1 Topic by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2009-08-18 15:53:47)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Topic: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

I had the privilege of attending another great Blues Festival, this time in Wausau, Wisconsin on August 15th. It was held on Fern Island Park and yes, it was on an island again. Strange to have two Blues Festivals in a row held on two different islands in two different towns. Saturday’s line up was:

RJ Mischo & His Red Hot Blues Band
Liz Mandeville & The Blue Points
Albert Cummings
Smokin’ Joe Kubek
Tab Benoit

My friends, Jacque and Ken from Two Rivers, accompanied Dawn and I to this Festival and we were treated to very warm and humid weather along with some sizzling Blues music. I was able to visit with my friend Albert Cummings both before he went on stage and then after too. A while ago he contacted me regarding sending some ideas to a friend of his regarding Street Team work. I did that and yet, his Street Team hasn’t really gotten underway. He asked that any fans of his out there put out the word for him and so hopefully, that’s what we’ll do for this fabulous musician and great guy! 

Anyway, I took pictures at the Festival which you can see here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8384830@N0 … 059190504/

And, I also took some video of both Albert in action and also of Tab Benoit. I’ve got a few songs of Albert’s uploaded that I’ll post now and I should have more of him and then Tab’s videos in a day or two. Here’s Albert’s so far:

“Regular Man” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9NFIkuigr0

“Your Sweet Love” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIrJ2AVSopU

Some Slow Burning Blues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwJUuyqziXk

“I Feel Good” (I’m sending this one out to Cathy and George wink ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN07DV3DTxo

“Barrelhouse Blues” (Written by Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon a/k/a Double Trouble for Albert) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2k4dyDkDuI

I must apologize as my DVD ran out of space at the end of “Barrelhouse Blues” so the song cuts off before the ending.

More to follow…..

Roy

P.S. I can't even imagine another performer having to follow Albert. Talk about a difficult task! smile Oh, and Albert's new band members are, Karl Allweier on bass and a really nice young guy by the name of Justin Headley on drums.

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 74

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Sorry I missed seeing you Roy... as I was there.  Glad you enjoyed yourself. 

I really enjoyed Albert jamming with Tab.  Unfortunately, my hubby and I were very disappointed in Tab's music.  It's a never ending conversation to be sure... but we talked a lot about the definition of blues music.  We thought that tab sounded TOO much like country music.  We did not enjoy it at all.  On the other hand - I had quite a few conversations with others about the previous night's headliner Shannon Curfman and her not really playing blues either.  In my opinion though, Shannon was playing more modern Blues (like our friend JB).  Tab was just plain country sounding.  Let me know your thoughts. 

And by the way, you missed out on Shannon.  She really is an awesome musician!!!!  Her vocals are incredible... and her guitar playing kicks butt. 

Speaking of which, she does a song with Joe on her CD coming out in October.  She performed it on Friday (with a band member doing the JB vocals - it truly is a duet)... it was awesome.

Kristine smile

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Hi Kristine,

I missed the Albert/Tab jam as we left before Tab's set was done. Jacque had a splitting headache, so we decided to leave as I drove all of us from the hotel. I did record a little video of when Albert came up and joined Smokin' Joe on the stage though.

I know what you mean about Tab's music, but you have to listen to his music with a bit of a Louisiana ear. He plays sort of a Cajun Blues/Swing style and I think he is quite a fine guitar player. He also has a good voice and always puts on a very good show. Is it traditional Blues or Blues/Rock? No, but I do enjoy a wide range of music if it's played with exceptional skill. No doubt, Tab possesses that skill.

I know Albert and Smokin' Joe Kubek are friends, but I can't say I was thoroughly impressed by Smokin' Joe's band. Of course, he had the undesirable spot of following Albert after he performed. However, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and plan to attend future Big Bull Falls Blues Festivals. I guess too, our Joe Bonamassa has a bit of history at this Fest. I seem to remember a story of getting the bus "stuck" on the bridge on the way to the island. Quite a funny story I thought. wink

And you're right, too bad we didn't have a chance to link up. But hey, we'll be back! smile

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Cliftonville Kent England
  • Registered: 2006-07-30
  • Posts: 2,150

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Roy that was awesome, thanks so much for capturing Albert one of my fave artists
and "Your Sweet Love" too, Wow! .... he is just so so underated and his cd's are killer blues
one of my bucket list do's is to catch him live, might have to come stateside for that, unless Joe drags him with him one time for a jaunt round europe

All great captures Roy, he looks much fun live, a few beers and boogie the night away

Thanks My Friend

....................... Michael

Joe Bonamassa .......  His Greatest 3 Videos ... IMMHO   After Much Deliberation
3rd ...... Mountain Time / Rockpalast       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h01xa6NMsJo
2nd ...... Sloe Gin       /  Vienna            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRASS8O8ZnE           
1st ....... Blues Deluxe / The Borderline    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnl3E_KLxYg

5 Reply by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2009-08-19 15:29:37)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

You're most certainly welcome Michael and yes, the more fun the crowd has the more fun Albert has! smile He asked if we could make the "after-show" party, but Jacque wasn't feeling too good. 

