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Willamette Delta
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Willamette Delta
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The Second Annual Willamette Delta Showcase took place on Saturday, March
10th, before a near-packed house at The Aladdin Theater. Those in attendance were presented a wide variety of Blues stylings that ranged from the raw authentic sounds of a solo performer and his guitar to
hard-hitting Blues-Rock to the sounds of the classic Chicago-era.
Falling in line with the theme of the Willamette Delta Showcase, the featured performers met the criteria that limited participants to those who have not played in the City of Portland or have not been through town for some time. And, in one special case, a local musician making his debut onstage for the first time anywhere.
The night opened with the frenetic guitar slinging of Sean Chambers. Drawing upon burning fretwork on such numbers as Freddie King's classics, "Me And My Guitar" and " Hideaway" mixed with his own intense originals, Chambers displayed why he has been recognized as a talent for the future and set the night off with an excited pace.
Making his public debut, O.C. Thomas, was an example of the true authenticity of Blues music. Playing a low-budget guitar through a small portable amp, Thomas' music brought to mind the hypnotic grooves emanating from the North Mississippi Hill Country associated with players like T-Model Ford or R.L. Burnside. Understandably nervous, the 75-year-old Thomas offered signs of skills that can only be nourished with more exposure.
It had been about 30 years since Paul Oscher had played in Portland. The last time he was here was as a member of the Muddy Waters Band. During his set, Oscher captivated the audience with the dexterity of his multi-instrumentations, playing guitar, harmonica and keyboards. Especially so, during his rendition of "Sugar Mama", where he alternated between a multitude of types and sizes of harmonicas without missing a stride. A stunning performance that left you wishing the set was longer.
Headliner, Hubert Sumlin, was in exceptional form this night, joking and reminiscing with the audience as he ran through a bevy of numbers he'd recorded during his tenure with Howlin' Wolf, and as a solo artist, backed to perfection by the Sean Chambers Band. The guitar work of Sumlin was stunning, as expected from the man who inspired many of the top players of the past half-century. Prior to his set, Sumlin was presented with a "Heroes Of The Blues Muddy Award" by the CBA's Willamette Delta Showcase Committee, joining an elite few that have been honored with this recognition. Blues heroes such as Pinetop Perkins, Robert Lockwood Jr., and Jimmy Rogers. He responded by giving back a first-rate performance that brought the crowd from their seats onto the dance floor in front of the stage. To cap it all off, when Hubert returned for his encore, he brought out with him local vocal great, Mel Solomon. The two combined for one of those magical moments that'll be remembered for some time to come, closing out an incredible evening of great entertainment.
The production for this event began more than a year before; as soon as the First Willamette Delta Showcase ended. Many hours of devotion and hard work paid off by the success of this year's show, with plans already rambling through our minds for next year.
As Chair for this committee, I want to thank everybody responsible for assisting in piecing together this world-class event: A huge thanks to the Allen Foundation for Music for their tremendously generous grant; all of the sponsors, most notably KINK Sunday Night Blues and 89.1 KMHD for their promotions and interviews with the artists; to Bob Williams and A New Leaf Executive Service, Inc. for fulfilling all the transportation needs above and beyond; Guitar Center and DrumOne.com for providing the necessary equipment; Jan Celt and Flying Heart Records; Terry Currier and Music Millennium; and Butlerini's Catering for all the backstage delicacies. Also, to Jackson Lee, Steve Nassar, Terry Odor & tloMusic and "Uncle" Ray Varner for their kind donations. Thanks to Nick and the stage crew at The Aladdin Theater; to Ray Ryder and No Excuses Sound, Light and Video for recording the event; Ted and Carol Carpena for videotaping, and to Renee Hiatt for the photography.
I especially want to acknowledge and thank my committee: Del Seitzinger, Jackson Lee, Vern Lane and Terry Odor. Great work, guys! Let's go out and do it again!
And, a big thanks to everybody who attended. You're the reason why we present shows like this. It couldn't have happened without you!
© 2001 Cascade Blues Association