Live Review
Lonnie Knight
Blues West
July 15, 2000
by Mia Jennings
Photography copyright © 2000 by Mia Jennings (color), 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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You know what they say about blues men with big shoes,
don't you? They have talented hands and a ton of soul, in order to play
the guitar with intense passion. While Johnny Lang was playing at the
Cabooze, I was at Blues West listening to Lonnie Knight. It was so
freakin' hot on the evening I did this review, that I had to find some
respite from the humidity, and decrease my body temperature by listening
to Lonnie Knight and his band's cool melodies. Blues West is a small,
downtown bar and steak house in Rockford, Minnesota. It's just west of
the Twin Cities on Hwy. 55, near Buffalo. The band's performance was
incredible and I was glad I sought shelter from the heat there. It was
a weird coincidence on how I learned that Lonnie Knight and his band
were playing at Blues West. A few weeks ago my husband learned that
one of his co -workers was leaving the software company he works for,
and that she also played in a local blues band. When he discovered
this, he immediately called home to inform me. Almost immediately I
asked what band she played in. She told him she played for Lonnie
Knight. It was a strange coincidence because I had reviewed Lonnie's
CD, "Big Shoes," produced by Roommate records, a few months prior. I
hadn't had a chance to see him live until recently, and was appreciative
of the band member, Carolyn Gronfield's invite. Carolyn is the one who
had worked with my husband and is Knight's talented keyboardist,
vocalist, and sound person. She's has an awesome voice, and blends well
with Lonnie's style.
I thought it was excellent to have the live
opportunity to hear the songs I reviewed from Knight's CD. As well as
have the chance to absorb more than his voice and guitar techniques. He
was pure mind, body, and soul on stage, and his song, " Just Ride The
Train," still remains to be one of my favorites. Its lyrics depict the
insane nature of a woman, and has a provocative melody which creeps
inside, making me crave to hear the song again. I have had to replay it
several times on my CD player since his performance. It's one of those
songs, which remains in my mind for hours after I've heard it. Not only
did Lonnie play original ballads from his CD; he also played many others
which were composed by some of the greatest blues artists in history.
Musicians such as Luther Allison and his song, "Move From The Hood, "
Stevie Ray Vaugn's," Pride and Joy," BB King's early melody," Bad Luck
Soul, " as well as play outside of the traditional perimeters of the
blues realm with the hit song, "Sledgehammer." Even though the Cabooze
had most of the Twin Cities blues fans at Lang's performance, Knight
still had the bar hopping with his loyal crowd. When Carolyn wasn't
working the lights and sound, she had her shoes kicked off and her hands
pouncing on the keyboards like a revved cat. When I witnessed the crown
it appeared that everyone there was having a great time. Even Billy
Marolt, a talented musician from Biwabik, Minnesota, jammed with the
band on his savory, soul filled sax. Billy's cool, sophisticated notes
had the ability to bring my body temperature down a few more degrees.
Not only is Lonnie a talented musician/songwriter, he has
also been referred to as a, "Good Knight," by Joe Tougas, Mankato Free
Press, March 23, 2000. His mannerism definitely proves this statement
to be true. I was very impressed with Lonnie's off stage presence
because he took the time to speak with me in between sets. I couldn't
have met a nicer, more down to earth musician. When we had the chance
to talk, I discovered that Lonnie has been playing guitar since the age
of twelve, and according to his statements, neither of his parents is
musically inclined. Yet, Lonnie knew even at his young age, that the
power of music was in his blood and that he had a strong desire to
pursue his musical career. He was also influenced to play the blues by
the second wave of the British music invasion. His main persuasions
were the Yard Birds and Animals. He was as well an an ex - City Mouse
band member and Hoopsnake. Knight played with the Hoopsnakes during
their last year together. He began with them in October 1994 and
remained with the group until October of 1995. Knight is also a diverse
artist with talents ranging in the musical realms of country music,
jingles, folk, rock n'roll, blues, and instrumentals. And he is also in
the process of composing and recording his second CD. But his talents
don't stop there. When he isn't playing, he's building web sites, or
designing his computer graphic creations. Lonnie Knight is definitely a
multi - talented, all around Renaissance man.
When the night was over I walked out of Blues West with a
smile and chill from the energy. By the time we were on the road headed
home, I felt the need for a sweater. Lonnie Knight's music cooled me
right to the soul. Thanks Lonnie and the Band for a great night! If
you want to check out a fine blues musician, his schedule, and how to
purchase his CD, "Big Shoe's," check out Lonnie Knight's web site at
www. lonnieknight.com. Or visit
http:///www.twofishstudios.com/buycds.html. Lonnie also jams at Blues
West every Sunday night if you want to catch his music live.
This review is copyright © 2000 by Mia Jennings, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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