Delta blues anchor the sound of Mama’s Cookin’. The band creates music that could only come from the modern age. The rock-solid drumming of Mike Adamo and resonant bass work of Steve LaBella build a foundation for Mama’s Cookin’. The ultimate front man, Zebuel Early is both charismatic and articulate. Hailing from the musical center of America’s Southern Delta, Zeb came by his blues guitar work honestly. Songs of true beauty and deep intention, crafted with unique and timely lyrics, leave a lasting impression. In 2007 Mama’s Cookin’ chose New York City to record their new album. The team that created the self-titled project features award-winning producer Chuck Zwicky (Prince/Jeff Beck) along with special guests Maya Azucena (Stephen Marley), and producer Pete Miser (Dido). As one reviewer put it "This album hits like a ton of bricks wrapped in velvet." Mama's Cookin's sole objective is to create music that moves: Songs that are inspirational both in the headphones and on the dance floor. 2008 started with a Hawaiian New Year’s celebration that introduced Mama’s Cookin’ to a diverse audience. Locals and travelers alike took in a band for the first time and the rumble of Mama’s Cookin’ swept through the islands. Returning to the mainland, the band exploded on to ESPN’s Winter X Games stage in Aspen, Colorado. Extreme sports fans discovered a band blasting on to the national scene. As soon as their 30-minute set was over they ordered a bottle of Grey Goose and decimated the backstage supply of Red Bull and Budweiser while hitting on your girlfriend. Thereafter they set out to make full use of the free ski passes as Colorado experienced a huge winter.
Ryan McGarvey
"Ryan's playing has the passion and exuberance of youth, but its further lifted by a deep dedication to his craft. His technique is awe-inspiring, but its the dawning subtleties and emotional range that hints of the greatest possibilities--"
- Ian Moore
"Look for this young lion in the future because he's looking for his own sound and what
I've heard so far; I like it."
- Chris Duarte
At age 21, Albuquerque, New Mexico native Ryan McGarvey has in a relatively short amount of time not only gained a national, and international fan base, but admiration from his personal idols as well. In the past few years of Ryan's career he has had the honor, and the pleasure of sharing the bill with such top name act's as Blue Oyster Cult, Shemekia Copeland, Shannon Curfman, Chris Duarte, Ian Moore, John Hammond Jr., Joe Bonamassa, Back Door Slam, Gov't Mule, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and many more. His debut CD release "Forward In Reverse" recently reached the top 20 (out of over 200,000 Artist's Cd's) on the best sellers list on CDBaby.com (The worlds largest online independent distributor). With rave reviews complimenting everything from his fiery guitar chops, which range from everything from delta slide to heavy rock, his unique vocals, or mature songwriting skills, Ryan McGarvey's live shows will leave you breathless and wanting more. Absorbing influences from everything from early delta blues, to classic hard rock, to more contemporary blues/rock artist's of today. In 2006 Ryan was named Guitar Center's "Guitarmaggeddon: Next King Of The Blues" champion of New Mexico. In 2007 & 2008 he was named "Blues Act Of The Year" in The Weekly Alibi's Annual Readers Poll. In 2007 Ryan took home the New Mexico Music Award for "Blues Song Of The Year" for his song "Cryin' Over You", and was nominated for "Mainstream Rock Song Of The Year" for his song "The One That Got Away". Most recently Ryan was named one of very few guitar players to impress the editors of Guitar Player Magazine at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. With a solid rhythm section backing him, Ryan McGarvey and his band are embarking on bigger and better things...
Trampled Under Foot
When was the last time you saw a three piece family blues band with two left handed guitarists? Let alone a blues band with strong lead vocals, both female and male? Trampled Under Foot, winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge, is like no other blues band you will ever see. Danielle is an amazing blues singer and an excellent bassist. Kris fires right in the pocket on the drums and sings as well. Nick is a strong singer and an accomplished guitarist, winning the 2008 Albert King Award from the IBC. TUF books venues and festivals world wide, having performed at numerous national and international blues festivals.
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