Selected DC Area Blues For the Month of April

Otis Taylor will be at Blues Alley

Back when I edited the DC Blues Society’s newsletter, I highlighted what I thought were especially interesting shows. In that spirit, here are a few blues highlights for April.

April 3 - Otis Taylor at Blues Alley. Otis is touring in support of his latest Telarc album “My World Is Gone,” where he has a special guest, Native American guitarist Mato Nanji. This is of Taylor’s most moving recordings with deceptively simple, stark and understated performances of his songs that convey the tragic times Native Americans have endured better and the presence of Mato Nanji on this tour is especially welcome. 

April 3 Carolina Chocolate Drops at the Birchmere. The Carolina Chocolate Drops have led the revival of tradition African-American String Band music with an eclectic and delightful repertoire and are making a welcome return to the area.

April 6 Grant Dermody & Rich DelGrosso, perform at a House Concert at the Glassie/Littell House in Bethesda. Grant Dermody is one of the really fine harmonica players out there. Rich DelGrosso is among the few blues players who focus on the blues mandolin, but his talents go way beyond that. Rich and his late wife Maureen played a fantastic concert for the DC Blues Society back in 1990 with the legendary Howard Armstrong where they were joined by Cephas and Wiggins at the end. Email Jeff Glassie at jeffglassie@ gmail.com if interested in attending.

Deanna Bogart will be wailing as part of the
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue at
the State Theatre. Photo © Ron Weinstock

April 17 Lloyd Jones at the Archie Edwards Blues Barbershop. Portland, Oregon based singer-guitarist has earned a reputation for his funk-drenched urban blues style but is a very gifted songwriter will be making an appearance performing solo at this mid-week show at the Archie Edwards Blues Foundation’s Barbershop. For those who want a preview, check out his excellent 2011 album, “Highway Bound” on Underworld Records.

April 19 The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue at The State Theatre. The popular 

The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue featuring Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, Deanna Bogart, Magic Dick, and Ronnie Baker Brooks makes another appearance at The State Theatre. This popular revue led by Tommy Castro, is an offshoot of the revue which has become a popular feature of the Legendary Rhythm and Blues cruises.

April 20 - Janiva Magness at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club. Janiva is a marvelous vocalist who brings a clarity as well as plenty of heart to his blues, most currently displayed by her Alligator recordings. On this tour she is supported by a band that includes a superb keyboard player Jim Alfredson.

April 21 - Gary Nicholson at JV’s. Nicholson is amongst the best roots songwriters in Nashville. he is probably best known for his work for Delbert McClinton, but his name is increasingly found in songwriting credits on many new blues and roots releases. He will be on a tour with a band Scott Ramminger is putting together when he performs at the Falls Church venue. 

April 27- Hadden Sayers at Hill Country Barbecue. Hadden Sayers has a knack with words, his vocals ring true and his wonderful guitar playing is complemented by his fine band. He is touring in support of his exceptional new album Rolling Soul.