Rauma Blues 2003

Putting together the 2003 Rauma Blues programme stretched out long into the spring

The sudden illness of Precious Bryant and losing The Mighty Flyers gave the organizers gray hair. When the programme was finally put together there was a sigh of relief as the Rauma Blues 2003 turned out a comprehensive blues setting after all.

Kenny Brown fired some of his Fat Possum clatter with heavy sounds, familiar from the background of R.L. Burnside and built on Cedric Burnside's drum beat. The bass was covered by Chris Ethridge, a country legend famous from the Flying Burrito Brothers, with his efficient style. The famous programme also included an old Mississippi blues legend ensemble Jelly Roll All-Stars, whose light shuffle comp was guaranteed by Elmore James and Sonny Boy Williamson's trusted drummer Sam Carr. The Jelly Rolls' leader and the most visible stage personality was the harp legend Arthur Williams, who had a handsome comeback in the 2000's. With his down home playing and singing he showed he's still got it. Kenny Brown and Arthur Williams cheered up Deborah Coleman's flat gig and their jamming I'm a Woman was like a bright sunshine in the middle of a monotonic night of Coleman's guitar thumping.

The most virtuous act of the evening was the new guru of steel guitar Robert Randolph with his Family Band. With their gospel-hip hop-soul-blues rock synthesis based on the sacred steel tratidion the band created conflicting feelings. The older generation didn't like their heavy gospel fire works at all while the younger freaks were willing to elevate the young steel wizard's virtous set into the most high standard set of the entire Rauma Blues history. However, Robert Randolph did prove that it is possible to interprete Jimi Hendrix's magic credibly with a steel guitar. The Family Band also showed what black music can evolve into as long as the players have enough resources to carry out the most imaginary combinations.