Big K9 Concert Reviews
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Big K9 Concert Reviews |
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This page contains concert reviews written by Robert Brown aka "Big K9"
"WALTER WAITERS MISSISSIPPI DELTA DEBUT"
Hello Blues and Southern Soul fans.Its not
often that a good BLUES & SOUTHERN SOUL GATHERING takes place in
your own backyard but recently I was very fortunate to attend
one that was literally in my own backyard.Independent Blues
recording artist,Walter Waiters performed lived at "THE DO DROP
INN" in Shelby,Mississippi.Shelby is my birthplace and it has a
deep rooted history of blues.Many recording artist have
performed at different venues in Shelby including Willie
Clayton,Denise Lasalle,Marvin Sease,Little Milton,Ronnie
Lovejoy,Tyrone Davis and Buddy Ace to name just a few.The Do
Drop Inn is truly one of the last authentic Mississippi Delta
juke joints and it has played host to some of the before
mentioned blues artist.For me the Do Drop Inn brings back some
good memories,I was a young teen when I first became familar
with this juke joint.I use to chop cotton(yes I'm a real country
boy) around the Shelby area and we got paid at the end of each
day in Shelby and the Do Drop Inn was in walking distance.Me and
some of my friends would stop by and get some good southern soul
food and a couple of cold beers(sorry mom but I started drinking
early).I remember the sounds of B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland
playing loud on the juke box,the smell of fried fish and chicken
wings filled the air and all the local patrons on the dance
floor doing some serious grown folks dancing can you say the
"BO-HAWG GRIND".You didn't need to dress up to come to this juke
joint I remember tractor drivers pulling up on their tractors
going straight inside this juke joint.This was a simpler and
better time in my life and I truly miss the good old days.
Fast forward some twenty plus years and I have
to be honest,I didn't even know the Do Drop Inn was still
operative until my good friend Walter Waiters told me he was
going to be performing there.One of my friends from
myspace,Jacquelyn runs the Do Drop Inn and she is the one who
made all this possible.I was very excited because I've long for
the day to see him perform in my area.Its not often that my
fiance',Sylvia Burks(MZ. K9) join me at a show but after meeting
Walter she said she just had to come check him out and she was
joined by her co-worker Sharon and some of Sharon family
members.I was joined on this night by original Dawg Pound
members Doyle Parris a.k.a Dr. Feel-Good,Carnez Parris a.k.a Sir
Cap and Tavious Haywood.There were other familar faces in the
house,Bluz Queen and the rest of "The Kitty Kitty Club" were
posted down front and some of my friends,Crystal,Regina and her
mom from myspace were also in the house.It wasn't a large crowd
on hand but like Walter's cousin Mel Waiters would say the
smaller the club the bigger the party.So with my gin and juice
on hand chased with some cold Bud Light good people let me take
you on this BLUES RIDE.
There was no mc for tonights show so Walter
ask me would I bring him to the stage?How could I say no to my
friend?So now add mc to Big K9's resume'(Lol!).But serious it
was a honor for me to introduce him to the Mississippi Delta,our
friendship has spanned about five(5) years now.I remember when
he only played the midwest area(Oklahoma & Texas mostly) and now
he is a nationally and internationally known recording artist
playing in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.He was voted the
2006 BEST NEW MALE ARTIST by THE BLUES CRITIC BLUES AND SOUTHERN
SOUL AWARDS and I dubbed him "THE NEXT BIG THING".He received a
big ovation as I brought him to the stage.He opened up his
performance with a classic southern soul hit covered by Carl
Sims and J. Blackfoot,"You Man Is Home Tonight" was the perfect
song to kick off his show because it was mainly women in
attendance and they all seem to want to take Walter home with
them.I've always been impressed with his vocal range but he even
suprised me with his depth on his next song,"I Wish It Would
Rain" and this blues man delivered a soulful rendition that did
The Temptations justice.His next song was a rendition of Rufus
Thomas "Walking The Dog" and I've seen him perform this song a
few times and its always a real show-stopper and it would be no
different on this night as he left his keyboard,Lucy and got
front and center and began to do his very popular version.Every
camera in the house was flashing as he thrilled the ladies in
attendance and MZ. K9's co-worker Sharon could take it no more
as she left her seat and joined him on stage and was able to go
one on one with Walter as he walked the dog and the crowd loved
it.He really got the party crunk as he began to perform a few of
his hit singles,"Don't Scratch My Back" allowed me and
Regina(myspace friend) to cut a rug together and "Crazy Smooth
Sexy" allowed Walter to showcase his terrifc vocals.I've always
enjoyed his laid back soulful delivery on this song."Creeping"
and "Careful Woman" kept the dance party going led by my girl
Regina and The Kitty Kitty Club."Laid Back Kind Of Place" was
the right song to describe The Do Drop Inn as MZ. K9 and the
rest of the fans in attendance were really enjoying themselves.
