SEPT-OCT 2012 - Natchel' Blues Network

jackie scott performs in chicago - jeff karrJackie Scott performsat the Chicago Blues FestivalAs a small-time, hopelessly average guitar player, the most fun that I canever hope for is to play live at some “real” venue somewhere and show offa couple of guitar riffs that have been practiced over and over, and hopethat I don’t screw it up. Not the case for Hampton Roads’ Jackie Scott.My wife and I traveled to Chicago in June and got to see her performon the big stage at the Chicago Blues Festival. Jackie was part of the“Celebrating Women in Blues” performance, paying tribute to Koko Taylor.As we sat in the amphitheatre, and people were looking through theprogram waiting for the show to begin, Jackie was easily recognized bythe Chicago audience.When she came on stage, she blew the place away with songs like“Mother Nature,” “Voodoo Woman” and “Let the Juke Joint Jump.” Not only was Jackie dazzlinga huge audience with her powerful performance, but her efforts were also plastered all over theblues society tents that were raising awareness and money for children interested in the arts andmusical education. Go Jackie Go!... Meanwhile on Another StagE - jeff karrAt the Chicago blues festival, while Jackie Scottwas dazzling a different generation of blues loverswith a career advancing performance, this youngman was hitting the streets, literally. The WindyCity Blues Society (WCBS) held their IBC challengeout in the middle of the street at the festival.him perform live three times, but fresh off of therelease of his new album Blue Stew, this was thebest. He was gracious enough to accommodate ashort interview, so here is a little background onone of the best blues guitar players/songwritersthat I’ve ever seen.Pistol Pete was the Windy City’s 2011 IBC winner,and returned this year to be the headliner for the2012 challenge. What really impressed me aboutthis talented guitar slinger was his relationshipwith the local blues society. He seemed to befriends with all of thefolks at the WCBS, wasnice to all of the fans,and was anxious toparticipate in the event.Pistol Pete’s performancespoke for itself. I’ve seenFrom the Chicago area, Pistol Pete’s favorite placesto tour and perform are Japan and Italy, where hisband is always very well received. When I saw himseveral years ago in Key West, the posters read,“Where Jimi Hendrix meets the Blues.” And did itever. His influences include guitar greats such asJimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Albert King, and believe itor not, Frank Zappa. Pistol Pete’s high energy andmesmerizing stage presence will captivate anyaudience. I highly recommend tracking him downon Facebook, watching his videos on You Tube,and seeing him live if you ever have the chance.SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 • www.NatchelBlues.org5