The Blues Foundation held its 26th annual International Blues Challenge this past weekend, and the event is said to have been a real barn-burner! This year's IBC featured a record 110 bands, 82 solo/duo acts, and 32 youngsters knocking out the blues. Chosen for the challenge by local blues societies, these artists represented 39 states as well as 13 countries from around the globe.
The IBC honors the artists with awards in three demanding categories: band, solo/duet, and "Best Self-Produced CD." Matt Andersen, sponsored by Harvest Jazz and Blues from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, walked off with the award for "Best Solo/Duet Artist," with second place honors going to Alphonso Sanders and Bill "Howl-n-Madd" Perry, sponsored by Mississippi's Crossroads Blues Society.
The "Best Band" award was given this year to Grady Champion, brought to the challenge by the Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola. Second place in this category was earned by the Karen Lovely Band, Cascade Blues Association, and the third spot went to Cheryl Renee with Them Bones, sponsored by the Cincy Blues Society.
Matt Kelly of the Big Boy Little Band, sponsored by the DC Blues Society, was awarded a blue custom Gibson guitar featuring The Blues Foundation logo in recognition as the event's top blues guitarist. In an unusual occurrence, the award for "Best Self-Produced CD" came up a tie, with the Laurie Morvan Band's Fire It Up! sharing the award with the Informants for their Crime Scene Queen album. Of Morvan's disc, the Reverend wrote in Blues Revue, "Morvan has the fire in her heart, the blues in her soul, and the talent to grab the spotlight."
For more information on the International Blues Challenge, check out The Blues Foundation website.
Photo courtesy Screaming Lizard Records
Comments
Enjoyed the whole experience of attending my first Int’l Blues Challenge! Congratulations to the Big Boy Little Band representing the DC Blues Society for making it to the finals (top 11)!!! And also to their guitarist Matt Kelley (correct last name spelling) for winning the Albert King Award and the beautiful custom blue Gibson guitar with Blues Foundation logo and custom Category 5 amp! If you’re ever in DC, check out their Thursday open blues jam at DC’s Zoo Bar Cafe where they also play every 1st Saturday! For music samples and more info about the band, check out http://www.wolfsmusicweekly.com/id6.html or http://www.myspace.com/bigboylittleband
I had a fantastic time playing and watching the bands in Memphis at the IBC this year. I did not compete, but have to scratch my head and wonder how some bands made the finals and some did not. If the judges were looking for serious talent, they over looked some very talented bands. I was certain the Rusty Wright Band would go a long way in this competition. Just an observation. Sonny Rock (The Smokin’ Aces blues Band)