Tonight, the Mystery Band will be playing at Bill's Blues in Evanston. Tomorrow night, Sammy Fender will be holding forth at Bill's Blues. I have played with Sammy on occassion and like him very much, so I am going to promote him today on my blog.
Sammy has been on the blues scene for a few decades now. He is in his early 60's (I think) and he still kicks out white hot energy. He has that leather-lunged blues shout and he plays solid blues guitar (but he can be LOUD). Sammy does a marvelous version of "Stand By Me" that is a crowd favorite - it usually turns into a major sing-along.
Sammy's pedigree is peerless - his aunt is Koko Taylor; Magic Sam was his cousin. He has played with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy and a host of equally talented but lesser-known bluesmen. Sammy also claims to be one of the original members of the Impressions, but I haven't been able to confirm that.
Mr. Fender is one of those lunch-bucket blues guys in Chicago that hasn't been on many records (I think he has had a self-produced live recording in 2002, and his previous release was in the early 1980's). So hit Bill's Blues on Saturday to hear a blues veteran with a big voice and a big heart.
I saw Sammy tonight. As you said, white hot energy and a helluva lot of style. A happy, joyful player and singer. Also, his current lead guitarist (Mike something) is really stellar. Very fast, but soulful.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a whim, I didn't go out looking for this show. But what a great performance.
Sammy's live CD is on the BLUE BARON label and is available at: www.bluebaronmusic.com
ReplyDeleteif anyone is looking to book mr.fender please contact sammy fender and the bluse masters at 1847-521-3999
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