Clarksdale is only a couple hours drive south from Memphis, Tennessee, but it's like a world away. It has its own sort of southern charm; sometimes stores and restaurants are open, sometimes not. But, we experienced some true southern hospitality... even before my lost luggage was delivered... (yes, upon arrival, I learned that my suitcase was lost...luckily my harmonica gear in my carry-on bag...)
We started Saturday night at Ground Zero Blues Club, where we had a little something to eat and caught the first set of the TCB Band. The frontman, Otis Taylor, is a cop by day, soul singer by night. Although it was good music, we were really looking forward to the down-home vibe at Red's, so we went there to catch Big A and the Allstars (Anthony Sherrod - an amazing young man who has so much raw talent). Red remembered me from a few years back, when I came for the Juke Joint Festival, and Dick Lourie introduced me to Mr. Big Jack Johnson. I was thrilled to sit in with Mr. Johnson that time, and was hoping that he would be back in business again, but he's actually quite ill at the moment. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for his return to good health. He has been ailing since October. Send him some healing vibes!
I sat in with Anthony, Saturday night, sang and played a little harp. It was really a pleasure to watch his act. Like I said, so much raw talent.
On Sunday morning, we went to church at the Baptist Church of Lyon, Mississippi. We had been invited to go there by Big Jack Johnson a few years ago, when we were here last time. We had such a beautiful experience, we wanted to go again. What a deeply moving spiritual experience it is to witness the joyful noise of the music and singing and praying there. The members of the church are so welcoming and friendly. We were, again, deeply moved by the service. My mama always said, you pray twice when you sing to the Lord! And, did I SING!
After church, we went to Abe's for BBQ; mmmmmmm. That's all I have to say about that.
We learned about a free concert at Coahoma Community College. It was Ladybird Black Mumbaza, the African choral group that performed with Paul Simon. For free! It was REALLY good. Afterward, we met up with producer Gary Vincent and had a meal together. A nice ending to a wonderful Sunday.
Monday morning started with more southern hospitality; home-cooked breakfast with Gary and Carol at the Vincent Productions studio. Then, we went to visit with Mr. Big Jack Johnson. He is really struggling to regain his good health. Again - please say a prayer for him. He asked his grandson to go and get his guitar. He told me it was the first time in months that he picked up his guitar. Said, nothing really gave him the feeling to play, until today. He played a bit, and I blew my harp with him. What an honor and a pleasure.
We said farewell to Clarksdale (we hope to come back!) and drove up the road to Memphis, where we are anxiously awaiting the start of the International Blues Challenge!! Stay tuned for more news....
1 comment:
Hey, lady... what a beautiful post. I"m glad to read of your travels while you're down south!
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