CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL 2007 ON TOUR
Lurrie Bell-guitar, vocals, Tail Dragger-vocals, Eddie Taylor Jr.-guitar, vocals, Martin Lang-harmonica, vocals, Willie Hayes-drums, Russell Jackson-bass, vocals
Ever since 1970 the Chicago Blues Festival, a package of the best blues artists from the club scene of the capitol of the blues, Chicago, is touring around the globe. This year the line up is particularly impressive. Guitarist/singer Lurrie Bell (1958, son of harmonica player Carey Bell, who recently passed away) taught himself to play when he was 6 years old and was influenced by many famous blues musicians (who would drop by at his parent’s home on a regular basis) like Jimmy Dawkins, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Eddie Taylor and Muddy Waters. For years he was on the road as solo guitarist for Koko Taylor. Singer and entertainer Tail Dragger, born as James Yancy Jones (Arkansas, 1940), has one of the most authentic voices of Chicago. At a young age he was influenced by the remarkable singing of Howlin’ Wolf who gave him the nickname Tail Dragger since he was always late for concerts. Eddie Taylor Jr., son of the legendary guitarist, plays the red Gibson of his father with the same biting staccato style. Together with Martin Lang on harmonica, Willie Hayes, one of the most requested blues drummers, and Russel Jackson, long time bassist of B.B. King, they bring Chicago to Amsterdam.