CD Reviews

"32nd Blues Music Awards"

Various Artists

The Blues Foundation

The Blues Music Awards is the premier event annually of the genre. The 2011 showcase was the 32^nd year of celebrating the best in the blues as selected by the members of The Blues Foundation. Held at the Convention Center in Memphis, TN, this past May, the show draws fans from around the world and features performances by many of the year’s nominees and winners. This DVD follows previous releases of past Blues Music Awards and gives a nice impression on the event and music, with every subsequent year being more finely produced making the video an indispensable item to add to every blues fans collection.

The 2011 ceremonies honored musicians who had passed away during the prior year and the tributes paid attention to Robin Rogers, Solomon Burke and Pinetop Perkins. During the concert. Robert Johnson was also recognized for his 100 year anniversary of his birth with a set by Big Head Todd Mohr and a short statement from the Johnson Family.

Performances included on the main portion of the video are intended for public television broadcast and highlight recipients for the year. These include sets from Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, The Nighthawks, John Hammond, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Sonny Rhodes, Reba Russell, Rick Estrin & Kirk Fletcher, Steve Miller, Matt Hill and Bob Corritore. A second chapter also includes performances by nominees such as Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Karen Lovely, Arthur Adams, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King, Walter Trout, David Maxwell, Lucky Peterson and more. The sound and visual quality is excellent.

It is not only meant to be a souvenir for those who attended the awards ceremony, it is an outstanding reflection on the year in blues in review. To purchase a copy, visit The Blues Foundation’s website at www.blues.org.

Reviewed by Greg Johnson