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.
