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An extra full house was the scene recently at the Rhythm
Room, Phoenix, AZ USA when blues legends and veteran road pros Nick Moss and Jimmie Vaughan delivered killer sets of tasty Blues. Chicago based
Nick Moss and Michael Ledbetter
(guitar and vocals), were joined by Bob
Corritore (harmonica and vocals) and drummer Patrick Seals for a full hour of house rocking ‘Chicago style’ tunes.
Just two weeks into a seven week Western USA tour this group was jumping.
According to road tour manager, Javik
Smith (son of Willie “Big-Eyes” Smith)
the core band will work the West for five additional weeks, take a short rest
and then head out to the Eastern leg of the USA as the summer progresses. Moss
showed his decades of experience through the fret board runs, fills, comps and
seamless blending with guest harmonica player Bob Corritore and members of his
regular band. Great support came from Michael Ledbetter on rhythm guitar and
vocals who has been with Moss for the past two years. Classically trained in
Opera, Ledbetter calls Elgin, Illinois home. Once again, opportunity comes to
those who prepare themselves. Sounding like a page out of Mike Bloomfield’s
biography, Nick Moss initially discovered Ledbetter through a recommendation
from one of his friends. Gradual collaboration between the men evolved over
time. A one-off gig turned into occasional fill-ins which in turn eventually
lead to a regular spot on the Moss stage. Kudos to Illinois resident and
experienced pro drummer Patrick Seals who set the beats and drove the tempo.
Seals’ background includes Jazz Studies and Instrumental Performance at
Columbia College, Chicago.
This year, Nick Moss received his 16th nomination
from the Blues Music Association for "Best Blues Rock Album" for Here I Am, which debuted at number 2 on
the Relix/Jambands Radio Chart, and at number 6 on the Living Blues Radio
Chart! This latest CD is Nick’s ninth release on his own Blue Bella Records
label.
The place was primed and pumping by the time that Jimmie
Vaughn and his Tilt-a-Whirl band took the stage. Scorching through a 21 song
set, of songs mostly from his 2010 release, Plays, Blues, Ballads and Favorites, Vaughan and his band barely
stopped to take a breath. The crowd began with respectful
reserve leaving breathing room on the dance floor and was on their feet and
shoulder to shoulder by the end of the last song. Everyone knows about Vaughan
but we should be reminded of what a great group of players make up the
Tilt-A-Whirl team. Horn section really stood out as a huge asset. Professional
to a tee was the drummer, bassist and rhythm guitarists who performed
flawlessly and barely took a bow for their efforts. Good music, like
photography, looks easy and natural when done well. These folks blended like
prize-winning Barbeque. Founding member of Double Trouble, Lou Ann Barton
joined the group for a flurry of songs including Shake A Hand, Scratch, signature duet Wheel of Fortune and Middle
of the Night. Jimmie stayed on stage for 6 String Down while the band took a quick break. Motorhead Baby, Middle of the Night (with
Barton), White Boots and D/FW closed out the performance. It was striking
at how nice, personable and frankly politely approachable Vaughan was as he
took time to patiently sign autographs and meet/greet following the 180 minute
performance. Strong encouragement to watch for and attend performances by both
Moss and/or Vaughan. I for one got more than my dollars’ worth at this show.
Thanks again to Bob Corritore, Phoenix Blues Society and the Rhythm Room for an excellent time.
