BLUES JUNCTION Productions - World Class Blues in the O.C.: The Igor Prado Band

BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
info@bluesjunctionproductions.com

World Class Blues in the O.C.: The Igor Prado Band - a Photo Essay

The Tiki Bar was the center of the blues universe on December 14th. From Sao Paulo, Brazil, The Igor Prado Band (IPB) played in front of a packed house of blues fans, luminaries and impresarios from all over the state of California and beyond.

The IPB which is made up of Igor (g), his brother Yuri (d) and Rodrigo Mantovani (b) (who celebrated his 30^th birthday that day) was joined on stage by Lynwood Slim (v,h & flute) Fred Kaplan (piano/organ) Ron Dziubla (tenor sax) and Troy Jennings (baritone sax). Special guests who sat in during the show included Junior Watson (g), Bill Stuve (b), Rod (v,h) and Honey Piazza (p), Nathan James (g,v) and Tommy Harkenrider (g)

It was great catching up with my new, old friend, Chico Blues, the founder of Chico Blues Records out of Sao Paulo. It was Chico’s first trip outside of his native Brazil. Charlie Lange of Bluebeat Music came down from Santa Cruz and was on hand to enjoy the show. Jeff Scott Fleenor of Delta Groove Music, who first introduced me to the IPB a dozen years ago, made a rare personal appearance. Making his way up from San Diego was blues writer and journalist, who is also the producer of the San Diego Blues Festival, Michael Kinsman. It was great to see the president of Blues Lovers United of San Diego, Janine Harty as well as bluesman Chet Cannon, who both made the trip up from San Diego. The multi-talented musician, artist and raconteur San Pedro Slim, who has a brand new album out, was there to soak up some great music. Musician and Brazilian ex-pat Johnny Rover and guitarist Jay Summers were both in the house.

Folks came from as far away as the Bay Area and Las Vegas to enjoy this extraordinary day of music. It was great to meet the terrific blues-soul singer Tia Carroll who was able to make it to the after-party. She can be heard singing on a few tracks along with Curtis Salgado and others on the 2012 IPB CD “Blues and Soul Sessions.”

The day wouldn’t be complete without the great food served up by Velinda the Taco Girl. Her presentation was augmented by Alex Gardner who put together a traditional Brazilian dish called, Feijoada.

Thanks again to John Reilly who puts it all on the line by providing another World Class Blues experience. Congratulations my friend.

Finally, kudos go out to all the discerning blues fans who recognize that all blues are not created equal. John believes that some music is worth paying for and so do you. It is you, the real fans of this music that make these shows possible. Enjoy a photo essay by Alex Gardner documenting this show which was tantamount to a blues festival in a nightclub.