2009 Artist Bios
The Derek Trucks Band
"Derek's playing is stunning, unlike anything I'd ever heard before." -Eric Clapton
"Trucks just might be this generation's greatest rock guitarist, a player of distinct tastefullness and ravenous musical appetite." -Brian Mansfield, USA Today
"His electric slide work is so human it is more like amplified breath." -Rolling Stone
Derek Truck's annual tours with the Allman Brothers Band has kept Derek in the international public eye for years, but it was his 2008 tour of the world with Eric Clapton that has solidified his reputation as one of the planets' greatest guitarists. This fame set the table nicely for the latest Derek Trucks Band album "Already Free". The music on the album emphasizes the organic cohesion that the band has developed through six former albums and years of constant touring. The music is based in the blues but also touches rock, soul, world music and even Indian ragas. Melodies abound, and the songs are the strength of the CD.
For more information, visit http://www.derektrucks.com/
The Tommy Castro Band
with Chris Cain
The Tommy Castro Band 2008 Blues Music Awards:
Entertainer of the Year
Album of the Year, "Soul Shaker"
We hope to recreate the magic of one of the Fountain Blues Festival's finest monents when, in 2005, Tommy Castro asked his good friend and "the world's greatest guitarist" Chris Cain to share an encore with the band. The resulting 10 minute extravaganza was unforgettable, and remains one of our fan's favorite moments. Chris will play around 25 minutes with Tommy and the band.
The Tommy Castro Band is San Jose's favorite band led by their favorite native son. Tommy's family still lives in San Jose, and he started his great career right here in the South Bay.The Tommy Castro Band features tight, tight songs played loose and funky and danceable. Everyone dances at a Tommy Castro show.
Chris Cain is another San Jose native and favorite with international fame. His unique guitar lines and rough, husky voice compliment his many original songs perfectly.
For more information, visit http://www.tommycastro.com/
Lurrie Bell
2008 Blues Music Awards nominations:
Best Blues Guitarist
Best Traditional Blues Male Artist
Best Blues DVD
Living Blues Magazine 2008 Critics Poll:
Blues Artist of the Year (Male)
Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)
Living Blues Magazine 2008 Readers Poll:
Blues Artist of the Year (Male)
Lurrie Bell literally had blues in his blood from his famous father, Chicago harmonica great, Carey Bell. A working professional musician since the age of 16, he played and traveled the world with such legends as Koko Taylor, Carey Bell's Harp Band, and many more. The last couple of years has found Bell often cited as the best of the younger generation of Chicago bluesmen, who now has finally come out with an album that is ready to help him claim that honor. "Let's Talk About Love" is both a positive and uplifting experience and a hair-raising journey into the world of rough and tumble Chicago Blues. Lurrie is an exclusive Bay Area appearance for the FBF and he will be bringing his real Chicago back-up band with him.
For more information, visit http://www.lurrie.com/
The Candye Kane Band featuring Laura Chavez
Candye Kane is one of the world's most famous blues belters from the old school. This ex-stripper, advocate for larger women, and cancer survivor has toured in every country on the globe, thrilling audiences with her emmense voice, bawdy songs and incredible stage show. Joining Candye for the last year, and co-producing Candye's latest Delta Groove album is San Jose's own guitar great, Laura Chavez. Laura has played the festival twice with the Lara Price Band, and has developed a style of soloing that is her own unique and tasteful blend of jazz and blues.
For more information, visit http://www.candyekane.com/The Bay Area Blues Society Caravan of All Stars
The Caravan of Allstars features some of the finest of Oakland's blues musicians and singers. Their shows are very funky, filled with some of Oakland's greatest legends performing in front of the Allstars roaring rhythm section and horn section. You are never too old to feel and play the blues. So true!
For more information, visit http://www.bayareabluessociety.net/caravanofallstars.html
John Wedemeyer and Friends
John is one of the Bay Area's best young musician/guitarists. He appeared on the scene some 15 years ago as a young teenager out of Westmont High having to sneak into JJ's Blues Club to play alongside his heroes. He now lives and plays in Las Vegas, touring with Donnie and Marie, as well as Wayne Newton as their lead guitarist. Don't laugh, just come out early to hear a blistering hot young player showing his hometown friends what he and his band can do. These guys will really play the blues for you!
