On Saturday, the Leflore County Civic Center will host Mississippi Blues Fest, a lineup of some top contemporary Southern soul musicians and a comedian for good measure.
These recording artists with a distinctly R&B vibe adhere more to the Bobby Rush style than that of Keb’ Mo’, infusing blues sentiments and licks into contemporary soul sounds.
They are Southern, and they’re part of the contemporary “chitlin circuit,” meaning their music is introduced to the world largely on radio stations in the Deep South and word of their concerts is spread by poster and word of mouth, though the internet has certainly enhanced accessibility.
Just check out You Tube for any of the artists featured in Saturday’s show.
On the bill are Jackson’s Vick Allen and J-Wonn, Memphis’ Sweet Angel, the Delta’s Nathaniel Kimble, Texan Rue Davis, comedian Lil J and MC Chitchy.
Greenwood audiences are likely familiar with Allen, “The Velvet Voice of Soul,” and J-Wonn, both of whom played here at last summer’s Blues Fest.
Allen, a performer and producer who straddles gospel, R&B and blues genres, has played with Bobby “Blue” Bland among others, and is best known for his smooth vocals.
J-Wonn burst on the scene in 2013 with his single “I Got This Record” and the album of the same name that followed, yielding a string of hits over the last few years, including the slow jam “Daddy’s Girl.”
Sweet Angel started her music career as an instrumentalist, covering xylophone and clarinet as a high school band player in Tennessee and graduating to tenor and alto saxophone onstage. Her take on the Southern soul genre is unique with a jazz vibe, bold vocals and original instrumentation. In 2011, she released her own take on Prince’s hit “Purple Rain,” showcasing both her vocals and saxophone abilities.
Kimble was born in tiny Benoit, near Greenville, and grew up listening and performing in area clubs. He performed with B.B. King and then started writing and recording his own songs in 2000 with his debut album, “Can U Bagg It Up?” Kimble’s has recorded eight CDs and a number of single hits including “Let Me Luv U” and “Full of That Juice.”
Davis, a Texan, grew up as a child soloist for the Allen Gospel Singers and began recording for Houston label Palladium Records in the early 1980s. He worked Vegas and Los Angeles in the 1990s and partnered with Kon-Kord Records for his first album, “I’m in Love With the Girl Next Door,” and its spinoff singles, “Heaven Has Sent Me Your Love” and “Honey Poo.” In recent years, Davis has collaborated with Little Buck, and in 2005 he was named “International Songwriter of the Year” at the Jackson Music Awards.
For ticket information, contact the Leflore County Civic Center at (662) 453-4065 or visit www.mississippibluesfest.com.
• Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
