*With Special Guest Da Bluez Preacher on back track*
Wednesday I went over to Swamp Water Bluz to catch another set from Paul Nowles after having to abort my blog on him the previous Saturday evening. A power outage on my end was the culprit. Mina let me know that Paul would be back soon for another set and I promised myself neither Hell nor High Water would keep me away from blogging him at the earliest opportunity.
For this afternoon set Paul started with a good warm up tune, “The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy. He’s getting nice tone from his guitar, and doing a great rendition. His vocals are unique and he uses his vocals to make the tune his own. He’s got a good range and always in key... very impressed so far.
Next up was Clapton’s “Bell Bottom Blues”. Paul uses an innovative approach to the higher range vocals in the chorus by letting his back track take the high notes and he uses his lower range to harmonize. It’s very well done and I love how he pulled it off. I had requested this tune on Saturday, but lost power before I could hear it... thanks Paul... great version of a classic that's all your own!
When he worked into the intro to Bob Seeger’s “Night Moves”... I felt the shivers, and I can see why this guy has a following. He’s amazingly good in every tune he brings forth.
For ZZ Top’s "Rough Boy" Paul’s playing is wonderful... not too much... not too little... just right... I loved this one!
Time flew by and before I knew it, we were well into his allotted time and
Golden Earring’s “Twilight Zone” was next. He's relaxed, he doesnt even need to think about what he’s doing; he’s got a very professional delivery, harmonizes well with the back track... gives you a tune with his own spin but stays true. I am loving this rendition... making me all goosebumpy....
We were past the half way point as he gave us “Make a Memory” by Bon Jovi making it all work ... and work well. This one was a great example of how to claim a tune and remain faithful to the intent of the original.
Eddie and the Cruisers “Dark Side” is a great little rocker and I loved the way Paul’s interpretation was getting me right into the Saturday Night Mood on this Wednesday afternoon. :))
For the next number, Paul gives credit to Da Bluez Preacher for the back track and guitar work for the David Essex tune "Rock On". ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS! Well worth coming out for this one track! I just slipped into that groove and rode it out... soooooo good... deep driving vocals and he really Rocked ME On! Preacher’s guitar, Wilma, did a fine job! This is a great collaboration on an outstanding choice of tune!! "JIMMY DEAN!!"
Etta James - "At Last"
WOW! *with smiles*
I was not sure how this would sound with a male vocalist but as soon as Paul started singing I started smiling and the shivers were back... and the goosebumps up the back of my neck... incredible! NAILED IT!
To close out with Wild Cherry's "Funky Music" was nothing short of perfect! JUST PERFECT... with more back track work by Da Preacher...
GREAT SET!!! WOOO HOOOOOOO!!
GREAT VENUE AT SWAMP WATER BLUZ!! Always where YOU wanna be!
THANKS PAUL, PREACHER and MINA and THE GATOR QUEEN!
