Doppelt so viel Blues in der Wodan Halle
JW-Jones (CAN) 19:30
Wild show and great class
“This is an amazing Blues Band,” says none other than Dan Akroyd about Josh’s trio – and the man obviously has his ears in the right place. Kim Wilson and Buddy Guy also sing the praises of these exceptional Canadian musicians. JW-Jones has impressively documented his extraordinary talent over 12 albums by now – and live, he really delivers: hot guitar solos, energetic performances, and a stage presence that has caused open mouths, tapping feet, and occasionally dislocated facial expressions in 24 countries across four continents. It’s no wonder that the string master is now among the Billboard Top 10 Blues Artists, has been JUNO-nominated, regularly wins at the glamorous Ottawa Awards, and continually collects awards for his guitar playing, singing, albums, and performances – capped off by the title of “Best Guitarist” in 2020 at the International Blues Challenge.
In short: We promise a powerful, authentic blues experience and recommend this performance to anyone who loves pure electric guitar sound and already looks askance at the amplifier at “too much rock.” Charlie Musselwhite is also enthusiastic: “JW is one of the best guitarists I’ve heard in a long time. … The band plays the blues with taste and fire at the same time!”
JW-Jones (g, voc), Harrison Singer (bg, voc), Darius Moghaddam (dr, voc)
Andrew Duncanson & Take a Ride feat. Michael Peloquin (USA) approx. 21:15
Blues with gasoline in the tank
Andrew Duncanson is one of those singers where you know after the first few notes: No posing here, delivery guaranteed. For more than two decades, the singer, guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader from Illinois has been shaping the blues and soul scene – among others with the Kilborn Alley Blues Band and the All-Star trio The Dig 3. For a long time, he was somewhat of a secret tip for those who like their music with heart, attitude, and solid groove. Now he stands rightly where a voice of this quality belongs: in the spotlight. Besides his distinctive voice, his guitar playing also makes him unmistakable: technically brilliant, without ever losing sight of the soul of the blues, with tone and feeling that touch directly beneath the skin.
His music combines Chicago Blues, Southern Soul, and the spirit of the legendary Stax label – precisely that mixture where the feet suddenly want to develop a life of their own. Those who think of Little Milton, Junior Wells, Bobby Womack, Johnnie Taylor, or Van Morrison come close to Andrew’s expressiveness – and quickly realize: This man does not copy; he tells his own stories. About life experiences, setbacks, hope and persistence; raw and emotional, but always with musical elegance.
With his solo album California Trap, Andrew has made a strong statement – one that doesn’t beg for attention long, but takes it. Recorded in Kid Andersen’s renowned Greaseland Studios in San José, the record immediately made it into the Top 10 of the Living Blues Radio Charts and earned Andrew nominations at the Blues Blast Awards – among others for Best Contemporary Blues Album and as Male Blues Artist and Singer of the Year.
A central role is played by Michael Peloquin. He is a saxophonist, harmonica player, arranger, co-producer, and apparently a man who knows exactly when his brass arrangements need to give the music depth, warmth, and that soulful pressure that makes the sound of Take a Ride so special.
With his current band Take a Ride, Andrew is bringing this sound world to the Freiburg Blues Festival stage: powerful blues, soulful soul, grooving brass arrangements, and songs that find their way directly into the belly and heart. The evening promises a concert with a great voice, deep feeling, and a nine-member band that does not merely preserve the blues but grabs it with both hands, airs it out, and brings it to the present with true joy in playing.
Andrew Duncanson & Take a Ride feat. Michael Peloquin stand for blues and soul at the highest level – stylish, earthy, and with enough groove to seriously rock even the staunchest seated fans. A concert for all who love great voices, strong songs, and the irresistible sound of an excellent live band.
Doors open at 18:30