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• bbking.com • Buy Live CD • BergenPAC.org
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Regal Riley Retains Musical Power! A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch On a night when the BergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey secured their growing legacy as the reigning concert venue in Bergen County they hosted the legendary B.B. King Blues band in royal fashion. During the day on May 13, 2008 the Bergen Performing Arts Center (formerly known as the John Harms Center) announced their jam-packed upcoming 2008/2009 season and that evening they provided the perfect performance space for a true musical pioneer.
 Riley B King better known as B.B. King was born in 1925. Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in the Mississippi Delta, King would rise and reign as the most influential player of the blues. B.B. is a revered guitarist, singer and songwriter who has inspired a myriad of musicians - including Eric Clapton and The Beatles. B.B. King's early records were produced by the legendary Sam Phillips (founder of Sun Records) earning him many R&B hits in the 1950's and beyond. King has won over two dozen Grammys including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. He has countless collaborations to his credit, including working with U2 and jamming with Phish in 2003. B.B. King has been playing Gibson guitars for over 40 years. His signature models feature fine tuner tailpieces, semi-hollow bodies, no sound holes - and they all bare the name Lucille. B.B.'s guitars are given this name based on an incident that took place in the 1950's. King was jamming at a juke joint when a fire started which was caused when two fighting men knocked over a burning barrel. The pair were arguing over a girl name Lucille. King escaped the blaze and then realized he left his instrument in the bar. B.B. ran back in to get it and from that day on he decided to name all his guitars Lucille to remind himself not to leave his girl behind. A little before nine, the talented B.B. King Band (4 horns, guitar, bass, drum and keys) took the stage and performed a jazzy, snappy instrumental with some of the band members taking a moment to solo. The second instrumental was blues based with bold rhythms. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen and thank you for coming out," B.B. King stated as he appeared and took his seat center stage. The crowd was on their feet to warmly greet the blues legend and B.B. played lush licks as the well-dressed band provided an up-tempo and classy groove. "I am from Mississippi," King advised during the evening as he joked that people from Mississippi talk to much. For almost two hours B.B. amused the crowd with stories and songs. He told plenty of tales from his childhood and life seasoned with humor. Yet, there were the occasional serious moments. King recalled segregation and water fountains labeled black and white. Breaking the rules, B.B. discovered and deemed that, "white water tasted just like colored water." When he was not chatting, King performed some of his best-known songs including "Let the Good Times Roll", "I Need You So", "Everyday Day (I Have the Blues)", "Rock Me Baby" and the "Thrill Is Gone". The crowd was very responsive, singing and clapping along, especially when they were encouraged by B.B. - who would point to himself then to the audience. B.B. King may be 82, but he still has an eye for the ladies and a lot of his commentary was about watching women with subtle sexual comments (also referred to as supper). He stated he was not happy with how many current blues and rap artists were making derogatory comments about women and he dedicated his bluesy interpretation of "You Are My Sunshine" to the ladies. B.B still has a delicate touch drawing rich textures and tones from Lucille. King is a soulful player and singer and his capable band adds color and cohesion to the tapestry of the music. Throughout the evening, King made a point of introducing the members of his band and giving each an opportunity to strut their stuff. B.B's leads are lovely, his music is legendary and well played by the B.B. King Band. It was a privilege to have seen the granddaddy of the blues and based on the diverse crowd (including some young people) at the PAC many recognized that B.B is the King! The BergenPAC in the heart of thriving downtown Englewood - surrounded by a wide selection of cafes and stores - making for a nice night out without the hassle of traveling to the city. Their 2008/2009 season will feature a regionally unmatched and diverse range of art and music. Upcoming rock acts include Blondie, Sammy Hagar, Gov't Mule, Kansas, and Hootie and the Blowfish. Country artists Loretta Lynn, Wyonna Judd and Kenny Rogers are scheduled. Comedy, dance and a wide array of holiday shows such as American Idols, The Nutcracker and the Vienna Boys Choir round out the calendar at the BergenPAC. Originally Published: 05/20/2008 on Kweevak.com |
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