 Irma Thomas
Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco, California was graced with a flavorful taste of New Orleans Soul Queen, Irma Thomas on Valentines Day Weekend. Chittlin’ Circuit Magazine was in the house.
We’re told that Ms. Thomas and her band sold out their two sets at the venue on Valentines Day, Saturday February 14. Indeed, the early show on Sunday night which we attended was packed to capacity as well, despite the heavy rain drenching Northern California.
The Professionals, Irma’s fine tuned N’Awlins band hit at just past the 7:00 p.m stroke of the clock. Drummer and Musical Director Larry “Choo” Campbell spirited vocals kicked it off with Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. Campbell then introduced Ms. Thomas whose strong, unmistakable voice was heard singing off stage for a full minute before she was accompanied to the stage from the wings by her husband Emile.
Thinking Of You was Irma’s opening song. It immediately ingratiated itself with the crowd making us feel that we were the most important thing on her mind. And apparently we were. In an intimate conversation with the audience, The Crescent City Soul Queen revealed, “I’m not like most entertainers in that I believe the audience should get exactly what it wants. That’s why I have this cheat book up here. It has my whole recorded repertoire of over 200 songs. So if there is something you want to hear, just request it and I’ll do it for you, baby”.
She sang them all and granted all requests; Story Of My Life, If You Want It, Just Hold Me While I Cry, Breakaway, Time Is On My Side, You Don’t Know Nothing About Love, I Done Got Over You, If I Had Any Sense I’d Go On Home, Early In The Morning, It’s Raining, Same Old Love, Wish Someone Would Care (perennial favorite of this writer!), You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don’t Mess With My Man). Ms. Thomas closed with a 2nd Line party song entitled Sing It. |
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 Denise LaSalle and Senator David Jordan
Chittlin Circuit Contributing Writer
Jackson, Mississippi….February 18, 2009 is officially Denise LaSalle Day. The senate floor of the Mississippi capitol building was overflowing with pride as our “Queen of the Delta Blues” Miss Denise LaSalle graced the halls to be honored for her contributions in keeping the blues alive.
We as Mississippians have long known that we cast a wide net in the world because of the music that we have produced; a strange music called the blues, that can cause grown men to cry, women to sigh and children to dance. “Therefore, it doesn’t make sense for the rest of the world to honor our artists and we let them go through life never setting foot inside their capitol,” said Senator David Jordan, District 24, (Holmes, Leflore, Tallahatchie) Counties.
Visit the Photo Gallery for more pictures
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 Sir Charles Jones and his Mother |
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 Sandra Hall and Trudy Lynn
Performances by International recording artist, Prince of the Blues, Lucky Peterson, the 1st Lady of Blues & Soul, Trudy Lynn, The Blues Man Lover, Theodis Easley, The Empress Of The Blues, Ms. Sandra Hall, and The City Heat Band Featuring Darren & Tabitha made it a night to be remembered.
The Board of Directors of the Jus` Blues Music Foundation held its National meeting in Atlanta December 4th, 5th & 6th for the creation of the upcoming 2009 and 2010 initiatives and organization events.
The Blues & Soul music community is excited about the 2009 Jus` Blues Music Awards Week held August 5th thru August 9th in Memphis, Tennessee. Awards categories include Best New Artist, Best Blues & Soul Radio DJ, Best Blues & Soul Song, Best Traditional Blues Artist and many more. The Foundation is also considering Blues & Soul music candidates to be honored at the “Night of the Living Legends” Dinner. Educational seminars’ for artists, writers and management highlight the Technology Conference on August 6th. Information on the event(s) will be forthcoming and posted on the websites - www.jusbluesmusicfoundation.org and www.jusbluesmusic.com.
Check out our photo gallery for over 150 pictures of the event |
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 Senator Jones After the success of Sir Charles Jones, Senator Jones (no
relationship) started his own label Hep Me Records where he launched the careers of
Monique Ford, Little Kim Stewart and The Love Doctor. Hep Me Records is a Mississippi based blues and zydeco
record label. You may also recall Senator Jones from his days working with Warren
Hildebrand, owner of Mardi Gras Records (Louisiana) where Senator Jones produced the
compilation cd featuring Cadillac George, Sweet Miss Coffy and George Jackson. You can hear many of the HEP ME Records artists on "Chittlin Circuit Internet Radio"
It is reported that Senator Jones sister, Ann says she found Senator Jones earlier this
evening (Sunday, November 30) in his home in Bolton, Mississippi where he apparently died
in his sleep.
Stay tuned to the Chittlin’ Circuit for family and artists reactions to this sad news.
We will provide funeral arrangements as soon as they are released.
Senator Jones Funeral Update
Saturday, December 6th at 2PM at
The Divine Ministry Church
1440 Pear Street, Jackson, MS
There will be no family hour or viewing. Arrangements have been entrusted to Smith
Mortuary - 851 West Northside Drive, Clinton, MS
Senator Jones final resting place will be Autumn Woods Memorial Gardens in Jackson, MS
For additional information call 601-924-6300.
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