Another highlight of the night that I had to
mention was local patron Mrs. Gladys who joined Walter on stage
for a couple of songs including Ray Charles and Margie Hendricks
"The Night Time" and she gave a gut wrenching version that
brought everyone to their feet.She also performed "Rock Me Baby"
and a hellified version of "Down Home Blues" that sounded so
much like Denise Lasalle's version.Just like so many other
artist I think its great that he truly allow the fans to be a
part of his show.Mrs. Gladys you go girl.
The real highlight of the night for me was
this "BLUES MAN" singing the blues.I've gotten away from the
traditonal deep down home blues but on this night Walter Waiters
took me back home.There were some older patrons on hand that was
enjoying the show but as he began to perform his blues set they
all made their way to the stage area to see this TEXAS BLUES MAN
do the damn thing.My fellow Dawg Pound member Doyle Parris is
old school and he loves Bobby Blue Bland and Walter began his
blues set with a rendition of Bobby Blue Bland's "You Got To
Hurt Before You Heal" and it moved me so much I went grabbed MZ.
K9 out of her seat and begin to slow dance to this song.Once
again his vocal depth took me by suprise.He continued his Bobby
Blue Bland theme with "Members Only" and he allowed everyone in
attendance to join in on this cut,it was now sing a long with
Walter Waiters.I've always said that Walter is a Blues Man first
and even though his latest cd takes on more of a southern soul
theme he still remains true for his love of the blues as he
begin to take us home with some deep foot stomping and hand
clapping down home blues.His keyboard "Lucy" had some serious
issues tonight as she cranked out some mean guitar licks that
would make Buddy Guy,B.B. King and Albert King proud,she
displayed some cool soul serenades that would make King Curtis
smile and she blew some funky sounds that could make the Memphis
Horns cry but Walter has learned that the women for this genre
of music love to see an artist freaky side.Every show that I
attend now the male artist display their candy lickers(tongue
for all the slow people) and I guess its a good thing because
all the females came front and center with cameras in hand and
began to capture Walter licking Lucy up and down(Yes MZ. K9 I
saw you looking).To close his performance he paid tribute to his
mentor The Silver Fox,Buddy Ace with a soulful rendition of "It
Don't Hurt No More" as I took the mic and thanked everyone for
coming out to support Walter the crowd wasn't having it.They
wanted more and he wouldn't let them down.He closed his show
with a bang as he cranked out Little Milton's "The Blues Is
Alright'.I've seen Walter's performance a few times and his
maturation as an artist is incredible.His vocals and showmanship
have allowed him to become a top notch entertainer.His ability
to allow the crowd to be involved at his shows will continue to
allow him to be a crowd favorite.This was the best Walter
Waiters performance that I've ever seen.To all the promoters out
there please add this gifted brother to some of your upcoming
shows.I put my personal stamp of approval on this one.
This show will always be a memorable one for
me.Hours before the show Walter and I were able to spend some
time together.He wanted to see some of the Mississippi Delta and
I explained to him that this was a rural area and it wasn't much
to see but he still wanted to get out and see how we country
folks live.He said much of the people and the area was like
Oklahoma but when he saw a guy driving a car and pulling a lawn
mower down a main street he said he knew he was in the country
as a matter of fact we were in Shelby.He also spent time in my
home and got to meet my daughters who by the way enjoy Walter's
music.
