Birdlegg
Friday night, I dropped by the Mojo Lounge for a couple of beers and to catch the first set of Birdlegg and the Tight Fit Blues Band. Birdlegg is an old school entertainer. There aren't many guys like him anymore. He is constantly in movement. If he isn't singing or blowing the harp, he is dancing around on or off the stage. Regardless of the size of the audience, he looks like having a great time. He works his ass off whether there are two or two hundred people in attendance.
His harp style is very different than most West Coast harmonica players. While most West Coast harmonica players are trying to recapture the amplified style and magic of Little Walter or George Smith, there is nobody quite like Birdlegg. He plays a very downhome style that is heavily influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson II. During the first set, he covered some great classic tunes including Sonny Boy's, Don't Start Me To Talkin' and Help Me. He also covered the classic Chick Willis tune, Stoop Down Baby... Let Your Daddy See.
Throughout the course of the first set, people kept walking in that ensured an interesting evening. Shortly before taking a break, Birdlegg recognized Wylie Trass and Little Willie John Jr were present and would be performing during the next set. Unfortunately for me, the clock on the wall said it was time to go and I couldn't stick around.
The Tight Fit Blues Band consisted of John Graham, Patty Hammond, Willie Jordan and a keyboard player I didn't recognize.
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