The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis remains one of the only venues in the Twin Cities Area where fans of acoustic blues can still listen to some of the finest acoustic blues performers in world today. Over the years, The Cedar’s stage has been graced by the likes of Rory Block, John Hammond, Roy Book Binder, Guy Davis and Kelly Joe Phelps, to name a few.
On Sunday evening The Cedar stage was again graced by two very talented purveyors of acoustic blues, Paul Geremia and Chris Smither. The evening promised and delivered two excellent performances two men whose musical careers were born in the blues revival of the 1960’s.
Opening the evening was Paul Geremia, a master of country blues finger picking on both the 6- and 12-string guitar, as well as a scholar of early blues. Although starting a bit late, Geremia quickly got into the spirit of the evening, performing a variety of originals and covers of classic tunes by the likes of Blind Willie Mc Tell, Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Switching between his 6 and 12 string guitars, Geremia demonstrated his significant talent as a fingerpicker. One of the highlights of Geremia’s 45+ minute set was a special appearance by keyboard player and Paul Butterfield alumni, Mark Naftalin, who performed two songs with Geremia midway through the set. Based on the audience reaction to Geremia’s set, the music was well-appreciated and left many asking for more.
Following a short break, guitarist, singer and songwriter Chris Smither took the stage. Born in New Orleans, Smither relocated to Boston, Massachusetts where he made his name in Boston folk/blues scene. In addition to his own exceptional recordings, including his latest Hightone Records release, Train Home, Smither’s songs have been recorded by such notables as Bonnie Raitt and John Mayall.
Smither’s set included over an hour of great music and stories about his life, his career and his musical passions. The songs included examples from many of his recordings, including several from Train Home, Drive You Home Again and Happier Blue. Smither’s musical selections included a variety of folk and acoustic blues styles, such as the swampy sound of “Crocodile Man”; the folksy sound of Dylan’s classic “Desolation Row,” with Smither’s own unique twists; and the humorous “Get A Better One,” revealing the believe that the most loyal females ended up being of the canine variety. Prior to performing his original tune, “No Love Today,” Smither told how the song was based on his childhood experience with a chanting vegetable man who walked the streets of his neighborhood in New Orleans offering his produce to interested locals. In the preface to another original, “Lola,” Smither offered another story about the mildly neurotic lady friend who provided the inspiration for the song.
As always seems to be the case for a show at The Cedar, Smither’s was over much too soon, leaving the appreciative attendees wanting more. Overall, the combined talent and performances of Chris Smither and Paul Geremia successfully reinforced the reputation of The Cedar as the premier venue to hear acoustic blues performance. As a nonprofit organization, The Cedar Cultural Center has long been committed to bringing the best music possible to the Twin Cities, at the lowest possible price. To find out about future Cedar events, or to contribute to Cedar operations, visit the organization’s website at www.thecedar.org and help keep the presentation of American blues, roots and world music alive in the Twin Cities.
Buy these CDs NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Dave "Doc" Piltz , and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 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:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to 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
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.