Live Review
B.B King w/The Barkays
Beale Street's Handy Park
December 31, 1999
by Eve Morris
Photography copyright © 1999 by Eve Morris, all rights reserved
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1999 KBA Award Winner Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by the Blues Foundation
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The scare of the Y2K bug, terrorists or even mass riots didn't seem to phase the fifteen thousand that showed up for B.B. King's New Year's Eve bash on Beale Street. The "Brick House" legends The Commodores were lined-up to perform as King's opening act but some issues evolved and they were not in attendance, so what did the talent management do? They got the greatest act available in the area, The Barkays. The original BarKay's members were killed in a plane crash with another notable legend, Otis Redding in 1967 but that itself was a far cry from stopping them. The bassist, James
Alexander and trumpeter Ben Cauley reformed the group and had numerous hits in the 70's such as "Shake your Rump to the Funk." The current reformation is just as great as any other would be, if not greater. Their stage show is one to be witnessed, they combine great music with amazing stage techniques containing two live snakes as well as fire flying from Larry Dodson's hands. Dodson is one of the most energetic people I have ever seen. He had the entire crowd on their feet singing along with the chorus of "The Roof is on Fire." He easily takes the stage and pulls the attention of everyone in near hearing range to him and works them in his hand like putty. Just as he did at last year's New Year's bash.
King who is now seventy-four years young played earlier that day at the Liberty Bowl's half time presentation then for several hours in his club also Beale Street (this was also broadcast live on the net) before appearing in Handy Park. Under the prior circumstances, I was very surprised that he even played for the thousands of awaiting fans. Hours before in the club a close friend of his had a stroke during the show and an ambulance was pulled to the side street exit of the establishment to bring the woman to safety. There hasn't been any news of her condition released to the public
as of now. Still after this happened King took to the stage a few moments before midnight and played a strong 45-minute set consisting of his most known favorites. Soon after 2000 hit a few officials took the stage to present king with a portrait of his statue to be placed in the Memphis visitor's center for everyone to know that they as a city are proud to have blues history such as he. He seemed very honored that they took the time to appreciate him and his work. He then broke into "The Thrill is Gone" and ended the show on a strong note.
Both The BarKays and B.B. King seemed to enjoy the large crowd, which I'm sure it's nothing new for them since they have such success in the business but I do believe this crowd maybe one of the largest outdoor venues as well as probably the highest intoxicated percentage of the crowd that they have seen. They are definitely welcome home any time
This review is copyright © 2000 by Eve Morris, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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