Here’s the rest of Albert’s performance that I was able to capture:

"Tell It Like It Is" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKIJn3aei_M

"I've Got Feelings Too" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GoKVPP9r9o (You might notice, Jacque has a great head bob going and she does quite well on the air drums too! lol )

"Blues Makes Me Feel So Good" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp8GNtKywfU

"Hoochie Coochie Man/Dixie Chicken" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gR9ima4Z6Y

"Been A Long Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzncIMet5Wc

"Working Man" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd662mPJ1CU

Albert Cummings Jams With Smokin' Joe Kubek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vedw7aNKVUQ

If you notice on the last song with Albert and Joe jamming, Joe's rhythm guitar player handed Albert his Gibson to use. I think it's the first time I ever saw Albert play something other than a Strat. Sounds pretty darn good! wink

Enjoy,

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Kristine wrote:

Sorry I missed seeing you Roy... as I was there.  Glad you enjoyed yourself. 

I really enjoyed Albert jamming with Tab. 

Kristine smile

Hey Kristine,

I almost thought you were pulling my leg the other day when you mentioned about Albert jamming with Tab. I thought Albert had left already to go to an after-party. That is, until I received this message from Albert via Facebook:

"Hey Roy,
Do you have me and Tab together? I'd like to see that.
AC"

Darn, I knew I should have stayed there until the end! I guess Albert liked some of the videos I took. Unfortunately, he and Tab playing together wasn't one of them. Oh well, maybe next time...... wink

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Shot some video last Saturday of Tab performing at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau, Wisconsin. Yes, the man sure can play and sing. smile The first song I only got part of, but the other 3 should be complete. And yes, as indicated above, I didn't stay to see Albert Cummings jam with Tab on stage. I'm still kicking myself over that. wink

Enjoy,

Roy

"Nice and Warm" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpri0fd-gWo

"New Orleans Ladies" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKtdx5N2rZ8

"Pack It Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmV2Vr9H9Jg

"Midnight and Lonesome" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKNc0hwEMts

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Cliftonville Kent England
  • Registered: 2006-07-30
  • Posts: 2,150

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Roy .... A great big thanks for putting all these Albert Cummings video's up here to view.
Must be the biggest collection of Albert clips out there in TubeWorld .... Nice Job  big_smile

.................... Michael

Joe Bonamassa .......  His Greatest 3 Videos ... IMMHO   After Much Deliberation
3rd ...... Mountain Time / Rockpalast       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h01xa6NMsJo
2nd ...... Sloe Gin       /  Vienna            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRASS8O8ZnE           
1st ....... Blues Deluxe / The Borderline    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnl3E_KLxYg

9 Reply by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2009-08-25 18:04:42)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

You're welcome Michael. smile Apparently, Albert is enjoying them too. Funny, yesterday I had a day of vacation to go hit the little round white ball on some nice green grass. Before I left, I logged into Facebook to check over some stuff and within a minute, I got a chat message from Albert. He again asked if I had captured him and Tab on video. Well, almost an hour later I had to tell him I had to get going or I'd be late for Golf. He asked me to tell everyone to keep spreading the word of him which I'm doing now. He also said, he'd really like to tour Europe and the U.K. someday. Albert is a down to Earth, great guy along with being a fabulous guitar player with a great voice. You can only hope for the best for a guy like Albert Cummings! wink

He also indicated that I might be able to see him again in November. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. smile

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Good News...

Just the other day, Albert's wife posted on my Facebook page that he again has been signed to play at this festival. He will appear there on August 20th. Glad to have such a great Blues player back in our State. cool

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Big Blue Falls Blues Fest

Try saying that 10 times, fast...  lol

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Hmmm.... I may just have to be in WI around that time anyway.  Now I got something to plan for.

13 Reply by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2011-02-12 10:15:52)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Rockfarmer wrote:

Hmmm.... I may just have to be in WI around that time anyway.  Now I got something to plan for.

Come on up Michael! Aaron Williams and I were chatting via E-mail the other day and he's playing Wausau the night before. He's thinking about staying over to attend the Festival on that Saturday. I told him I'd introduce him to Albert as he is a big fan of his and told me he'd love to steal some of Albert's licks. wink Should be a great time; we'll have to see who else will be in the lineup that day. cool

And Stu, it's actually Big "Bull" Falls Blues Fest and most Wisconsinites can say that 10 times in a row without a problem. Of course, we can also pronounce, "Oconomowoc, Ashwaubenon, Wauwatosa and Menomonee Falls without a problem. wink http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGcQCtFl … r_embedded

Roy

Joe is the Best!
  • Registered: 2010-03-03
  • Posts: 23

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

I can't wait to see Albert again!

One of the true guitar slingers and vocalists kicking it today. After reading your post- I checked Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo's schedule to confirm that they are in town that weekend and they are! I'm pumped, but the AWATH schedule says they are playing on Saturday, August 20th- the night Albert is in town. Roy, your friends with both, can't you talk both of them into jamming after the festival? That would be unreal to see them jamming!

I'll be there!

  • Registered: 2010-03-03
  • Posts: 23

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Oh yea, here's AWATH schedule. I'm pretty sure i'm reading it right?

http://aaronwilliamsandthehoodoo.com/?page_id=17

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Albert Cummings/Tab Benoit at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest…

Musiclova wrote:

I can't wait to see Albert again!

One of the true guitar slingers and vocalists kicking it today. After reading your post- I checked Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo's schedule to confirm that they are in town that weekend and they are! I'm pumped, but the AWATH schedule says they are playing on Saturday, August 20th- the night Albert is in town. Roy, your friends with both, can't you talk both of them into jamming after the festival? That would be unreal to see them jamming!

I'll be there!

Hey Musiclova,

I actually suggested to Aaron that he look into playing at the Festival the day that Albert will be there. However, Aaron told me that day is reserved for past performers only. In any case, I hope he comes so I can introduce him and you never know, maybe Albert would invite him up?

Roy

Joe is the Best!