Layla Zoe

Although I more or less knew what to expect (or what I hoped for) from Michael Burks, I was still surprised by the power of the man's performance.

Although I had heard the name Dana Fuchs somewhere before, I didn't really know what to expect, though my interest was naturally sharpened once I heard that Joe would be doing a number with her. No one was disappointed and I suspect that most of us seeing her for the first time were very happily surprised.

For me personally, these surprises were maybe even surpassed by seeing and hearing Layla Zoe, a tattooed lady (with a brilliant Zappa tattoo on the inside of her right leg) from Canada who is even closer to Janis than Dana Fuchs.

Layla blew me away big time with her knock-out voice, stunning looks, long hair (who does that remind me of? ) and nice personality. She can also hold her beer! 

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6618/dscf3515.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/3552/dscf3519.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5717/dscn3206p.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/781/dscn3209v.jpg

Layla was 'discovered' by Jeff Healy. There are music samples and lots of info on her website here - http://www.layla.ca/ She is an independent artist and finances the production of her own cd's, which means she relies on direct public support. I think she sold more cd's at the festival than any other artist because she knocked everybody spark out with the range and emotion in her voice. She did brilliant versions of the following, as well as her own songs -

Hound dog (never heard this live before)

The thrill is gone

Stand by me !!! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcAcXyCGz7g

I'd rather go blind (can't decide if I preferred Dana's version or hers)

No woman no cry

Hoochie coochie woman - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A--mA6Sa5fA

These youtube clips are a few years old - what I saw was much better, even more powerful. Please check her out, I think she deserves support!