I want to give a shout out to Jacquelyn and
the crew from the Do Drop Inn,thanks for all your hospitality.I
also want to give a shout out to Crystal,Regina,Sharon(MZ. K(
co-worker) and The Kitty Kitty Club.To my fellow Dawg Pound
members I truly enjoyed you all again,lets continue to get our
blues on.MZ. K9 I truly enjoyed you on this night.I'm glad that
you were able to experience what I love to do so much. Good
people I had a great time and like always I wanted to share it
with you the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD
BLESS ALL OF YOU.
BIG K9
www.bigk9.net
"2008 MILLENNIUM BLUES SHOW"
The first performer on the night was my man Vick Allen.He might be new to some of you fans but Vick has been around the industry for a long time.Some of you might remember him from his years with the grammy award winning gospel group "The Canton Spirituals" but he is now becoming one of the most popular soul singers in the southern soul industry.I've seen his performance a few times and I always look forward to seeing him perform. The packed house gave him a nice ovation as he was introduced.The previous times I saw him perform he was playing tracks but now he had his band(all from Greenwood,Mississippi) with him tonight and this enhanced his performance from the very start.He opened his performance with his single "I Better Walk Away" from his "Old School,New School Flava" cd and the crowd was feeling him on this jam.His next song "When You Pack Your Bags" is from his latest cd and he left the stage area and begin to sing throughout the crowd.He looked like a seasoned veteran as he had the ladies swooning.He really gave the crowd a thrill as he performed a song he wrote for his friend and mentor,Willie Clayotn."I love Me Some You" was the song and Vick gave a very soulful rendition that would make even Willie Clayton smile. Greenwood is right down the road from Greenville,Mississippi which happen to be the hometown of Tyrone Davis so when he started on Tyrone Davis "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" the place erupted,people were up and dancing and loving this performance a lot.He continued his Tyrone Davis tribute with "Give It Up,Turn It Loose".He closed his performance with one of his old school jams "Lets Dance" and thats exactly what the people in attendance did.Due to time restraint he didn't perform his southern soul smash hit "Baby Come Back Home" and myself and everyone else was very disappointed.He wanted to do the right thing and repsect the artists performing next so he complied but I can tell you now as the night went on he was the only artist that complied so next time Vick,the hell with the time restraints and just do the damn thang.If the folks in Greenwood didn't know Vick Allen I assure you they know him now.This was the best performance that I've seen him do.He was very charasmatic on this night and this helped him to go over well with the crowd.Vick is a terrific soul singer with a very strong stage presence.I've seen his maturation as a performer the last couple of years and he has definetly emerged as a must see artist.This was an outstanding performance that really set a nice tone for the rest of the show.
The next performer on the night was one of my favorite artist,Omar Cunningham.His shows are far and few but I always make it a focal point to catch him anytime he is in the area.This was Sir Cap first time seeing him perform and Mane had seen him one other time so they were just as enthused as I was to see him perform.His band is so tight,his keyboard player must have been a big fan of Roger Troutman as he used a keyboard synthesizer and did a robotic-sounding vocal that brought Omar to the stage and this blended nicely with the angelic vocals from his backup singers,the beautiful and very talented Youngblood sisters,Tonya and Sonya(I love you girls).I was very ipmressed and the crowd loved it even more.Omar has always been very popular with the ladies so its no suprise that the women were up and making some serious noise as he opened his show. He opened his performance with "Before I Let You Go" and the women down front were all feeling this one."Baby Don't Leave Me" continued to make the women melt.He got the people dancing with "Hell At The House".His next song was my personal favorite,"Sweet,Sweet" and it sounded just like its namesake.I've always boasted that in my opinion Omar has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS in the industry and it continues to remain true.This song should be played on all the mainstream radio stations and his face should be seen on BET,MTV and VH1.He even passed out roses to the ladies as he performed this soul ballad."Married Woman,Married Man" got the people back up and dancing.His soulful voice filled the air with his rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come".He closed his performance with the song that put him on the map."Check To Check" had everyone on their feet and dancing once again.Omar Cunningham's body of work speaks for itself.He is one of the top performers in the industry and did I mention that he has THE BEST LIVE VOCALS IN THE