Monday, April 28, 2008

Buddy Flett benefit headlined by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Strand Theater, Shreveport

While there were a few too many good guitarists on the Strand stage in the Benefit for Buddy Flett on Sun night, the audience survived. One backstage picker noted wryly that the situation is called, "Too many cocks in the henhouse."

Not having seen all the acts, I can only report that Jerry Beach, ubercool singer and bandleader, slew the dragon with his sultry approach to the blues. The platonic player of pentatonics under my purview was, however, Jason Coffield. Whether picking fills or building a slide solo, Coffield was the evening's master of style and taste.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd demonstrated again that he's a savvy entertainer. He has his own sense of how to serve sonic fried chicken and black-eyed peas. His stuff, like that of Hendrix and Vaughn, comes from the church and the juke joint. Have mercy.

While it was a well-attended Benefit for Buddy - and his rehab is going reasonably well - there's nothing wrong with helping a bit more. Bruce Flett says, "Thanks to everyone who has sent cards and contribution$. Buddy's expenses are mounting. Checks payable to Buddy Flett, mailed to P O Box 4641, Shreveport, LA 71134 are much appreciated."

Photos of some of the action at the Strand have been posted at ShreveportFaces.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree there was a lot more players than playing, but that's about par for such a line up.

I caught the whole show and aside from the Shreve Square Tribute Band (McCaa, Howe, Miki, Flett fils) it was a rather odd admixture, equal parts of "well now" and "WTF?!?!"

Coffield is a talented player, so is Joe Nadeau (despite an odd tone). Unfortunately they (and all the other pickers except KWS) were so down in the mix you had to strain to get where their chops were heading.

Talk Soup Clip of the Week: Maggie Warwick trying to count off "You Are My Sunshine" and leaving almost everyone scratching their heads.

Most Shocking: Hubert Sumlin almost fainting after touching his apparently ungrounded hand to his mic. Widespread panic onstage as KWS frantically tried to get his roadie's attention. But nobody missed a lick.

Priceless Moment: Buddy, flustered, saying "thank you" in his genuie aw-shucks kind of way.

That was worth every dime, and more.

Robert E Trudeau said...

Anon,
What a cool review. Hope you will continue to add to SptBlog via comments or general submissions.

Unknown said...

Lovers of Buddy, KWS, The Blues...and the rest of the Icons on view at the Buddy Flett Benefit,
I became a convert on Sunday night and can't say enough about how outstanding the entire display of homegrown, natural and experienced talent mused the audience, captivated, even mesmerized most in attendance.
I felt like I was a child (not something mistakenly hinted in my presence for decades) in the presence of inarguably God given talent, giving back to someone so humbly in awe himself at the gesture. Backstage was "just plain ole' folks chattin' and remembering the good old days." There wasn't a primadonna in the bunch, just a lot of folks wanting to do their best for one of the best - I can't find a flaw in that at all. Coffield is a tremendous talent and I'm sure we'll be seeing and hearing from him for years to come (a Financial Advisor, who would have thought…). KWS was himself so gracious and humble to defer to the Kings and Queens lineup, when many were murmuring, it was him they came to hear. I was even impressed with Maggie Warwick, as I hadn't expected her to sound as good as she did - now that's the real talent if you can still command that kind of reach, presence, and applause after nearly fifty years...I don't think there was a "mercy applause" all night, because the talent was so pure. Hubert Sumlin's heart fibulator shock when he touched the mic was a disconcertive moment, but with class and commitment he returned as "the show must go on."
So, why write...I loved the review from Trudeau, but felt "Anonymous" might have thought a little less of the event...and couldn't leave that as the last comment. John Andrew Prime's article captured the emotion and the talent that enraptured the Strand and its tenants on April 28, 2008, Buddy Flett Day. The Perfect Gift...the one that keeps on giving...that's the last comment on this spectacular experience!

A New Blues Fan!

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic evening at the Strand.
Thanks to all of you who commented on Jason Coffield's talent. You should have seen his son and his father watching him from the audience. It was very emotional.
Thank you to Centenary for welcoming him and to Shreveport for enjoying Jason as much as we have all of his life.
His Mom, Jeanette

Anonymous said...

Long time friend and fan......I've said this for the last 20 plus years, Buddy Flett is one of the best guitarists around.

Having watched up rise from the Bossier City strip to world fame and recognition makes this southern transplant very happy. He deserves all the recognition he gets.

Good on ya Dean, thinking about you all the time.