"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
Nearly every Friday night at Famous Dave's, if you come early, you would be treated to some solid, heart-felt blues by local musicians Paul Metsa and Bob Wilson. Paul on guitar and vocals and Bob on harmonica and vocals fill the 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM time slot before the scheduled band takes the stage at 9:00 PM. Paul has achieved a deserved reputation as a strong acoustic blues guitar players. Bob adds smooth, expressive vocals and strong, fluid harp playing to the mix. This night they started out with a strong version "Big Boss Man," Paul providing some great, jangling guitar licks and Bob strong, smooth harp riffs. They then launched into the instrumental, "Mr. Saturday Night" with Paul sitting and playing energetically while Bob stood and moved as he blew a strong harp.
Paul then played his original, "Stranger in Town," singing in his husky, weathered voice as Bob played strong, expressive and fluid harp. Mostly their sets consist of some well-chosen covers, such as the slow, traditional blues of "What You Want to Do?" Bob's smooth, emotional vocals and fluid harp were neatly complemented by Paul's clean, crisp picking.
On "Born in Chicago" Bob's strong, passionate vocals and smooth harp contrasted nicely with Paul's jangling guitar licks. Continuing the Chicago theme, Paul played guitar and sang huskily on "Sweet Home Chicago" with Bob contributing some smooth, emotional harp playing. After a rousing version of "White Boy Lost in the Blues," The duo finished up with Dylan's "She's Got Everything She Needs," Paul's tribute to his fellow Iron Ranger and musician. Bob did a good job imitating Dylan's West Bank harp sound while Paul smoothly picked his guitar and sang in his low, earthy voice.
One unfortunate thing about this early show is that unless you are near the front third of the room it's difficult to hear the sound above the clanging dinnerware and dinner conversations. Lack of much stage lighting even when you are close takes away from the visual aspects of Paul and Bob's performance. Yet these local blues players sit down every Friday night to warm up the crowd for the usually great blues to follow. They seem to enjoy each others company and have fun, appreciative of the sometimes scattered, sometimes stronger, applause they receive. So if you get down to Famous Dave's early on a Friday evening, be sure to pay attention to the solid, stripped-down blues provided by Paul Metsa and Bob Wilson.
Simply click on the CD cover at left (or the Amazon button) to order this CD NOW!
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design: Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983