INDUSTRY. The next performer was a true living legend,J.Blackfoot was introduced and he received a huge ovation as he made his way to the stage.He was accompanied on this night by "The Queen",Ann Hines.His first song was "Just Got Paid" and this uptempo jam had the people on their feet and dancing.His next song,"After The Tone" which is also one of my personal favorites and it sounded oh so good."Your Man Is Home Tonight" was his next song and although I've heard Carl Sims verison of the southern soul hit I've always liked Uncle J's version better.Speaking of Uncle J,Sir Charles wasn't available on this night but J. Blackfoot's backup singer(I didn't catch his name)did Sir Charles justice as they performed the southern soul duet "I'm Just A Fool Part 2" and the crowd loved it.The next two songs were the highlight of his performance for me as he teamed up with Ann Hines and did two of my favorite southern soul songs,"Just One Lifetime" never sounded any better as the two of them belted out vocals that moved the crowd.One couple was actually crying as they slow danced and sang this song to each other.The moment was so surreal,I don't know if it was true love or the alcohol but it was a sight to behold.Their next duet was the classic "Two Different People" and I've never seen them perform this song together and for those who haven't their chemistry together on stage is magical.It was like watching the legendary Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell perform as they laughed,shrugged,tucked and tease doing the entire song.He paid tribute to the hardest working man in show business as he did a rendition of James Brown's "Please,Please,Please" he even mastered the going to his knees and having his royal robe draped over him which really went over well with the audience.He closed his performance with his classic hit "Taxi" and man the roof blew off the civic center.This was THE BEST J. Blackfoot performance that I've ever seen and just like fine wine he gets better with time.As he walked off stage the people in Greenwood wanted more of the living legend and believe me he wanted to go back out there but as we all know that these shows are on a schedule.Damn good show.
The last performer on the night was my godmother,the Queen of the Blues,Denise Lasalle.She was led on stage by her son and my good friend Ray.She received the loudest ovation of the night.This being her hometown you can get very comfortable at home so she was very explicit tonight.Can't no one in this industry male or female talk more sh*t than Denise Lasalle and tonight would be no different.I've seen her show so many times and I'm not tired of it yet.She opened her performance with"Lady In The Streets".Her next song was "Down Home Blues" and the southern soul party quickly became an old juke joint party.Denise kept the party going with my personal favorite "Trapped By This Thing Called Love",I can listen to her sing this song all night long.She paid tribute to Little Milton as she did a rendition of "The Blues Is Alright" and she allowed the crowd to sing along on this cut.Her next song was "Drop That Zero" and the ladies were really feeling this song."Snap,Crackle And Pop" was the best part of her performance as she had the crowd cracking up with her raw and explicit lyrics.Her reference to Clarence Carter(Strokin'),Love Doctor(Slow Roll It),Theodis Ealey(Stand Up In It) and Marvin Sease(Candy Licker) went over very well.It was late but no one had left the building as she did her own rendition of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" with her version called "The Thrill Is Still On".Her next song was from her latest cd titled "You Got To Pay Before You Pump" and yes fellas she's telling all the ladies you got to pay to hit it.She closed her performance with "My Toot Toot" and she was joined on stage by her son Ray and he received a nice ovation from the women on hand as he begin to display his freaky side.It is always a pleasure for me to see a Denise Lasalle performance and I hope and pray that I will be able to see her for many more years to come. This was one of the best shows that I've ever attended.I would like to thank Vick Allen,Omar Cunningham,J.Blackfoot,Ann Hines,Karen Wolfe(Denise Lasalle's backup singer) and Denise Lasalle who all took the time to converse with me at this show.I know how occupied you all be at these shows.I also would like to give a shout out to my man Cyerio Hughes(thanks for all the love),Willard Frederick(the hardest working merchandise man at any show),the Clarksdale Divas,(Roni,Claudette,Keelah and Latriest you ladies do know how to get your blues on) and last but not least my original Dawg Pound members Sir Cap and Mane.I'm glad you lost sheep have came back to the flock I really enjoyed hanging out at a show with you guys again.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.
"THE SEXY SOULFUL DIVA,NELLIE"TIGER" TRAVIS ROCKS GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB"
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.
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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