My first foray to Doheny at this, its 11th. incarnation, was enjoyable. Before a review of some of the acts, here are some comments on the logistics.
If you go, get there very early to grab a nearby parking space. Otherwise, be prepared either to walk at least a half mile from your car to the venue, or to take the shuttle bus from auxiliary parking about 1.5 mile away. The shuttle buses were efficient, but the large number of people needing rides resulted in some long wait times. Then, at the venue, be prepared for a constant challenge to the senses. The crowd this year was large -- my guess was at least 10,000 -- and noisy. The 3 stages were well positioned to minimize bleeding of sound from one to another, but some degree of clashing was unavoidable. Wisely, acts were scheduled at staggered times, so that no more than 2 were playing simultaneously, and performances were puntilious, but even so I could hear the Robert Cray Band in the background while trying to listen to Rishell and Raines many yards away. The restrooms were adequate but poorly serviced, and the food courts lacked options for vegetarians and fresh fruit lovers.
Oh, yeah, there was music. There was great music! As at any festival, it was impossible to see all the acts without becoming frazzled and exhausted; the smart strategy is to choose one’s favorites, leaving opportunity to see unfamiliar performers as well. Thus I exercised my biases and eliminated performers subject to GTS (guitarslinger testerone syndrome) like Jonny Lang and Joe Bonamassa, although they were huge crowd favorites, and acts like Robert Cray and the Chicago legendary all-stars, both of whom I have seen recently and frequently.
In fact, I spent most of the first day at the Backporch Stage, ostensibly designed for acoustic acts. However, the only truly acoustic performer there was Bobby Rush, leader of a James Brown-styled revue the next day but alone with his guitar and harmonica on Saturday. Rush demonstrated why he won 3 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) from the Blues Foundation just a week earlier, delivering a hypnotic although brief set of
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lues based on his award-winning album “Raw.”
Preceding Rush was venerable singer and harpman Lazy Lester, still in strong form after many years of touring, and ably abetted by a band featuring hot SoCal guitarist Kid Ramos, formerly of the James Harman Band and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Ramos and Los Fabulocos then dished out a set of Latino blues-jazz-rock that was quite tasty. The highlight of the day, for me, was Paul Rishell and Annie Raines with their ace band. Rishell eschewed his slide guitar prowess and displayed lead electric guitar and his fine vocals, but left the spotlight for Raines. Her singing, while not powerful, was pleasant, but her harp renditions were dynamite! some of the best harmonica playing I have ever heard. When a group receives a standing ovation after their first song, one wonders if they can maintain the quality through a whole set; Rishell and Raines did.
Sunday began for me with Jimmy Thackery and his band. Why this guy hasn’t won a Blues Music Award baffles me. He is a wizard on guitar, with wonderful tone, impeccable rhythm, and unceasing inventiveness. The crowd went nuts for him, and he deserved it. He was followed by B.B. & the Blues Shacks, a band from Germany which was excellent. Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets appeared next on one of the main stages, with special guest, Orange County homeboy James Harman. Although their set was enjoyable, the sound quality was suboptimal and their energy level was low.
Not to fear: Little Feat was next, with guest guitarist Coco Montoya. Sound quality was again less than desirable, but they displayed their usual infectious blend of rock and blues. Having three guitarists of the virtuosity of Montoya, Paul Barrere, and Fred Tackett on one stage was a treat. Following them was Watermelon Slim and the Workers. Slim, winner of multiple BMAs in the last 3 years, provided his reliable mix of gritty Oklahoma-style truck-drivin’ foot-stompin’ blues, to the delight of the audience. Finishing up the night and the festival was Bonnie Raitt, who sent the huge crowd home with a long set of new songs and classics that showcased her fine band and that wonderful voice of hers. Long live Bonnie and her reverence for the blues!
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