Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 3:
Something For Everyone's Musical Taste
THE BLUES EXPRESS
Presented by the Orange County Blues Society, this year's lineup features a pair of Rip Cat Records artists, colorful Whiteboy James And The Blues Express plus acclaimed Delta Blues guitarist, K.K. Martin; up-tempo jump 'n' swing from the Jumpin Jack Benny Blues Band; hot blues-rock from OC's own Tricia Freeman Band; searing blues-rock guitar-istry courtesy of Jay Gordon and Blues Venom; KOCI-FM's's Dave Toole and his band, bornBlue; plus Real Blues Festival founder, and a talented harpist/vocalist in his own right, the always-energetic Papa J and Friends. 12 noon-10 p.m. Tickets $20. in advance, $25. day of show. $5. discount with any active Southern California Blues Society membership. Purchase advance tickets at www.orangecountybluessociety.com.
Brief Synopsis of the Bands Performing at Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3
White Boy James & The Blues Express: Having just completed their second album, Whiteboy James and the Blues Express is a detonative force to be reckoned with. Since re-forming in 2006 after a five-year absence, the band has re-established themselves as the legendary band they once were during the Southern California Blues explosion of the 80's and 90's. Whiteboy James has a mesmerizing, driving and sonic stage presence. Signed to OC indie label Rip Cat Records in 2010, WBJ&TBE consists of Whiteboy James (vocals/harmonica); Scott Abeyta (guitar); Blake Watson (bass); and Max Bangwell (drums). www.whiteboyjames.com.
K.K. Martin: Orange County-based, fourth-generation Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Exposed in the womb to the music of Jimmie Rodgers, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams, Martin began touring with his parent's band at age ten, was transplanted to California in 1969, and cut his teeth on the local L.A. rock scene at sixteen, landing a brief stint with the Albert Collins Backup Band. K.K. Martin is a musician's musician who "delivers polished material via its basic components - a man, a guitar, and a microphone." His latest CD is Naked Blues Volume II (Rip Cat Records). www.kkmartin.com.
Jay Gordon & Blues Venom: Electric blues guitarist Jay Gordon recorded a series of albums for Blue Ace that has inspired comparisons to such legendary guitarists as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Beginning with BLUES INFESTED (1994), Gordon won much praise from the blues community. Each successive album became increasingly successful - BROADCASTING THE BLUES LIVE (1996), ELECTRIC REDEMPTION (1998), and so on - and the guitarist soon found himself being compared to some of the most legendary guitarists to ever play electric blues. In 2000, Gordon collaborated with Phillip Walker on the JAYWALKIN album for Blue Ace, yet another accomplishment for the celebrated guitarist. His latest record is Blues Venom, No Cure (Shuttle music). www.jaygordonandthepenetrators.com.
Jumpin Jack Benny Blues Band: Entertainer extraordinaire Jumpin Jack Benny is one of the most entertaining acts on today's music scene. Audiences have been thrilled by their frenetic performances since 2003. Front man Benny Cortez brings high energy Blues to the stage reminiscent of the great 1950's rock & roll performers with smoking hot guitar work from Tony "Fingers" Naranjo. They have toured and/or recorded with B.B. Chung King, Little Milton, John Mayall, WAR, Bo Diddley, and James Cotton, among others. www.jumpinjackbennyblues.com.
Papa J And Friends: When it comes to the Blues in Orange County, California, there's no bigger or more passionate proponent than Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson). For the better part of two decades, the affable harpist/vocalist has entertained in venues ranging from House of Blues to the Doheny Blues Festival with a spirited brand of Chicago-style Jump/Blues that earned him "Entertainer of the Year" from the 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards. Papa J is founder of both the Real Blues Festival Of Orange County and Orange County Blues Society. Last Fall Papa J and Friends released The Big Show (Houndog Records). www.papajandfriends.com.
